Justin Verlander shuts down SF Giants in 4-1 loss to Mets

The SF Giants fell short of a second consecutive win on Saturday, losing 4-1 to the New York Mets. On the heels of a 5-4 comeback victory on Friday night, the Giants' offense was shut down by Mets veteran ace Justin Verlander and was unable to mount a late-game rally against New York's bullpen.

Giants starter Anthony DeSclafani struggled through three innings of work, growing increasingly frustrated with home plate umpire Malachi Moore's strike zone over the course of his outing. DeSclafani held the Mets scoreless for the first two innings before surrendering three solo home runs in the third inning (Francisco Álvarez, Brandon Nimmo, and Francisco Lindor). With DeSclafani clearly frustrated and Sean Manaea well rested, Giants manager Gabe Kapler made the change heading into the fourth.

Manaea walked the first batter he faced (Pete Alonso) and allowed an RBI double to Pete Alonso two batters later, but settled down from there. He retired the last seven batters he faced and kept the Mets lead at 4-0.

Verlander may not be the best version of himself anymore at 40 years old. However, the righty remains a formidable opponent. He allowed just one unearned run across seven innings pitched on five hits and zero walks with six punchouts.

The Giants managed their first run against Verlander in his final inning on the mound. J.D. Davis led off the seventh with a single, advanced to third on a throwing error, and scored on a double play. That was all San Francisco's offense would muster.

Now 46-37, the SF Giants are a game back of the Dodgers and three games back of the Dbacks in the National League West. After splitting the first two games of the series, the Giants and New York Mets will square off in a rubber match on Sunday. The Giants have not announced a starting pitcher, but the Mets will send southpaw David Peterson to the mound.