Three Takeaways as Giants Suffer First Spring Training Loss of Campaign

The San Francisco Giants weren’t giving up that undefeated spring training slate without a fight, apparently.

Wednesday’s game between the Giants and the Milwaukee Brewers came down to a raucous ninth inning that saw the two teams combine for seven runs. Milwaukee had the final at-bat and rallied to win, 13-12.

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A lot happened in this one, not the least of which was Harrison Bader’s home run putting a dent in a food truck.

Here are three important takeaways from the game.

Adrian Houser’s Giants Debut

San Francisco Giants pitcher Adrian Houser smiles for a photo. — San Francisco Giants pitcher Adrian Houser. | Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Before this game got out of hand, Adrian Houser made his first spring training start and looked solid.

He pitched two innings, giving up three hits, one run and one walk. He also allowed a home run. He threw 36 pitches, 23 of which were strikes. The right-hander figures to be the third or fourth starter in the rotation, depending upon how San Francisco wants to line up Houser and Tyler Mahle behind Logan Webb and Robbie Ray.

Houser resurrected his career last season with the Chicago White Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays, as he combined to go 8-5 with a 3.31 ERA in 21 starts, with 92 strikeouts and 38 walks in 125 innings. It was his best season since going 10-6 with Milwaukee in 2021.

Power Surge

San Francisco Giants first baseman Bryce Eldridge swings his bat at a baseball. — San Francisco Giants first baseman Bryce Eldridge. | Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

The Giants are looking for more slug in their lineup in 2026. Part of that is a long-term project that included signing Willy Adames last offseason and trading for Rafael Devers last June. Both hit at least 30 home runs last season. That’s sustainable power for San Francisco. But they could use more and some of that was on display in Wednesday’s game.

Bader’s home run got a lot of attention. But two other Giants hit home runs, each slugging their first of spring training. Luis Matos, an outfielder that was the designated hitter, slammed one in the second inning. Then, Bryce Eldridge, who played first base, hit one in the third inning.

San Francisco’s ability to compete offensively with the top teams in the National League won’ just hinge on Adames and Devers. It will hinge on what others can produce, too. From that standpoint Wednesday was a good day.

Parkr Harber’s Instant Offense

San Francisco Giants infielder Parks Harber looks over his shoulder. — San Francisco Giants infielder Parks Harber. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Parks Harber isn’t going to make the opening day roster. But that’s not expected. The top prospect, acquired in the Camilo Doval trade from the New York Yankees, is off to a solid start to his first spring training with the Giants.

He entered Wednesday’s game as a pinch-hitter and in his only at-bat he claimed a hit and drove in a run. It pushed his spring training batting average to .333. The downside? It was his first hit of spring training. But, the fact that a young player entered the game as a pinch hitter and drove in a run is a good sign for his ability to come off the bench later in his career and give the Giants something.