UPDATE: In a dramatic turnaround, Justin Verlander has finally clinched his first win of the season after an astonishing 16 starts without a victory, leading the San Francisco Giants to a 9-3 triumph over the Atlanta Braves on July 26, 2023. Verlander, who has been under immense pressure as the longest streak of starts without a win in Giants history, delivered a stellar performance, allowing just one hit in five scoreless innings.
This remarkable achievement comes after Verlander, at the age of 42, signed a $15 million, one-year deal with San Francisco in January. His previous stretch of 16 consecutive starts without a win is now a thing of the past, marking a significant milestone in his storied career. Verlander faced early challenges, throwing 40 pitches in the first inning alone and loading the bases without yielding a hit, showcasing his resilience on the mound.
The Giants’ victory also featured an explosive performance from Rafael Devers, who drove in four runs with three hits, including two home runs. Devers initiated the scoring in the fifth inning with a powerful shot off Braves pitcher Spencer Strider (4-8), and later added a three-run homer off Dylan Dodd in the sixth. This victory marks the Giants’ second consecutive win after snapping a six-game losing streak, with the team outscoring the Braves 18-3 in their last two games.
The game took a pivotal turn when Eli White recorded Atlanta’s first hit, a blooper near the right-field line, in the fifth inning. However, Verlander maintained his composure, striking out Drake Baldwin to end the threat. The Giants have now demonstrated their capability to rebound, making this win not only a relief for Verlander but a beacon of hope for the team moving forward.
As the Giants look ahead, fans will be eager to see if Verlander’s performance can catalyze a turnaround for the rest of the season. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as San Francisco continues its series against Atlanta.
