KANSAS CITY — The Giants continue to struggle with aligning offense, defense, and pitching, a recurring challenge that unfolded once again during a stifling Monday night game at Kauffman Stadium.
The team showcased solid defensive play and received standout support from outfielder Drew Gilbert. Though Trevor McDonald left due to injury in the fourth inning, the consistently shaky bullpen managed to keep the game competitive.
The offense faltered in a 4-3 loss to the Royals—a team with one of the worst records—failing to capitalize beyond a game-tying two-run homer by Willy Adames in the ninth and a solo run by Heliot Ramos earlier. These were the only runs scored, underscoring the team’s offensive drought.
Key errors in the bottom of the ninth sealed the loss: Caleb Kilian allowed a walk to the first batter, Daniel Susac failed to throw out the lead runner after a sacrifice bunt, and Bryce Eldridge mishandled a play at shortstop. As the ball faded, Josh Rojas sprinted home to score the decisive run.
Trevor McDonald Roughed Up
McDonald’s final outing before exiting due to injury came with a three-strikeout inning. Salvador Perez capitalized immediately with a 440-foot two-run home run, followed by additional base hits to extend the deficit. McDonald added two walks and four hits across four innings, compounding issues from earlier walks and a hit-by-pitch in the second inning.
Manager Tony Vitello spent time pregame with Lane Thomas, a Texas native who maintained ties to his home-state program.
Later, Gilbert executed a crucial throw to catcher Susac, which tagged Thomas and turned a bases-loaded jam into a manageable two-out situation.
Heliot Ramos opened the fourth with an opposite-field hit that nearly reached 430 feet, giving the Giants a 1-0 lead—a pattern they’ve repeated in recent games before failing to hold it.
Despite some late opportunities—two hits from Susac, singles from Rafael Devers and Jung Hoo Lee—Giants’ offense lagged against All-Star relievers and Michael Wacha, who cruised six innings.
The lead was lost in the bottom of the fourth, and McDonald was scratched before the fifth inning. He warmed up but left under trainer supervision after one more pitch.
No immediate details were released on McDonald’s injury.
What it means
This marks the Giants’ 100th game, with 62 remaining in what is shaping up as one of the worst seasons in franchise history, both before and after their San Francisco move.
At 42-58, they rank among just 10 Giants teams in 143 years with as many losses at the 100-game mark. Their 16 losses below .500 tie a franchise-low mark.
A Tuesday win is crucial to avoid reaching their worst record since the 2017 season, which was their second-lowest mark in the West Coast era.
Who’s hot
Daniel Susac has quietly emerged as a key contributor. After Bryce Eldridge stole second base—the first of his career—the catcher replicated the feat, forcing a throw and diving ahead of the tag for his second steal of the month.
The Giants, ranking third-worst in steals, intensified base-running efforts this season, including their two slowest bats. Susac’s success is part of a broader trend: they’ve totaled 12 steals in July without being thrown out, matching their June total of 12 in 26 games.
Who’s not
Bryce Eldridge struggled after a strong series in Seattle. Despite a walk to start Monday’s game—the sixth consecutive game he reached base—the rookie struck out three times, facing 19 pitches across three at-bats.
While none of the strikeouts were easy, they highlight Eldridge’s inconsistency as he enters his second season.
Up next
The Giants face the Royals again Tuesday (4:40 p.m. PT), with Tyler Mahle pitching against Luis Avila in the second of a three-game series.
