Eldridge hits 10th homer but SF Giants drop rubber match to Mariners

SEATTLE — The Giants’ ambitions of a second-half surge aren’t off to a great start.

San Francisco dropped the rubber match against the Seattle Mariners, losing 6-3 on Sunday afternoon at T-Mobile Park as they were unable to hold onto a pair of leads.

Bryce Eldridge was, once again, a bright spot in an otherwise bleak game. The rookie hit his 10th home run of the season off All-Star Logan Gilbert, becoming the first Giant age 21 or younger to hit at least 10 homers in a single season since Jack Clark (13) in 1977. Eldridge, who isn’t exactly fleet of foot, also stole the first base of his career after drawing a walk.

Robbie Ray allowed three runs (one earned) over four-plus innings with six strikeouts to two walks, bringing his ERA to 3.33. As things stand, Ray is in line to make two more starts before the Aug. 3 trade deadline.

The Giants established a 2-0 lead in the top of the first on Eldridge’s solo homer and an RBI single by Heliot Ramos, an advantage they held until the bottom of the fourth.

Beginning with Randy Arozarena reaching on a throwing error by third baseman Casey Schmitt, the Mariners tied things up at two apiece on RBI singles from Mariners’ Josh Naylor and Weston Wilson. The Giants would’ve had a shot at nabbing Arozarena at second, but shortstop Willy Adames was late covering the bag and Arozarena dove safely into second without a throw.

San Francisco re-established the lead in the top of the fifth on Luis Arraez’s RBI double, but Seattle tied the game right back up in the bottom half of the inning when Cal Raleigh grounded into a run-scoring double play.

Up next

The Giants will travel east for a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals. Trevor McDonald, Tyler Mahle and Landen Roupp are scheduled to start in that order.