Mike Yastrzemski # 5 of the San Francisco Giants celebrates with his teammates after he homered in the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Oracle Park on July 29, 2020 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)
Ezra Shaw / Getty ImagesIn an MLB season hitherto defined by coronavirus outbreaks, the dredged national anthem controversy, and an apparently disproportionate suspension, the San Francisco Giants delivered one of the lightest and funniest moments of the season shortened by the pandemic on Wednesday. hosting a COVID conscious event night after outfielder Mike Yastrzemski’s home run against the San Diego Padres.
After Yastrzemski uncorked his first career success to give the Giants an impressive 7-6 victory, his teammates greeted him at the plate. Rather than creating the usual pile of bodies, the Giants opted for a brief frenzy of jumping and screaming without touching. The players weren’t six feet apart from each other and there was definitely a slap on the butt, but hey, we’ll allow it.
The Giants lost 6-3 as they entered the eighth inning, but scored three runs in the eighth inning to set up Yastrzemski’s tiebreaker in the ninth inning. It was the second outfielder home run of the night.
GAME RECOVERED: The giants gather at Yastrzemski’s second HR, walk with a 7-6 victory
Yastrzemski has been one of the Giants’ highlights during the young season of ups and downs, and received accolades from manager Gabe Kapler after the game.
“I think tonight was an important moment in Yaz’s career,” said Kapler. “To hold up against a tough left-hander at the end of the game, he also lifts that ball up in the air to the shooting side, which is a real skill. He just looks like a great versatile player right now. He’s starting to look like this is who is Yaz. “
Eric Ting is a SFGATE reporter. Email: [email protected] | Twitter: @_ ericting
