Giants Triumph Over Brewers: Chapman’s Historic Home Run
The San Francisco Giants faced off against the Milwaukee Brewers this week in a pivotal four-game series at Oracle Park, securing a series victory that could have implications for playoff positioning as the season progresses.
Series Overview
This matchup served as a significant benchmark for the Giants, who have begun the 2025 season with impressive performances. Many analysts viewed this series as a crucial test against the defending National League Central champions, the Brewers, who are expected to contend for postseason success later in the year.
The Giants ultimately triumphed, winning three out of four games, which solidifies their standing and could prove vital in tiebreaker scenarios at the season’s conclusion.
Close Encounters
This series was marked by close games, with the Giants maintaining a negative run differential overall. They suffered an eight-run loss in one contest while claiming victories by three, two, and one runs in the other three games.
The final game of the series, played on Thursday afternoon, saw the Giants mount an impressive comeback, edging the Brewers 6-5. This victory showcased the grit and determination of the team.
Matt Chapman’s Impact
One standout performance came from third baseman Matt Chapman, who played a critical role in the deciding game. In the bottom of the fifth inning, facing relief pitcher Abner Uribe with the team trailing 5-2, Chapman stepped up to the plate.
In a 2-1 count, Uribe delivered a sinker that Chapman took advantage of, launching a two-run home run over the center field fence. This moment was pivotal, narrowing the Giants’ deficit to just one run and contributing to their eventual victory.
Chapman’s home run was notable not only for its timing but also for its historic significance; it was the first home run of the MLB season struck off a pitch exceeding 100 mph, according to Eno Sarris of The Athletic.
Historic Achievement
Statcast recorded Uribe’s pitch at a blistering 100.4 mph, marking it as the fastest pitch a Giants player has homered off since the beginning of the pitch-tracking era in 2008. This surpassed the previous record set by outfielder Heliot Ramos, who hit a home run off a 100.2 mph pitch last season.
“Matt Chapman’s homer was the first in the majors this year off a 100+ mph pitch,” tweeted Sarris, highlighting Chapman’s exceptional capabilities as a hitter.
This achievement underscores the ability of high-caliber hitters like Chapman to connect with incredibly fast pitches—an increasingly rare feat in modern baseball.
Season Performance to Date
As the 2025 season progresses, Chapman has emerged as one of the key players for the Giants, posting a slash line of .227/.393/.443 so far, along with five home runs, six doubles, and 16 runs batted in. His 24 walks lead the MLB, showcasing both his plate discipline and ability to impact games beyond just batting averages.
In addition to his offensive contributions, Chapman continues to provide elite defensive skills at third base, solidifying his value to the team.