Giants Fall to Reds in Verlander’s Debut

CINCINNATI — In a match that showcased both veteran prowess and untapped potential, the San Francisco Giants came up short with a 3-2 loss against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. The game marked the debut of pitcher Justin Verlander with the Giants, a moment fans have eagerly anticipated.

Verlander’s Performance

Before the game, Giants’ manager Bob Melvin praised Verlander as a throwback to an era where wins were deeply valued. Verlander, the active leaderboard champion with the most career wins, has his eyes set on reaching the coveted 300-win milestone. However, Saturday’s performance fell short of securing that first win in orange and black.

At 45 years old, Verlander made history as the oldest player in the four major U.S. professional sports leagues to take the mound for the Giants since Randy Johnson in 2009. Despite his age, he displayed an impressive level of competitiveness throughout the game.

Game Highlights

Verlander exhibited strong command, reaching speeds between 95 and 96 mph. Over five innings, he allowed two runs on six hits, struck out five batters, and walked one. His performance hinted at a promising future in the Giants’ rotation, pending his health.

Drop your thoughts on Verlander’s Giants debut ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/EMZTYIgBgC

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) March 29, 2025

Turning Points

Verlander’s day started strong with nine consecutive four-seam fastballs, a strategy that culminated in his first strikeout against TJ Friedl. He maintained focus into the fifth inning when, despite gaining a lead, the Reds countered with a two-run equalizer, including a tying hit from Elly De La Cruz.

Verlander threw a total of 83 pitches, approximately half of which were fastballs. The other run off him came from a home run hit by Matt McLain on a slider. Overall, his mix of fastballs and curveballs kept the batters guessing but wasn’t enough to clinch the win.

Offensive Challenges

The Giants’ offense emerged but failed to capitalize on key moments throughout the game. They had notable opportunities including leadoff singles and a one-out single but were thwarted by double plays. The Reds seized the lead in the sixth with a home run from North California native Christian Encarnacion-Strand.

Standout Players

Wilmer Flores continued to show his value early this season, hitting a home run following his game-winning performance just days prior. His competitiveness is evident, as he swiftly approaches last year’s total home runs with just the second game underway.

Second homer of the season for Wilmer 😎 pic.twitter.com/moYOsDaKud

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) March 29, 2025

Next Steps for the Giants

Despite the loss, the Giants exhibited promise with players like Heliot Ramos and Jung Hoo Lee contributing to the offense. Ramos took the lead-off spot against left-handed pitching, showcasing good plate discipline and timely hitting.

As the season progresses, the Giants will look to build on their strengths and refine their strategies to better support their veteran pitcher and enhance their overall performance.