SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Grant McCray ended a lengthy home run drought Monday night, launching his first major league homer in nearly two years as the San Francisco Giants blanked the Milwaukee Brewers 3-0.
McCray’s blast provided the Giants with a much-needed offensive boost, while Tyler Mahle delivered one of his strongest outings of the season. The right-hander kept Milwaukee’s lineup in check, working into the seventh inning before turning the game over to San Francisco’s bullpen.
The Giants struck first in the third inning when Luis Arraez lined an RBI single to bring home rookie catcher Jesús Rodríguez. Rodríguez started the rally by doubling to open the frame, giving San Francisco an early 1-0 advantage.
One inning later, McCray delivered the game’s biggest offensive moment.
After Willy Adames reached with a two-out single, McCray turned on a pitch and drove it 406 feet to left-center field. The home run was the sixth of his major league career and his first since September 7, 2024, when he homered twice against the San Diego Padres.
The 25-year-old outfielder had struggled to find his footing since returning to the majors. McCray went hitless in his first six at-bats after being recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on July 10 and had gone just 2-for-22 in 22 major league games the previous season.
With Jung Hoo Lee sidelined, McCray received an opportunity to start in right field and made the most of it.
Mahle did the rest on the mound.
The Giants starter improved to 3-9 after allowing only three hits and two walks over six-plus innings. He struck out three and threw 54 of his 88 pitches for strikes. Mahle opened the seventh but departed after surrendering a leadoff single.
San Francisco’s bullpen then finished the job.
Sam Hentges, Dylan Smith and Erik Miller combined to retire the final nine Milwaukee hitters. Miller closed out the victory by recording his third save, completing a three-hit shutout for the Giants pitching staff.
Milwaukee starter Brandon Sproat took the loss, falling to 3-6. He surrendered three runs on six hits over six innings while also picking off two San Francisco runners at first base.
The Giants also faced another injury concern during the game when third baseman Casey Schmitt left in the second inning. Schmitt appeared to hurt his leg while rounding first base and was replaced by Christian Koss.
Schmitt’s injury adds to an already lengthy list of unavailable players for San Francisco. The Giants are also without third baseman Matt Chapman, who is dealing with an abdominal strain, while Lee remains sidelined with right elbow soreness.
Despite the injury concerns, San Francisco received a complete performance from its pitching staff and enough timely offense to secure the shutout.
For McCray, the victory was highlighted by a long-awaited return to the home run column. After struggling to find consistent production, his towering shot into left-center could provide a boost as the Giants continue navigating the second half of the season.
The Giants and Brewers will meet again Tuesday night.
Milwaukee will send right-hander Logan Henderson (4-1, 3.05 ERA) to the mound, while San Francisco counters with right-hander Landen Roupp (7-8, 3.93 ERA).
