Rookie Drake Baldwin has 6 RBIs as Braves win 9-5 to hand Giants…

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: | Updated:

ATLANTA (AP) – Rookie Drake Baldwin drove in six runs, Ronald Acuña Jr. scored three times and the Atlanta Braves beat San Francisco 9-5 on Monday night, handing the Giants their season-high sixth straight loss.

Baldwin was 3 for 5 and scored 2 runs from the DH slot. Acuña had a double and three walks.

Willy Adames was 4 for 5 with a home run, two doubles and two RBIs for the Giants.

The Braves took a 5-1 lead in the first inning thanks to a wild start from Giants starter Hayden Birdsong (4-4), who did not record an out. He walked the first three batters before Baldwin cleared the bases with a three-run double. Birdsong then walked Ozzie Albies and hit Sean Murphy before he was removed. Birdsong also had a wild pitch to Matt Olson and nearly hit Acuña earlier in the inning.

Matt Gage came on and struck out two before giving up a two-run single to Nick Allen.

Bryce Elder (4-6) allowed 11 base runners on eight hits and three walks, but gave up just three runs in five innings. He stranded seven runners and picked up his second straight win.

Atlanta Braves’ Drake Baldwin (30) hits a two-RBI single against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, July 21, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Aaron Bummer, Rafael Montero and Enyel De Los Santos covered the final four innings, allowing two runs.

Acuña turned in another jaw-dropping play, this time on the basepaths. On what appeared to be a routine single to center field by Baldwin in the fourth inning, Acuña scored from first after running through a stop sign at third base and diving in just ahead of the throw from Adames at shortstop.

After Baldwin gave the Braves a 3-1 lead in the first, Allen’s two-run single wrapped up the five-run first inning and put Atlanta firmly in control.

Birdsong threw just 6 of his 25 pitches for strikes in the first inning and now has 17 walks in his last 13 innings. It is the first time in 37 career appearances he did not recorded an out.

Braves RHP Davis Daniel (0-0, 1.80) faces Giants RHP Landen Roupp (4-4, 3.27) on Tuesday.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies, from left, celebrate a win over the San Francisco Giants inning of a baseball game, Monday, July 21, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Atlanta Braves shortstop Nacho Alvarez Jr. (67) hits a single in the third inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Monday, July 21, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

San Francisco Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong (60) sits in the dugout after being relieved in the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Monday, July 21, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Atlanta Braves pitcher Bryce Elder (55) works against the San Francisco Giants in the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, July 21, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Related Posts

Braves Murphy Underwent Successful Surgery, Bummer Return in Doubt

The Atlanta Braves catcher is on the other side of his surgery, and a mainstay in the bullpen isn’t guaranteed to pitch again this season

Reeling Red Sox Aren’t Same Team Without Superstar Rookie

The Boston Red Sox lineup has struggled mightily since star rookie Roman Anthony went down with an oblique injury.

Red Sox Rumors: ‘Strong Candidate’ Identified For GM

The Boston Red Sox reportedly have “a strong internal candidate” to be named general manager following the conclusion of the season.

Yankees Star Doesn’t Hold Back Issues Exposed in Strong Statement After Latest Win

The Yankees are on a tear, with 21 wins in their past 30 games, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. is confident in the Bombers as the postseason approaches.

Why Kyle Tucker’s future with Cubs will be determined in October

The Chicago Cubs have had a successful season, but Kyle Tucker’s future on the team will hinge on how they do in the playoffs.

Cardinals’ Gut-Wrenching Collapse in 9th Leaves Faithful Stunned as Brewers Steal Victory in Extras

Deadspin | Brewers stage comeback in 9th, walk off Cardinals in 10th