Braves Beat Giants 9-5: Baldwin's 6 RBI Extends Giants Skid

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025

Braves Defeat Giants 9-5 Behind Rookie Drake Baldwin's Six RBIs

ATLANTA – Rookie Drake Baldwin drove in six runs and Ronald Acuña Jr. scored three times as the Atlanta Braves beat the San Francisco Giants 9-5 on Monday night. This defeat marked the Giants' season-high sixth consecutive loss.

Braves Offensive Explosion

Baldwin, playing as the designated hitter, was exceptional, going 3 for 5 with six RBIs and two runs scored. Ronald Acuña Jr. contributed with a double and three walks, crossing the plate three times for the Braves.

For the Giants, Willy Adames had a strong night at the plate, going 4 for 5 with a home run, two doubles, and two RBI.

Early Dominance for Atlanta

The Braves established a significant 5-1 lead in the first inning, capitalizing on a wild start from Giants pitcher Hayden Birdsong (4-4), who did not record an out. Birdsong walked the first three batters, setting the stage for Baldwin's three-run double that cleared the bases. The struggles continued for Birdsong as he walked Ozzie Albies and hit Sean Murphy before being removed from the game. He also threw a wild pitch to Matt Olson and nearly hit Acuña earlier in the chaotic inning.

Giants reliever Matt Gage entered the game and managed two strikeouts, but then surrendered a two-run single to Nick Allen, cementing Atlanta's early five-run advantage.

Pitching Performances

Braves starter Bryce Elder (4-6) earned his second straight win, allowing three runs over five innings despite giving up 11 base runners on eight hits and three walks. He successfully stranded seven runners to minimize damage.

The Atlanta bullpen, featuring Aaron Bummer, Rafael Montero, and Enyel De Los Santos, covered the final four innings of the game, allowing just two runs.

Acuña's Daring Dash

Ronald Acuña Jr. once again provided a highlight with his elite baserunning. In the fourth inning, on what initially appeared to be a routine single to center field by Baldwin, Acuña scored all the way from first base. He ran through a stop sign at third and executed a head-first dive, just beating the throw from Giants shortstop Willy Adames at the plate.

Key Moment

After Drake Baldwin's three-run double gave the Braves a 3-1 lead in the first inning, Nick Allen's subsequent two-run single completed the five-run frame, giving Atlanta firm control of the game early on.

Key Stat

Giants starter Hayden Birdsong struggled significantly in the first inning, throwing only 6 of his 25 pitches for strikes. He now has issued 17 walks in his last 13 innings pitched. This was also the first time in his 37 career appearances that he failed to record an out.

Up Next

The series continues on Tuesday. Braves right-hander Davis Daniel (0-0, 1.80 ERA) is scheduled to pitch against Giants right-hander Landen Roupp (4-4, 3.27 ERA).

In summary

On July 21, 2025, the Atlanta Braves defeated the San Francisco Giants 9-5, extending the Giants' losing streak to six games. Rookie designated hitter Drake Baldwin was the star for Atlanta, driving in six runs with three hits and scoring twice. Ronald Acuña Jr. also had a strong performance, scoring three runs and hitting a double. The Braves took an early 5-1 lead in the first inning against Giants starter Hayden Birdsong, who was unable to record an out. Bryce Elder earned the win for the Braves, allowing three runs over five innings. For San Francisco, Willy Adames was a standout with four hits, including a home run. The game highlighted Atlanta's powerful offense and San Francisco's pitching woes.

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