Kris Bryant and Giants make biggest ninth inning comeback since 1993 in D-backs win

The San Francisco Giants accomplished a feat against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday that they hadn’t done in decades: winning a game in which they trailed by four points in the ninth inning. By Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area, it was the first time the Giants had done such a thing since 1993.

The Giants were led by a 4-0 margin heading into the ninth, failing to muster the offense against Arizona starter Merrill Kelly. Still, the Diamondbacks hit Kelly in the bottom of the eighth, paving the way for the Giants to victimize a reliever box that ranks last in the MPM majors. Sure enough, the Giants got to work quickly.

San Francisco’s big deadline acquisition Kris Bryant doubled up against Taylor Clarke to open the frame. Alex Dickerson then made a single, moving Bryant to third place. A brace from Brandon Crawford put the Giants on the board and two runners in goal position – it also marked the end of the line for Clarke, who was relieved by Tyler Clippard. Alas, Clippard threw Donovan Solano to load the bases, before granting a single to Brandon Belt who kept them loaded while reducing the lead to two.

Clippard put out the next two hitters and managed to take the 0-2 lead over LaMonte Wade Jr. Wade, however, worked a 3-2 count spoiling a few bids, then scored on the right, tackling a pair of points to tie the score at 4-4. The Diamondbacks would make three quick outs in their ninth game, setting the table for the Giants to take advantage in the 10th.

Bryant led the round again with a brace, scoring runner-up (Tommy La Stella) to give the Giants a 5-4 lead. Closer Jake McGee managed to hold on, taking the team out on 14 shots for his 24th save of the year.

The Giants are now 69-40 this season, giving them a four-game lead in the NHL. The Giants start a three-game series in Milwaukee on Friday against the Brewers. This game could turn out to be a preview of the NL Championship Series.