SAN FRANCISCO — Bruce Bochy was hoping Joe Panik’s return Thursday night would provide a spark for his struggling lineup. It did not.
The Giants got shut down by Tanner Roark and the first-place Nationals at AT&T Park, losing 4-2 in the first of a four-game set. Johnny Cueto gave up three early runs and that was more than enough for the Nationals, who built on what the Reds did here for three games. The Giants have lost 10 of 12 since the All-Star break, allowing the Dodgers — who had the night off — to get within two games for the first time since May 17.