San Jose Mercury News · Sep 20, 2018
Stratton strikes first, Padres strike back as Giants fail to complete sweep
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Chris Stratton works against a San Diego Padres batter during the first inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)SAN DIEGO–With a violent swing of the bat, Giants pitcher Chris Stratton delivered the type of two-strike, two-out hit most of the club’s position players have struggled to produce this season.
Stratton’s second-inning double cleared the bases as three of his teammates raced home to give the Giants the early lead.
It was the perfect tone-setter for a team trying for a sweep. But Stratton soon found himself in a troubling situation, and he didn’t escape it in an 8-4 Giants loss.