Verlander gets first victory as Devers bombs Braves

Justin Verlander hadn’t won a start since September 28 last season. The San Francisco Giants hadn’t scored nine run in back-to-back games since May 18, 2024. Both those streaks ended as Rafael Devers homered twice as the Giants defeated the Atlanta Braves, 9-3.

At first, it looked like Verlander might not get out of the first inning, much less win his first game of the season. He walked the bases loaded and threw 40 pitches before getting Michael Harris to fly out to end the threat. But once he escaped, the wild-but-effective Verlander gave up only one hit in the next four innings, even with two more walks, a hit-by-pitch, and a wild pitch.

There was a clear sign that things were about to go…