SAN FRANCISCO–There are the games that tug at fans’ heartstrings, the emotional walk-offs and the victories that conjure up memories of better days.
Then there are losses that serve as a brutal reminder of why the Giants are in such a dire position.
The Giants’ showing in a 3-2 defeat to the Padres Wednesday was the latter.
Twenty-four hours after veteran outfielders Hunter Pence and Gregor Blanco ignited a late rally and ace Madison Bumgarner delivered the first walk-off pinch hit by a Giants pitcher since July 31, 1990, the club turned in a dud.
Up until the bottom of the seventh inning, the Giants had shown few signs of life on offense while helping a group of Padres relievers look like the bullpen for the National League All-Star team.