The 9th inning magic that secured victory in game 1 of the 2025 season reflected the flair, pomp and hope of Opening Day. Two days later, Opening-Day-plus-one and the San Francisco Giants are already in the grind.
A warm midwestern day in Great American “Smallpark” seemed to set-up ideal conditions to hit, but offense ended up being at a premium for both teams, with Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s opposite field solo shot in the 6th proving to be the decider in the Giants’ 3-2 loss.
Pleasant Hill’s own Encarnacion-Strand tucked a 2-2 sinker from reliever Spencer Bivens just inside the right-field foul pole for Cincinnati’s third, and unexpectedly decisive run of the game.