Offense goes quiet as Winn’s solid start ends in a loss

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The San Francisco Giants had the potential tying run at third base with one out in the ninth inning, but couldn’t score him in a 2-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night at Tropicana Field.

Giants starter Keaton Winn did his part, striking out six over five innings. The second inning was his most troublesome as he loaded the bases with no outs. Winn nearly escaped his own jam by striking out Jose Siri and Ben Rortvedt, but Yandy Diaz drew a walk to bring a run in.

Mostly preventing hard contact, Winn gave up the most damaging hit to Ahmed Rosario, who doubled to score Harold Ramirez in the third inning. Rosario was called safe at third base when Matt Chapman was called for obstructing the base.

Jung Hoo Lee manufactured the Giants’ only run. He singled in the third inning, then stole his first base before continuing to third on a throwing error. Lee then scored on a passed ball.

The Rays came into Friday’s game with the American League’s worst bullpen ERA at 6.43. The team’s 4.99 overall ERA ranked the eighth worst in the majors.

Against Jacob Waguespack, who went four innings, and the Rays bullpen, the Giants went 0for-10 with runners in scoring position. One of those outs was on a borderline strike-three call to Jorge Soler with two on and two out in the seventh inning. Manager Bob Melvin was ejected for arguing the call.

The Giants had the potential tying run on third in the ninth after Wilmer Flores drew a walk and pinch-runner Tyler Fitzgerald stole second and advanced to third on Patrick Bailey’s groundout. Nick Ahmed’s flyball to left field didn’t travel far enough for the sacrifice fly and Lee lined out to left to end the game.