Box score
HOUSTON -- The 2024 Giants were remarkably allergic to anything but .500 baseball. If they sunk too low, they always would find a way to go on a little run, no matter how many issues they had on the roster. If they started to creep too far above .500, they'd hit a skid.
That's why this season has been so encouraging. They've been above .500 for most of the year, and now they're starting to put together some impressive wins. Their 5-2 victory over the Astros on Tuesday night was a statement, one that was highlighted by a brilliant performance from Logan Webb.
Here are three things we learned:
1. Logan Webb is an ace
Webb has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, and he showed why against the Astros. He allowed just two runs on four hits in seven innings, striking out eight and walking none. He threw 100 pitches, 70 of them for strikes, and he was in complete control from start to finish.
Webb's fastball was electric, hitting 97 mph at times, and his slider was unhittable. He induced 15 swings and misses, and he got the Astros to ground out 10 times. He also showed off his toughness, working out of a bases-loaded jam in the fifth inning without allowing a run.
Webb has now allowed two runs or fewer in eight of his last 10 starts, and his ERA has dropped to 2.89. He's a legitimate Cy Young candidate, and he's giving the Giants a chance to win every time he takes the mound.
2. The Giants' offense is starting to click
The Giants' offense has been inconsistent this season, but they showed some signs of life against the Astros. They scored five runs on eight hits, and they got contributions from up and down the lineup.
Joc Pederson led the way with a two-run homer in the third inning, his 15th of the season. Mike Yastrzemski also had a big game, going 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Brandon Crawford and LaMonte Wade Jr. each had an RBI single, and Thairo Estrada scored a run.
The Giants' offense has been powered by their home runs this season, and they've hit 103 of them, which is the third-most in the National League. But they've also been able to manufacture runs, and they've done a good job of moving runners over and scoring them from third base.
If the Giants' offense can continue to click, they'll be a tough team to beat down the stretch.
3. The Giants' bullpen is reliable
The Giants' bullpen has been one of their strengths this season, and they showed why against the Astros. Camilo Doval came on in the eighth inning and struck out the side, and Tyler Rogers closed it out in the ninth for his 18th save of the season.
The Giants' bullpen has a 3.25 ERA, which is the fifth-best in the National League. They've been able to bridge the gap between their starters and their closers, and they've done a good job of protecting leads.
Doval has been one of the best closers in baseball this season, and he's converted 18 of his 20 save opportunities. Rogers has also been solid, and he's been able to pitch in a variety of roles.
The Giants' bullpen is a big reason why they've been able to stay above .500 this season, and they'll be a key factor in their playoff push.
The Giants' win over the Astros was a big one, and it showed that they're a team to be reckoned with. They have a legitimate ace in Webb, their offense is starting to click, and their bullpen is reliable. If they can continue to play like this, they'll be a tough team to beat in the second half of the season.