Baseball

Rafael Devers Shines in Giants’ 5-2 Victory Over Pirates

by
William Caldwell
May 9, 2026

Rafael Devers may finally be hitting his stride as he showcased his power in the San Francisco Giants’ 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The designated hitter launched a 93.2-mph sinker from Pirates right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski into the center field stands for a 399-foot home run, marking his second consecutive game with a long ball. In addition to his homer, Devers contributed an RBI with a solid 2-for-4 performance at the plate.

With this win, the Giants improved to 15-23, still finding themselves at the bottom of the NL West standings. Devers, who has struggled at the start of the 2026 season, entered Friday’s game with a batting average of .221, a .265 on-base percentage, and a .329 slugging percentage. After the game, his numbers reflect a slight improvement, with a .229 average, a .271 OBP, and a .354 SLG across 37 games. He has now hit four home runs, scored 12 runs, and driven in 16 RBIs this season.

However, recent performances suggest a potential turnaround for the slugger. In his last seven games, Devers has been on fire, batting .350 with a .391 on-base percentage and an impressive 1.141 OPS. During this stretch, he has connected for two home runs and recorded five RBIs, going 7-for-20 at the plate.

The Giants’ slow start to the season has been under scrutiny, particularly with the hiring of manager Tony Vitello, who transitioned from a successful collegiate coaching career at the University of Tennessee to the major leagues. Despite the low expectations, the Giants have faced challenges in scoring runs and closing out games, earning a D+ grade from USA TODAY Sports after the first month of play.

Nevertheless, Devers’ resurgence could signal brighter days ahead for San Francisco. With a hefty $27.5 million contract in 2026 and a commitment to the team until 2033 at $28.5 million per year, the Giants will be counting on him to deliver consistently. As Devers begins to heat up, fans across the Bay Area are hopeful this is the version of him that will continue to shine for the Giants.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

William Caldwell

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.