Alyssa Nakken: History-Maker

Apr 13, 2022 | 2022 Season, Latest Post

by
Greek Giant

First and foremost Alyssa Nakken made Major League Baseball by becoming the first woman to coach a base. She took over first base coaching duties in the bottom of the third inning after an altercation between the Giants starting first base coach, Antoan Richardson and Padres coach (former Cardinals Manager) MIke Shildt that resulted in Richardson’s ejection for “instigating.” Richardson later made claims that Shildt’s words contained “undertones of racism.”

Let’s not let that altercation cloud the moment: Alyssa Nakken made history and the Giants deserve credit for being the team with the first woman Major League Baseball coach. It’s cool. It’s something to be proud of and it is well-deserved:

“So it’s not a foreign spot on the field for her. She does so many other things well that aren’t seen. So it’s nice to see her kind of be right there in the spotlight and do it on the field.”

-Gabe Kapler

Back to the Ballgame

The night would end well for the Giants in other ways because they spanked the San Diego Padres 13-2 thanks to a six-run first inning attack and a number of add-on runs starting in the bottom of the second. Alex Cobb worked five innings allowing two runs and looking absolutely fantastic in recording ten strikeouts. He was mixing fastballs around 95 MPH up in the zone and splitters that paralyzed Padres down. He had a superb change-up and basically demonstrated Cy Young-level stuff. If he stays healthy the Giants will have added a MAJOR weapon to their pitching arsenal in their pursuit of a World Series ring in October.

The big blast of the night came off the bat of Brandon Belt who hit a two-run bomb to left-center field in the bottom of the first with Mike Yastrezmski on at first. It came off Padre starter Yu Darvish and it set the tone of the game.

By the time Darvish’s 1 1/3 inning outing ended he was tagged with nine runs. Wilmer Flores and Joc Pederson hit home runs in the bottom of the 8th inning off Wil Myers, yes, that Wil Myers, who was pitching in a game that was more or less over. This is a look Major League Baseball needs to stop. There should be a rule in place that no position pitcher should ever pitch unless the entire bullpen is spent. It makes a mockery of the game and it’s not funny. A player could get hurt and that one inning less of relief work will not matter in the long run. It’s just stupid.

There more interesting moments in the game, from Steven Duggar’s stealing of second base with the Giants leading 10-1 to the matter of a Mauricio Dubon bunt with the game already decided. Expect some retaliation today on the Padres behalf. Gabe Kapler defended the move but…..

Thairos Estrada’s two hits and three RBIs in big situations with men on. Estrada had a big night at the plate. Wilmer Flores would end up with three hits and the Giants would knock fifteen in a display of offensive efficiency lacking in the opening series and the first contest against San Diego.

Marte’s Major League Debut

Giants reliever Yunior Marte made his Major League debut in the game as well. It was an eventful night at Willie Mays Field.

Today’s Game

The Giants play the rubber game of the three-game series against the Padres at Willie Mays Field at 12:45 PM. The San Diegans will send out Sean Manea and the San Franciscans will counter with Logan Webb.