Landen Roupp matched an ignominious franchise record Tuesday night by starting the 11th consecutive game the San Francisco Giants have lost behind him. The Giants also reached a level of futility against the Arizona Diamondbacks not seen in nearly 50 years, falling 8-2.
In what was described as arguably the least effective start of his winless streak, Roupp struggled with control, walking six batters and surrendering a three-run home run to Lourdes Gurriel Jr. He was removed from the game before the third inning concluded. This marked the Giants' eighth consecutive loss to the Diamondbacks, a streak that began in the first month of the season. It is the first time since the 1977 season that the Giants have lost their first eight games against a single opponent, when they also dropped their initial eight matchups against the Cubs.
The Giants' struggles against the Diamondbacks this season have been significant, with Arizona accounting for more than half of San Francisco's -57 run differential. In the eight losses to the Diamondbacks, the Giants have been outscored 52-23.
Roupp's difficulties were evident from the start. He issued a leadoff walk in the first inning and another to Gabriel Moreno before serving up Gurriel's home run. His control issues persisted into the second and third innings, where he issued additional walks and contributed to runs scored by the Diamondbacks. By the time Roupp was removed, his pitch count had reached 84, with only 44 strikes recorded.
Adding to the Giants' woes, third baseman Matt Chapman left the game with a lower-body injury. With Willy Adames unavailable due to a back issue, the Giants lacked backup infielders. Outfielder Jonah Cox was forced to play second base, his second career infield appearance since college, while Luis Arraez shifted to third base.
Despite the team's struggles, Luis Arraez provided a bright spot, hitting his fourth home run of the season in the fifth inning. Arraez was later in contention for a cycle but flew out to the warning track in the eighth. Rafael Devers also hit his 15th home run of the season in the seventh inning.
Roupp's current losing streak behind him ties a franchise record previously set by Mark Davis in 1984, who lost 11 consecutive starts. While Roupp's statistics have been slightly better than Davis's during their respective streaks, this latest loss dropped Roupp's record to 0-7 with a 5.87 ERA since the Giants' last win in one of his starts on April 26.
Matchup with Diamondbacks Pitcher
The Giants will aim to avoid a series sweep in Wednesday's finale. They will face Zac Gallen, a pitcher who has been a consistent challenge for the Giants in the past. Gallen is currently 3-7 with a 6.15 ERA this season. The Giants will counter with Trevor McDonald, who holds a 2-6 record with a 4.94 ERA.