Tyler Mahle took the loss Saturday after allowing five earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out nine over 5 2/3 innings against the Padres.
For Mahle, the strikeout total offered some positives, but the run prevention was again an issue. The Giants starter has struggled to miss opposing bats consistently of late, and this outing fit a recent pattern that has made his results difficult to trust.
Recent struggles continue
Mahle has now allowed three earned runs or more in four of his last six contests, a stretch that has pushed his season line in an unfavorable direction. Across 18 starts, he holds a 5.13 ERA, a 1.39 WHIP, a 3-9 record and an 8.5 K/9 ratio.
The nine strikeouts show his ability to still generate swings and misses, but the Giants will need steadier results from him if they want more length and consistency from the rotation. For now, Saturday was another reminder that Mahle's recent outings have come with more volatility than the team likely wants.
