WATCH: Thairo Estrada’s Clutch Homer Gives SF Extra Inning Win Over Rockies
Sep 20, 2022, 10:51 AM
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The San Francisco Giants should probably send the New York Yankees a thank you card.
When the Giants acquired Thairo Estrada from the Yankees in return for cash considerations, expectations for the Venezuelan infielder were low. Coming off a 2020 season where the then-24-year-old had played in 26 games and batted .167, Estrada started the 2021 season with AAA Sacramento.
Fast forward to September 2022, Estrada has put himself into a position of power as one of San Francisco’s rising stars.
The legend of Estrada continued to grow on Monday night when the infielder drilled a clutch, game-winning, three-run home run in the top of the 10th inning to give the Giants a 10-7 win over the Colorado Rockies.
BROKE THE THAI 😈 pic.twitter.com/bRNxbpLk19
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) September 20, 2022
Estrada’s career-high 14th home run traveled 410 feet off of Rockies reliever Gavin Hollowell to send the Giants dugout into a frenzy as San Francisco picked up a much-needed win after suffering a three-game sweep against the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend.
“Thairo just seems to be getting better and better,” Giants manager Gabe Kapler said postgame. “His plate discipline is improving. In the biggest moments, he seems to really lock in and focus. He’s one of our better all-around players. He showed up in a big way today.”
It’s been quite the breakout year for Estrada, as the 26-year-old has posted career-highs across the board:
- Games: 127
- Home runs: 14
- Doubles: 21
- RBI: 58
- Walks: 30
- Stolen bases: 19
- WAR: 2.5 (leads all Giants position players)
When you look at the landscape of San Francisco’s roster as the franchise turns its attention towards another offseason full of change, you have to imagine that Estrada will be included in general manager Farhan Zaidi’s plans for 2023 and beyond.
