Giants' Pitcher Loses Perfect Game Bid Late

Reliever Gregory Santos surrenders hit in 9th inning, but Giants still win 7-1 over Brewers in Spring Training

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:33am by Ben Kaplan

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In a Spring Training game against the Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants pitcher Gregory Santos was one out away from a perfect game when he surrendered a walk and an RBI double, losing his bid for perfection. Despite the late-inning drama, the Giants went on to win the game 7-1 as part of their strong Cactus League performance so far.

Why it matters

While the loss of the perfect game was disappointing for fans, the Giants' overall strong play in Spring Training has been an encouraging sign for the upcoming regular season. The competition for roster spots, particularly in the outfield, has been intense and is providing valuable insight for the coaching staff.

The details

With two outs in the 9th inning, Santos was one strike away from completing a perfect game when he issued a walk and then gave up an RBI double, losing his bid for perfection. Despite the late-inning drama, the Giants' offense provided plenty of support, scoring 7 runs in the victory. Starter Robbie Ray was dominant, throwing 5 perfect innings with 8 strikeouts, while outfielder Jerar Encarnacion continued his strong spring with a big game at the plate.

  • On March 15, 2026, the Giants played the Brewers in a Spring Training game in Scottsdale, Arizona.
  • With two outs in the 9th inning, Giants pitcher Gregory Santos was one strike away from a perfect game.

The players

Gregory Santos

A Giants relief pitcher who was one out away from a perfect game before surrendering a walk and an RBI double in the 9th inning.

Robbie Ray

The Giants' starting pitcher who threw 5 perfect innings with 8 strikeouts.

Jerar Encarnacion

A Giants outfielder who continued his strong spring training performance with a big game at the plate.

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What they’re saying

“Nearly ten days ago, on March 6th, I wrote about how Encarnacion's slow start meant 'the big man was in serious danger of getting left behind' in San Francisco's developing outfield race. The next day, after reading my post and resolving to prove me wrong, Encarnacion went 3-for-3 with a double and 2 runs batted-in in a game against Texas.”

— Steven Kennedy, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Giants will continue their Spring Training schedule, with key roster decisions looming ahead of Opening Day.

The takeaway

While the Giants missed out on a perfect game, their strong overall performance in Spring Training has provided encouraging signs for the upcoming regular season, with intense competition for roster spots and promising individual performances from players like Robbie Ray and Jerar Encarnacion.