Curt Casali's 2-run single holds up, Giants beat Braves 2-0

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Alex Wood just wanted to find a nice rhythm again in his return from a bout with coronavirus, to continue working toward feeling at full strength come playoff time.

Curt Casali hit a two-run single in the fourth that held up, Wood made an impressive three-inning comeback from COVID-19, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Atlanta Braves 2-0 on Saturday night.

Wood struck out four and didn't walk a batter or allow a hit over three scoreless innings, throwing 37 pitches in his first start for San Francisco since Aug. 26 as he makes his return from a bout with COVID-19. Zack Littell (4-0) relieved and struck out the side in the fourth.

“I could have gone back out for the fourth, but they’re looking at the long-timer picture as far as the rest of the season and the postseason and making sure I’m back and good to stay,” Wood said. “That was a decision he made. But thankful for three innings, thankful for this team win.”

This was marked a significant step for Wood, who dealt with a fever for seven straight days and was in bed for a full week while his wife also got very sick. He has declined to share his vaccination status.

Manager Gabe Kapler hopes to increase Wood's workload his next outing as he continues to regain stamina and strength.

“It represents a light at the end of the tunnel without having to run several bullpen games,” Kapler said.

That reliable bullpen has continued to shine regardless of the scenario.

Dominic Leone, San Francisco's sixth reliever who started Wednesday as the opener in a bullpen game, finished the 2-hour, 40-minute game for his second save as the NL West-leading Giants maintained their two-game lead on the rival Los Angeles Dodgers in the division race.

Atlanta lost its fourth straight and had its NL East lead trimmed to...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Curt-Casali-s-2-run-single-holds-up-Giants-beat-16470463.php