Joe Panik does it again! Solo HR gives Giants 1-0 lead pic.twitter.com/oGoVcZV3sy
— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) March 31, 2018
Two games, two jacks from Joe Panik.
Panik once again gave the Giants a 1-0 lead over the Dodgers, just as he did on Opening Day against Clayton Kershow, this time going yard off Kenley Jansen in the bottom of the 9th inning on Friday. Panik has now hit home runs against arguably the National League’s best starter and closer in consecutive games to open the 2018 season.
Joe Panik is the only player in MLB history to hit a home run in consecutive 1-0 wins by his team, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
Panik’s dinger was only the second hit of the game for the Giants, and the third hit for either team. Panik hit 10 home runs for the Giants in 2017. He is on pace for 162 in 2018.
Johnny Cueto had a perfect game going through six innings, and left the game after seven, giving up just one hit while striking out four. Hunter Strickland got his second save in as many games, giving the Giants two consecutive wins over the Dodgers to start the season.