San Francisco Giants rookie right-hander Trevor McDonald allowed seven runs over 3 2/3 innings in a 9-4 series-opening loss to the Chicago White Sox at Oracle Park on Friday night.
The defeat dropped the Giants to a season-high 11 games under . 500 at 20-31, the second-worst record in the National League.
Fourth Inning Collapse
McDonald pitched three scoreless innings before a disastrous nine-run fourth inning. The frame began with two consecutive hit batters, an infield single, and a bases-loaded walk.
The White Sox extended their lead with multiple run-scoring hits, turning a tight game into a blowout.
Manager Tony Vitello evaluated the team's frustrations. "No one feels like what we're doing is good enough," he said.
"Eventually, you keep building up scar tissue from being down after a game… Hopefully some scar tissue building up is something that can benefit us down the road."
Vitello also addressed the plays that started the fourth inning, including a challenged hit-by-pitch call involving Munetaka Murakami.
"I don't know if you want to call it an unlucky bounce… but those are the two things that started it," he said.
"Inevitably, when you give up some free bases, that's when maybe things can spiral."
McDonald's season ERA rose to 4.76, complicating his rotation spot as Logan Webb is set to return from a right knee bursitis injury next week.
McDonald took accountability for his lack of control.
"I pride myself about pounding the zone and getting ahead of hitters, and that's something I didn't do," he said.
"Two hit batters and a walk in that inning just kind of led to things snowballing."
Webb completed his first rehab start for Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, throwing 62 pitches over 3 1/3 innings while allowing one unearned run.
Vitello provided an update on Webb's progress.
"I haven't seen any video, but it sounds like he got out there and got three-plus innings in," he said.
"Not as many strikes as he wanted. Not a lot of damage, either."
