Bryce Eldridge slugs first career Splash Hit in Giants win over Rockies

Bryce Eldridge has made a strong impression two months into his rookie season, but on Thursday night, the Giants’ young star really made a splash for the first time.The 21-year-old first baseman slugged his first of what are sure to be many Splash Hits in the Giants’ 8-2 win over the Rockies to open San Francisco’s final series before the All-Star break.Eldridge got a letter-high slider off the plate inside and somehow kept the arms on his 6-foot-7 frame short enough to launch the pitch at 106.7 mph on its way into McCovey Cove.Eldridge’s eighth homer of the year was also the 109th Splash Hit by a Giant since the waterfront ballpark opened in 2000 — and the first this season.The solo shot tied the score, and the Giants proceeded to add on with two RBIs apiece from Casey Schmitt, Rafael Devers and Willy Adames.A day after being no-hit for eight innings, they pounded out 13, including four during a two-run fifth to take a 4-2 lead.Schmitt got things started with his 18th homer of the season, tying Rafael Devers for the team lead, and Adames put a bow on the win with a no-doubter to left for his 15th to make it 8-2.Not to be lost amid the fireworks: Schmitt’s first walk since May 24, snapping a streak of 172 plate appearances that was the longest in the majors.All the offense served to back up 5 ⅔ strong innings from Carson Whisenhunt, who earned the win in what was a tryout of sorts for a rotation spot in the second half.The Giants were at risk of falling into a virtual tie for last place in the NL West with a loss.They entered the series tied with the Rockies in the win column, only with two fewer losses.Either way, the outcome of the final three games will determine who enters the break in last.With shakeups expected to be coming to the starting rotation by the Aug.

3 trade deadline, Whisenhunt continued to build his case to claim one of the soon-to-be open spots.The 25-year-old left-hander hasn’t allowed more than two runs in either of his two star...