San Francisco Giants at San Diego Padres

Last year, Willy Adames batted leadoff only once for the Giants. Adames entered the last day of the regular season with 29 home runs, so the Giants decided to move him to the top of the lineup to try to maximize his chances of reaching 30. The 30-year-old shortstop made the most of the opportunity, crushing his first career leadoff homer against the Rockies to become the first Giants hitter to deliver a 30-homer season since Barry Bonds in 2004. The leadoff spot has continued to suit Adames in 2026. Batting first for the second consecutive game, Adames went 4-for-5 with two RBIs and his first home run of the season to set the tone for the Giants’ 9-3 win over the Padres on Tuesday night at Petco Park. “Obviously, it sent a good message to the boys,” Adames said. “I think it just set the tone the right way. Obviously, for me, there’s not a better way to start a game.” Each member of the Giants’ starting lineup recorded at least one hit, with Jung Hoo Lee (3-for-5, three RBIs), Rafael Devers (2-for-5) and Matt Chapman (2-for-5) also enjoying multihit efforts. The nine runs and 16 hits were both season highs for San Francisco, which produced only four runs over its first four games of the year. “We have pretty good guys, pretty good hitters in the lineup,” Adames said. “I think the first few games were tough, and obviously, we’re getting more comfortable at the plate. I think everybody’s feeling better. Having a night like this, I think it gives the whole team good vibes.” Adames opened the scoring with his second career leadoff blast in the top of the first, driving the second pitch he saw from San Diego starter Germán Márquez off the top of the left-field fence to spark a three-run inning for the Giants. “It's fun to see,” right-hander Logan Webb said. “Willy’s just a spark plug in general. The type of guy he is in the clubhouse every single day. I think it's a great spot for him, to be honest. When you start the day off for the home run, that's kind of Willy, right? I think it’s how he ended the season, too. I pitched that game, and it started with a home run. I know, personally, I'm not very good against him. If I was an opposing pitcher, and I saw Willy leading off -- it’s a hard start to the game.”