SAN FRANCISCO – There’s value in a well-timed ambush. Just ask the Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee.
Mired in a monthlong slump that saw his average dip from .331 on June 23 to .299 entering play Saturday, the right fielder has gone through a rough stretch after a torrid start to his 2026 campaign.
But with Angels starter Ryan Johnson running into trouble in the third inning, eliciting a mound visit after four singles in six batters, Lee forced the issue with a first-pitch home run toward Levi’s Landing in right field. Just like that, the Giants had blitzed the Angels for five two-out runs to spark a 9-2 win and a series victory.
It was Lee’s first home run in exactly 99 plate appearances, dating back to June 23 – the date he was hitting a robust .331. Between those two homers, Lee hit just .207/.232/.283.
His sixth home run of the season capped a five-run third, and Rafael Devers added a three-run shot of his own an inning later to all but put the game on ice. Lee added a double in the fifth for good measure.
His well-rounded day went beyond just his offensive exploits, as Lee also robbed Denzer Guzman of extra bases with a leaping catch in the fourth and cut down Nolan Schanuel at third base with an outfield assist in the sixth.
This robust offense behind him was more than enough for Robbie Ray, who sailed through six scoreless innings, scattering six hits with two walks and five strikeouts on 80 pitches.
Ray, the subject of some rumor mill discussions ahead of the Aug. 3 Trade Deadline and a free agent after the season, lowered his ERA to 3.16 with his ninth start of at least six innings.