NEW YORK -- Mac Williamson somehow has become inoculated from the illness that ails the Giants' hitters, particularly in critical situations.
Williamson lined a pinch-hit double in Friday night's eighth inning off Yankees left-hander Andrew Miller, one of the relievers the Giants reportedly covet. It forged a temporary tie as San Francisco proceeded to tumble to its sixth consecutive defeat, 3-2.
The Giants went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position as their losing streak reached a season high. They're batting .132 (7-for-53) in those situations during the entire skid.
"When you create those chances like we're getting, somebody's going to have to come through, and it's just not happening," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.
Except when Williamson's batting. His three-run homer in Wednesday night's fourth inning at Boston launched the Giants' rally from an 8-0 deficit. With his big hit against the Yankees, Williamson improved to 4-for-9 as a pinch-hitter. He's also 4-for-9 with two home runs and five RBIs on the Giants' trip.
"It would mean a lot more if we were winning the games," Williamson said. "Obviously, we're not getting what we want right now, but every team is going to falter at some point. We're right there. I'd rather be enjoying a win over personal success at this point."
It's safe to say that amid the team-wide slump, Bochy has noticed Williamson's progress.
"He looks more and more comfortable [and] confident," Bochy said.
Referring to the rookie outfielder's confrontation against Miller, Bochy said, "That's a tough situation off a really tough pitcher and [he] laid off some really nasty sliders. He had a calmness about him, which you like from these young guys."
Williamson's review of the at-bat revealed some of the developing maturity that Bochy cited: "[Miller] mixes up really well. He came right after me with fastball, fastball, so after that he can pretty much throw every pitch. I think the sliders just got away from him a little bit. You have to be short and quick, because obviously he throws firm. Just put the ball in play and give yourself a chance."