The Four-Run Rule

Phillies 6, Giants 1

The Giants have established a number of concerns in the season's first six weeks. One of them is the Four-Run Rule.

It states: If the opponent scores more than three runs, you lose.

Sure enough, the Giants are 1-20 when the other team scores four or more runs. That explains why it felt like Monday's game ended in the fifth inning after Bryce Harper's three-run homer made it 4-0.

The Giants' offense isn't producing, let alone mounting comebacks. They've scored more than three runs only once in their last 11 games. Their "winning" formula, if you want to call it that, is to hold opponents to three or fewer runs.

They're 14-1 in those games. No pressure on the pitching, huh?

Up next: The Giants head to Denver for a get-well series against the 8-26 Rockies. It’ll be Kyle Harrison 2-1, 3.79 ERA) against Dakota Hudson (0-5, 5.93 ERA) at 5:40 p.m.