We'll never be royals

Giants 3, Royals 1

On my bingo card for the 2023 Giants, "Badly Needed Win Against Royals" was not a square. But now it's filled.

Saturday's kick-between-the-legs loss was the kind that induces you to question everything: personnel, leadership, philosophy, fandom.

Sunday's win, featuring Bryce Johnson's mad dash home and Michael Conforto's Bondsian blast, felt redeeming in every way.

Johnson and Conforto, new additions to the roster, shined. Anthony DeSclafani pitched another scoreless start. Gabe Kapler called on four relievers in a 1-0 game and lived to tell about it.

It felt like win ripped out of the 2021 playbook. Keep ripping.

Next up: The Dodgers come to town for three. Logan Webb and Julio Urías will duel in a battle of aces—6:45 p.m. first pitch.