San Francisco Giants vs Oakland Athletics Picks and Predictions May 17th 2025

A Night to Remember: Wilmer Flores Lifts Giants in Dominant Win

San Francisco Giants fans witnessed a masterclass in hitting on Friday night as Wilmer Flores unleashed a historic performance against the Oakland Athletics. Launching three home runs—a grand slam, a three-run shot, and a solo blast—Flores single-handedly powered the Giants to a 9-1 blowout victory at Oracle Park.

His offensive explosion accounted for eight of the Giants’ nine runs, instantly propelling him into a tie with Yankees superstar Aaron Judge for the major-league lead in RBIs. Flores’ performance wasn’t just eye-catching; it was game-defining.

Manager Bob Melvin’s Lineup Puzzle: What’s Next for Flores?

Giants manager Bob Melvin faces an unexpected yet welcome conundrum: where does a player who just drove in eight runs and hit three homers fit in the batting order?

Flores, who started Friday in the No. 2 spot—a rare placement for him this season—has primarily batted fifth or eighth. But with Willy Adames struggling (.217 average in 41 starts as No. 2), Flores may have just made a strong case to take over permanently.

“We’ll see how it goes tomorrow,” said Melvin, showing both cautious optimism and the weight of tactical decisions ahead.

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Historical Matchup: Flores vs. Severino

While Flores is riding a wave of momentum, the Athletics’ scheduled starter Luis Severino presents a compelling challenge. The right-hander has historically dominated Flores, holding him hitless in seven career at-bats with three strikeouts.

However, Severino and the A’s rotation have struggled mightily of late. In their last three games, A’s starters have given up a combined 14 runs in 11 innings, leading to lopsided defeats: 9-3, 19-2, and 9-1.

A’s Rotation in Crisis: Changes Sparked by Competitive Aspirations

The A’s are no longer content with slow developmental arcs. After a rough outing in Los Angeles, pitcher Osvaldo Bido was demoted, a move manager Mark Kotsay said reflected a more aggressive, win-now mentality.

“Last season, we were a lot more patient… This season, our mindset is different,” Kotsay emphasized.

Severino now carries the weight of halting this downward spiral. Don’t Miss The Latest Baseball Picks from MLB Expert Handicappers

Giants’ Pitching Preview: Landen Roupp Takes the Mound

Opposing Severino will be Giants right-hander Landen Roupp (2-3, 4.95 ERA). Although he’s still gaining traction in his young MLB career, Roupp will be tasked with keeping the A’s bats quiet and helping the Giants capitalize on Flores’ momentum.

Roupp has never faced the A’s but hopes to reverse a personal slide. The Giants have lost his last three starts, with Roupp surrendering eight earned runs over 14 1/3 innings.

Can Flores Keep the Fire Burning?

Flores’ resurgence, coming off a right-knee injury that sidelined him for much of 2024, is more than just a hot streak—it’s a potential turning point in the Giants’ season. His power and timing at the plate have reenergized a lineup that has struggled for consistency.

As the Giants prepare for the rematch, Flores will be key—not just for his bat, but for the psychological lift he brings to a clubhouse chasing a playoff push.

Conclusion: A Spark of Hope for the Giants

Wilmer Flores’ unforgettable night has not only made headlines—it has potentially altered the trajectory of the Giants’ season. Whether he stays hot or not, one thing is clear: the Giants have found a spark they’ve been missing. And heading into Saturday night’s rematch with the Athletics, all eyes will be on how they choose to harness it.