San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Hayden Birdsong allowed five runs in one-third of an inning Monday during a 9-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The outing marked the first appearance at the historic ballpark for the Illinois native who grew up a Cubs fan.
Birdsong entered the game in the sixth inning with the Giants trailing by two runs. He gave up a home run to the first batter he faced, Carson Kelly, which extended the Cubs' lead. Two walks and two hits followed, along with two Giants errors, contributing to the five-run frame. Only one of the runs charged to Birdsong was earned because of the errors.
Despite the difficult appearance, the 23-year-old Birdsong has had a strong start to the season in the bullpen. Entering Monday, he held a 1.00 ERA over 18 innings. His season ERA rose to 1.47 after the outing. He has recorded 19 strikeouts against eight walks in his nine appearances.
Birdsong's personal connection to Wrigley Field was a focus leading up to the game. Growing up in Mattoon, Illinois, about 185 miles southwest of Chicago, he was a dedicated Cubs supporter. He visited the stadium as a child and kept a jersey stained with Wrigley Field dirt from a postgame event.
Upon arriving at the ballpark Monday, Birdsong said touching the famed ivy was the first thing he did. Friends and family from his hometown were in attendance, some wearing mixed Giants and Cubs gear, to see him pitch in the stadium he admired as a boy.
Birdsong transitioned to a relief role this spring after pitching as a starter earlier in his professional career. His ability to move past setbacks has been noted by those who know him.
Raif Perry, one of Birdsong's amateur coaches, highlighted his mental approach.
"That maturity level has always been there," Perry said.
