Logan Webb Shines, But Giants Finish 81-81 in Disappointing Season
SAN FRANCISCO — Logan Webb walked off the mound at Oracle Park to a standing ovation. His final outing of the year was everything the Giants could have asked for: dominant command, steady poise, and a performance that reminded everyone why he is the heart of this franchise. But even his brilliance could not change the cruel arithmetic of a season that ended exactly at .500 — 81 wins, 81 losses, and no ticket to October.
For Webb, the finale felt bittersweet. He scattered hits, struck out batters with ease, and looked every bit the ace the Giants have built around. Yet his effort stood in stark contrast to the Giants’ uneven year, one where offense sputtered, depth was tested, and consistency never materialized.
“It’s tough,” Webb said afterward. “I want to win here. I want to bring this team back to where it belongs. Nights like this are special, but it doesn’t take away the disappointment.”
The Giants’ 81-81 record tells a story of missed opportunities. Close games that slipped away in late innings, long stretches of offensive droughts, and a bullpen that too often cracked under pressure. Despite flashes of brilliance — including Webb’s superb outings and promising contributions from young players — the sum never matched the parts.
Manager Bob Melvin, who faced scrutiny throughout the season, acknowledged the frustration. “We played hard, but it wasn’t enough,” Melvin said. “When you finish .500, you’re not where you want to be. We’ve got to find a way to be better.”
Fans in San Francisco have grown restless. The memory of championship runs under Bruce Bochy still lingers, and patience for mediocrity is thin. The ovation for Webb was heartfelt, but it was also layered with desperation: a plea that his peak years not be wasted on seasons that end in disappointment.
One longtime season-ticket holder put it bluntly: “Webb deserves more than this. We deserve more than this.”
There were positives. The defense showed stretches of sharp play, and prospects gained valuable big-league reps. But in a competitive National League, .500 is not a stepping stone — it’s a reminder of how far away contention truly feels.
Webb’s individual season, however, stands as a beacon. The right-hander once again shouldered the load of the rotation, giving the Giants stability every fifth day. His resilience and determination became the emotional anchor for a team in search of identity.
As the Giants shift into the offseason, questions loom. Will there be significant roster changes? Will the front office commit to adding proven offensive firepower? And perhaps most urgently, how do they build quickly enough to ensure Webb’s prime doesn’t go to waste?
For now, fans are left with one enduring image: their ace, cap in hand, saluting the crowd after a season of personal brilliance amid team-wide frustration. Logan Webb delivered everything he could. The Giants, once again, fell short.
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