Nationals’ bats stifled by Hicks as Giants avoid the sweep

SAN FRANCISCO — Nick Ahmed and Tyler Fitzgerald had three hits apiece and Jordan Hicks allowed one run in six innings as the San Francisco Giants avoided a three-game series sweep with a 7-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Wednesday.

Hicks (2-0) has allowed one earned run or less in each of his first three starts this season after signing a $44 million, four-year contract with San Francisco this offseason. The 27-year-old right-hander allowed four hits and had two strikeouts.

“I feel like I’m in a good spot,” Hicks said. “Not trying to do too much. … Sinker was right where I want it to be.”

Giants manager Bob Melvin added: “Really, really good starts. Every one of them.”

Ahmed drove in two runs and scored three times, while Fitzgerald stole two bases and scored twice.

“He’s got the best speed on our team and he needs to play too,” Melvin said of Fitzgerald. “It’s good that he got a really good game under his belt.”

Joey Gallo homered for Washington, his third of the season.

San Francisco banged out 12 hits and went 6 for 8 with runners in scoring position after going 1 for 16 with runners in scoring position in the first two games of the series.

“It’s a huge relief,” Fitzgerald said. “We know we’re better than what we’ve been playing. It’s super early, but you definitely want to win these games.”

The Giants also stole their first three bases of the season while snapping a six-game skid against Washington.

The Nationals stole two bases in the loss, giving them a MLB-best 25 this season.

Patrick Corbin (0-2) gave up 11 hits and seven runs with two strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings.

“His line won’t look good, but I thought he pitched better than what his line says,” Nationals manager Dave Martinez said. “So we’ll get him back out there and get him going. When he threw the ball down, it was effective. When he throws the ball up, he gets hit pretty hard.”

Despite the offensive outburst, San Francisco failed to homer for the sixth straight game. It’s the Giants’ longest drought since Sept. 10-16, 2018.

Giants relievers Ryan Walker, Landen Roupp and Erik Miller pitched the final three innings, holding Washington hitless.

The Nationals finished with four hits in the game.

Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz missed the game due to illness.

The Nationals recalled catcher Drew Millas from the Rochester Red Wings and optioned RHP Joan Adon to the Triple-A affiliate. Millas went 1 for 3 with a stolen base. He was optioned back to Rochester following the game.

Nationals right-hander Jake Irvin (0-1, 5.73 ERA) is scheduled to start a three-game series at Oakland on Friday night opposite Athletics right-hander Paul Blackburn (1-0, 0.00 ERA).

Giants right-hander Keaton Winn (0-2, 5.73 ERA) opens a three-game series at Tampa Bay on Friday night. The Rays have not named a starter.