SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- A light blue sky, white fluffy clouds, green grass and not a drop of rain in sight.

It was the perfect backdrop to witness Matt Chapman's first home run of the spring off a 1-1 pitch in Scottsdale Stadium.

Fans gasped and then began to cheer as the 30-year-old rounded the bases and scored the game's opening run in the Giant's eventual 6-0 win over the Guardians.

"Being a little late in Spring Training, it's good to start to feel that rhythm," Chapman said.

Chapman has always been adept at solid contact. In 2023, he trailed Aaron Judge with a 56.2% hard-hit rate and was tied for fourth best with a 17.1% barrel rate.

"We've seen him do that before," Giants manager Bob Melvin said. "You know he can hit the ball out to right center and keeps his bat on the plane pretty well, so it's a good swing."

The ball flew into the opposite field, which is not unusual for Chapman. In 2023, the right-handed hitter had an above-average oppo. rate at 25.4% – ranking him 73rd of 169.

Now that he's got the timing right, Chapman's focus is to become more consistent overall.

"[It's] just a work in progress," he said. "When I'm doing good, that's what I want to do. For me, that's a good sign. [I] just have to continue to work and do it at-bat to at-bat. That just comes with more reps."

Chapman signed a one-year, $18 million dollar deal with a $2 million signing bonus earlier this month. Since signing, he's batted .308 with two RBIs. He has also stolen two bases.

The third baseman not only reunited with Melvin after spending five seasons together with the A's. He also reunited with Saturday's starting pitcher Daulton Jefferies.

"It's so nice to have him back at third," Jefferies said. "I missed his presence over there. To have his presence in the locker room, too, it's awesome."

Chapman has also played with teammate Michael Conforto previously. The two played together at California State Fullerton and for Team USA.

"[I'm] getting more comfortable every day and playing with Bob Mel and all the coaches has been fun," Chapman said.

Jefferies' Day

The right-handed Jefferies appeared calm on the rubber during his first start since May 2022. He pitched four innings, allowing four hits and striking out three.

"I felt really good," Jefferies said. " I was able to make adjustments with Murph [Tom Murphy] after the second inning to get back to staying over the rubber a little bit."

Jefferies tried out his slider, which he had worked on for a while and the new pitch felt great.

While the competition for a spot in the bullpen and starting rotation is ongoing, Jefferies focuses more on competing with himself.

"I'm trying not to think about it," he said. "I feel like I'm throwing the ball well… I'm trying to just stay composed and do the best I can."

The right-handed pitcher has struck out 11 this spring with a 1.64 ERA.

Howard's perfect outing

On Saturday, Spencer Howard went 12-up and 12-down in his four innings during the Giant's 11-7 split-squad game against the White Sox at Camelback Ranch.

The right-handed pitcher allowed no hits or runs and struck out two.

"Whether it's a start, whether it's long relief, there's some spots open," Melvin said. "You like to see guys pitching right now because there's some pressure on these guys to pitch well toward the end of camp."

Noteworthy:

• Chase Pinder hit his first home run of the spring against the White Sox on Saturday. The right fielder went 2-for-4 with three RBIs and one run.

• David Villar also hit a home run and went 4-for-5. The designated hitter had three RBIs and scored three runs.

• Mike Yastrzemski went 2-for-4, scoring one run against the Guardians on Saturday.
• Jimmy Glowenke went 1-for-1 with one RBI and scored one run in Scottsdale.
• Nick Ahmed went 2-for-3 with one RBI and a triple.