SF Giants observations: Tidwell continues impressing, Birdsong struggles again

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — New Giants manager Tony Vitello still remembers Blade Tidwell’s “Welcome to the SEC” moment. Tidwell does, too.

It was April 4, 2021, and Tidwell was making his seventh collegiate start for Tennessee under Vitello. Tidwell, a true freshman, had pitched well for the Volunteers up to that point. The Crimson Tide hit Tidwell with a reality check.

Tidwell allowed a homer to the first batter he faced, then surrendered a two-run double before the end of the first inning.