The Giants were criticized for their decisions in the 9th inning against the Nationals

The Giants came up just short of a much-needed win on Monday night. Instead, they were left searching for answers after another late collapse.

San Francisco took a 3-1 lead into the ninth inning against Washington before watching it disappear in a matter of minutes.

When the dust settled, the Nationals had scored three runs, defeated the Giants 4-3, and reignited the frustration surrounding the bullpen that has allowed games to go by this season.

Former Giants All-Star Shawn Estes defiantly refused to blame shortstop Keaton Winn.

Instead, he pointed directly to the decision makers.

Speaking on NBC Sports Bay Area’s postgame show, Estes argued that Winn shouldn’t have been on the mound after a taxing weekend in Chicago that included multiple appearances and heavy workload.

Winn entered Monday on a three-game hitting streak and had thrown 41 pitches over the past two days.

“The boy’s arm is tired,” Estes said. “You could tell in the ninth inning based on the mistakes he was making. I feel for the kid, I feel for him. He’s been put in a tough spot and now he’s going to face the offense tonight.”

Estes believed the answer was obvious: let ace Logan Webb finish what he started.

Webb dominated Washington for eight innings, allowing one run on five hits while striking out nine. He struck out after 99 pitches despite facing little opposition all night.

“He’s your ace,” Estes said. “He is the guy who knows how to deal with this.

Manager Tony Vitello defended the move afterward, citing Winn’s experience in recent game situations.

Estes wasn’t buying it.

“I don’t want to be a ‘hindsight 20-20’ guy, but it looks like the last inning, it was, was lost when the inning started, based on the way it was handled,” Estes said. “And I hate to say it, but like, that’s a win you have to have right there.”

The criticism did not end there. Estes also questioned the Giants’ decision to punt Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams after a pass that created an open situation with runners in scoring position. Abrams quickly delivered a two-run double.

The loss dropped San Francisco to 27-40 and overshadowed another great outing from Webb.

For a team sitting at the bottom of the National League, watching an unwinnable game unfold is normal rather than frustrating at fever pitch.

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