San Francisco Giants OF Hunter Pence Knocks In Run For Sacramento River Cats In First Rehab Start
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — San Francisco Giants star Hunter Pence started his rehab assignment with the Sacramento River Cats on Friday before a packed house at Raley Field.
Pence was hit by a pitch during a Spring Training game two months ago, breaking his forearm.
Fans were already waiting in line Friday morning to buy tickets for the 7 p.m. first pitch.
"He hasn't played since Spring Training when he got hurt," said Rick Hernandez.
The outfielder was patient, signing as many autographs as he possibly could.
"I understand it's never enough, I gotta get ready for the game though," Pence said.
He got a hero's welcome at the plate and even knocked in a run in his first at-bat.
Oh heyyy @hunterpence. pic.twitter.com/JCYmfw5Ehl
— Sacramento River Cats (@RiverCats) May 9, 2015
He went 0-2 with an RBI and a strikeout, eventually giving way to Juan Perez.
Wendy and Jim Maihack travel to Spring Training, but didn't have to go far to see one of their favorite players.
"We are so stoked to see him actually taking swings he's already got an RBI, it's like, OK! Yes yes yes," Wendy said.
Kyoko Nakane came out to the ballpark on a visit from Japan to see one of her favorite players.
"I'm a fan of the Giants; I went to the playoff games last season," she said.
Saturday night's game against the Albuquerque Isotopes is already sold out, but Pence could be up for two more weeks. After this four-game homestand, though, the River Cats don't come home until May 21.