Watch CBS News

Pence's 8th-Inning Home Run Lifts Giants Over Rockies, 9-6

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) -- Hunter Pence hit a three-run homer during a five-run rally in the eighth inning that lifted the San Francisco Giants over the Colorado Rockies 9-6 on Sunday.

Buster Posey's sacrifice fly in the eighth tied it. Melky Cabrera, who had an RBI single in the comeback, drove in three runs.

Brandon Belt doubled twice and went 4 for 4 for the Giants.

Matt Belisle (3-4) took the loss after allowing the first three hitters he faced to reach bases. Rafael Betancourt gave up Posey's deep fly to left and Pence's drive into the left-field bleachers.

Clay Hensley (4-3) pitched the eighth for the win.

Eric Young had three hits and drove in a run for the Rockies, who have lost three of four. Starting pitcher Alex White and reliever Carlos Torres also drove in runs.

Giants starter Barry Zito lasted 5 1-3 innings, giving up four runs and seven hits. White allowed three runs and seven hits in four innings.

The Giants trailed 6-4 when Brandon Crawford singled, pinch hitter Hector Sanchez doubled and Angel Pagan walked to open the eighth. After Belisle got Marco Scutaro on a short fly to left, Cabrera delivered an infield single to score a run.

Betancourt came in to face Posey, who fouled off five consecutive pitches before the sacrifice fly. Pence then hit his 18th home run.

Torres delivered a two-out single, his first career hit, to highlight a two-run rally in the sixth that put the Rockies ahead 5-4. D.J. LeMahieu doubled home run a batter earlier.

Cabrera's two-run single in the first gave the Giants the early lead. Belt also singled home a run in the inning.

Young and Rutledge each doubled home a run in the third and White's sacrifice fly in the fourth tied it at 3.

Ryan Theriot's double put the Giants back on top in the fifth, setting up Torres' hit in the sixth.

NOTES: White recorded his first career RBI. ... The Giants expect INF Pablo Sandoval to be available Monday night against the Washington Nationals after playing in his third rehab game at Class A San Jose. ... RHP Ryan Vogelsong (10-5, 2.27) goes for the Giants against the Nationals. He leads the NL in ERA. ... LHP Jeff Francis (3-4, 6.06) pitches for the Rockies against the Milwaukee Brewers.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.