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Bonds hits No. 743, powers Giants past Rockies

May 3, 2007 - 6:43 AM SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- Barry Bonds' latest home run was overshadowed by his latest single.

Bonds belted his 743th career homer and later drove in the go-ahead run with a two-run single in the eighth inning to lead the San Francisco Giants to a 5-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies.

Moving within 12 home runs of Hank Aaron's all-time mark of 755, Bonds continued another climb in the record books by driving in four runs to tie Stan Musial for fourth place on the career RBI list with 1,951.

The 42-year-old slugger hit a laser off lefthander Jeff Francis (1-4) into the seats in right field for a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning. It was his ninth blast of the season.

While he moved closer to making history with the home run, the single was more critical to San Francisco, who had lost four of five and had just fallen behind, 3-2, in the top of the eighth inning.

"That pitch he hit off of Francis, there's not many guys in the game who are going to turn on that ball and keep it fair," Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said of the home run. "If (his single) is pulled four more feet, we've got a chance at a double play.

After Francis allowed two singles - to Ryan Klesko and Randy Winn - in the eighth, Hurdle summoned Manny Corpas from the bullpen.

Corpas promptly walked Rich Aurelia, forcing the Rockies to have to pitch to Bonds with the bases loaded. Bonds laced a single past first base to drive in Klesko and Winn with the tying and go-ahead runs.

"Obviously it puts them in a tough spot to have to face Bonds with the bases loaded," San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said. "Barry had quite a night and that's always big when you can get a walk like that."

Bengie Molina added an insurance run with an RBI single to plate Aurilia for a 5-3 lead.

Giants starter Barry Zito, who signed a seven-year, $126 million contract as a free agent in the offseason, only had the one bad inning, but it came in Rockies' next at-bat following Bonds' homer.

It was the second time Bonds has homered in a Zito start, and the Giants' ace appreciates the support.

"It's not just me," Zito said. "He's helping out everyone. He's got quite a few home runs already. It's fun to watch."

The bottom of Colorado's order did the damage against Zito as rookie Chris Iannetta drew a leadoff walk and Jamey Carroll singled him to second base.

After Francis sacrificed both runners up a base, Willy Taveras singled to plate Iannetta and rookie Troy Tulowitzki delivered a sacrifice fly to drive in Carroll with the tying run.

Zito pitched seven innings, allowing the two runs and four hits while striking out four and walking three. He has allowed more than three runs just once in six starts this season.

Brad Hennessey (1-1) got the win with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.

Once the Rockies got Zito out of the game, they went ahead in the eighth against the Giants' bullpen.

Reliever Kevin Correia started the inning by walking Tulowitzki and Matt Holliday, and was replaced by Steve Kline.

Kline got Todd Helton to ground to second base, but shortstop Aurilia threw away the relay throw to first base, allowing Tulowitzki to come home with the go-ahead run and a 3-2 lead.

Francis turned in his finest effort since beating the Arizona Diamondbacks, 4-3, on April 3, but still suffered his fourth straight defeat. He allowed four runs in seven innings, striking out two and walking two.

"It still leaves a bitter taste in your mouth," Francis said. "That's why you pitch, to win and finish it off. I thought I made some decent pitches. Bonds and Klesko found a hole and Winn hit one just soft enough to land in front of Matt (Holliday)."