Giants 4 - 3 Nationals
Final
  for this game

Sanchez's homer lifts Giants past Nats

Aug 16, 2013 - 3:19 AM Washington, DC (Sports Network) - Pinch-hitter Hector Sanchez hit a three-run home run in the top of the ninth and the San Francisco Giants avoided a three- game sweep against the Washington Nationals with a 4-3 win.

Down 3-1 and with Rafael Soriano (2-3) pitching, Buster Posey hit a leadoff single. After Hunter Pence and Pablo Sandoval were retired, Posey advanced to second on a defensive indifference and Roger Kieschnick walked.

Sanchez was the next to bat and hammered a 3-2 fastball over the right field wall.

"This one was pretty tough," said Nationals catcher Kurt Suzuki. "We had them down to one strike and just couldn't put the finishing touch on them. But they're a good ballclub. They keep grinding at-bats, fighting, and fortunately for them, they got one."

Javier Lopez (2-2) threw 1 2/3 perfect innings of relief to pick up the win. Sergio Romo threw a 1-2-3 bottom of the ninth to notch his 29th save.

"Boys needed this, they needed it bad. To come up short last night after fighting so hard ... it's good for them," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.

San Francisco had an opportunity to score in the first after loading the bases with two outs. However, Sandoval fouled out to third, ending the inning.

Washington also had a chance to score with the bases loaded in the second, but Dan Haren squandered it by striking out.

An inning later, Denard Span singled to lead off and stole second. Ryan Zimmerman was walked, but was forced out at second on Jayson Werth's fielder's choice. After Werth stole second, Ian Desmond ripped a two-out, two-RBI double to left-center field. Adam LaRoche then scored him with a base hit to left field.

Brandon Belt crushed a 1-1 fastball to center with one out in the sixth to put the Giants on the board.

Game Notes

San Francisco starter Ryan Vogelsong lasted just 3 2/3 innings, surrendering three runs on six hits and three walks ... Sanchez's last home run came on Sept. 27, 2012. He also entered the game with just three RBI this season ... Belt is hitting .400 with five home runs, 10 RBI and 12 runs scored in August ... Washington starter Haren gave up one run on three hits and a par of walks over six frames ... Desmond is 11-for-23 with five doubles, three RBI and eight runs scored in his last six contests. He also has 52 extra-base hits, which paces all MLB shortstops ... LaRoche has eight RBI over his last 11 games.






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