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McClain continues improbable return as Giants face Pirates

Sep 7, 2008 - 12:49 PM Pittsburgh (60-81) at San Francisco (61-80), 4:05 pm EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- Scott McClain, a 36-year-old rookie, will try to help the San Francisco Giants win back-to-back games Sunday when they face the Pittsburgh Pirates.

McClain capped a five-run rally in the seventh inning with his second career home run to lift the Giants to a 7-6 come-from-behind victory over the Pirates on Saturday. Rookie Nate Schierholtz hit his first career blast later in the game for San Francisco, which ended a seven-game home losing streak to Pittsburgh.

McClain, who made his major league debut in 1998 and has played in parts of four seasons with three different teams, blasted a two-run shot over the left-center field wall to snap a 4-4 tie.

"I was just looking for a pitch up, and I put a good swing on it," McClain said. "I'm just trying to have good at-bats. Being 36, who knows how far my future goes in this game."

McClain hit his first major league blast Wednesday after notching 362 homers in the minors and Japan over nearly 2,000 games.

Pirates starter Jeff Karstens (2-4, 3.62 ERA) will make his seventh start and will try to slow down McClain and the Giants. The righthander has lost his last four starts.

San Francisco counters with lefthander Jonathan Sanchez (8-10, 4.50), who has lost six consecutive decisions and is seeking his first win since June 29.