Approaching a team record, Pablo Sandoval and the San Francisco Giants aim to continue their recent success as they play the New York Mets in the second portion of a four-game series this afternoon.
Sandoval has hit safely in all 13 games this season, a streak that is three shy of the San Francisco club record to open a season that is held by Willie Mays, accomplished in 1960.
Last night, Hector Sanchez singled in the go-ahead run in the 10th inning, boosting San Francisco to a 4-3 win over the Mets.
Angel Pagan homered against his former team and the Giants scored three third- inning runs, but New York forced an extra frame when Josh Thole's base hit plated the tying tally with one out in the ninth.
"It means a lot when you fight through the game and you get wins in close games like that. It's worth it," Pagan said.
With men on first and second in the ninth, Thole capped his eight-pitch at-bat with a ground single into right field. That snapped a 12-inning scoreless stretch for the San Francisco bullpen.
"I was just preparing myself what I was going to see," Thole said. "I just tried to put a good at-bat together."
But the Giants held on for the win despite the Mets putting two runners in scoring position in the 10th.
Ryan Vogelsong takes the mound today for the Giants. He got the loss in his opening start of the season last Sunday as the Giants fell to the Pirates 4-1. Vogelsong gave up a pair of runs on four hits and three walks with seven strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings, making 102 pitches. He's 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA in five games (3 starts) vs. the Mets.
Mike Pelfrey starts for the Mets and didn't get a decision in an 8-2 loss at Philadelphia on April 15. He threw six innings and gave up one run while allowing eight hits and two walks. Pelfrey is 2-2 with a 2.18 ERA lifetime against the Giants.
What to watch for today is a possible milestone. Mets third baseman David Wright has a 10-game hitting streak. He also walked twice last night and has reached base safely at least twice in all 10 games he's played this season, the longest stretch to start a campaign in team history.
Additionally, he has 733 career RBI, tying Darryl Strawberry for the most in Mets franchise history.
The Giants have won nine of their past 12 versus the Mets.