Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Joaquin Arias scorched a game-tying, pinch-hit
double in the ninth inning and scored the go-ahead run as the San Francisco
Giants took a 3-2 triumph over the Houston Astros in the opener of a three-
game set Tuesday at Minute Maid Park.
The Astros took the lead in the eighth when San Francisco starter Matt Cain
uncorked a wild pitch with a runner on third, but the Giants battled back in
the ninth, as Brandon Belt singled off Wesley Wright before Arias entered as a
pinch-hitter to face Wilton Lopez (5-3).
Arias ripped a double down the third-base line to score Belt from first and
pinch-hitter Hector Sanchez followed two batters later with a looping single
into shallow center field to score Arias for a one-run lead.
Sergio Romo retired the Astros in order in the ninth to record his seventh
save of the season, while Santiago Casilla (5-5) recorded the final two outs
of the eighth to earn the victory.
Angel Pagan doubled and added a solo shot for the Giants, who won for the
sixth time in their last eight games.
Brett Wallace registered three of Houston's six hits and Fernando Martinez
clubbed a solo home run, but the Astros lost for the 10th time in their last
11 tries.
GAME NOTES:
The Sports Network