Giants force a decisive Game 5 with Reds

Associated Press
Posted: October 12, 2012

CINCINNATI - So many unusual things moved San Francisco to the verge of an unprecedented comeback Wednesday in its National League division series with Cincinnati.

Angel Pagan connected on the second pitch of the game. A Giants team that finished last in home runs hit three. Tim Lincecum pitched like a two-time Cy Young Award winner - this time, out of the bullpen.

Pagan hit the first leadoff homer in Giants postseason history, and Gregor Blanco and Pablo Sandoval delivered later for an 8-3 victory over the Reds to even their division series at two games apiece.

No team has recovered from a 2-0 deficit in a best-of-five series by winning three on the road, according to Stats LLC. The Giants can do it with a victory Thursday at Great American Ball Park.

"Thanks to the win today, there will be a tomorrow," Pagan said.

Matt Cain, who lost the series opener and has yet to beat the Reds in three tries this season, will start Game 5 against Mat Latos.

The Reds haven't won a postseason game at home in 17 years. But they haven't dropped three straight at home all season.

In losing the first two games at home, the Giants were outscored, 14-2. Hunter Pence gathered them before the two road games, challenging them to play like champions.

Lincecum entered in the fourth and allowed just one run in 41/3 innings.

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