The Giants were mired in a seven-game losing streak entering Tuesday evening's bout against the Mets, but there was reason for happiness. Emotional locker room leader Hunter Pence was returning from the DL (again).
Pence had played in 162 games in each of the last two years, but this season dealt with a spring training broken forearm (on an HBP) and then had tendinitis on the same (left) wrist. He was activated Tuesday and slotted in the starting lineup for the first time since June 2.
Wouldn't you know it, Pence already made his presence felt with this double-threat gem:
The catch is good-but-not-great by MLB standards, but the throw is what sets this apart. He had no time to size this thing up and still couldn't have made a more perfect throw. It's glorious.
Look at the reaction of the teammates and fans, too. The Giants are just a different team with the local cult hero in the lineup.
Sure enough, they came away with a 3-0 win and snapped that losing streak. Was it a coincidence that Pence was back in the lineup? Doubtful.
