??? @hunterpence!
2-run jack puts us in front!
#SFGiants pic.twitter.com/rgzWn0ousN
— San Francisco Giants (@SFGiants) September 19, 2018
It has not been an easy year for Hunter Pence. Nearly all his stats have hit career lows, as has his playing time. But on nights like tonight, Pence can still channel the power and athleticism that’s led him to a 223-home run career.
As the Giants trailed the San Diego Padres 1-0 in the top of the second inning, Pence came up with one out and Aramis Garcia on first base. After working a 3-1 count, Pence, with his typically violent swing, exploded on 90-mph sinker that Padres starter Joey Lucchesi left right down the middle.
Pence sent the ball high and deep into the San Diego night sky, coming close to hitting the scoreboard. According to MLB’s statcast record below, the homer was launched with a 108-mph exit velocity and landed 437 feet, the fifth-longest home run for the Giants this season. It was Pence’s third of the year and gave the Giants a 2-1 lead.
After the Padres tied the game 2-2, Pence returned in the top of the fourth inning, hitting a one-run double down the right field line. It gave the Giants a 3-2 lead, with all three runs being driven in by Pence. He followed the double by stealing third base.
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