The San Francisco Giants get back to work tonight after a marathon home opener kept that kept their winning streak alive.
The team gave fans four extra innings of baseball Friday at their home opener against the Atlanta Braves in what turned into a four-hour game. But there were no complaints from fans, who were treated to perfect baseball weather and a final score of 5-4. What more could a fan want?
Former 49er NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice was comfortable on the pitcher's mound as he threw out the the ceremonial first pitch to fellow football great and another San Franciso favorite -- Steve Young.
Barry Zito, set to make his next start Monday against Pittsburgh, was manager Bruce Bochy's next option to pitch. Aaron Rowand drove in the winning run with two outs in the 13th inning on an infield single, salvaging the Giants' season debut in their waterfront ballpark and keeping alive their unbeaten start with the one-point winning advantage over the Braves.
"We're just trying to keep it rolling -- 4-0 is not too bad," Rowand said. "It definitely gives you some momentum, some confidence."
The Giants and the Atlanta Braves take to the diamond again Saturday at 7:05 p.m. for opening night. The energy on the field and in the stands are certain to be just as high but not the temperature. Openiing night forecast is soggy. A storm packing heavy rain and wind is headed our way.
No worries though, you can catch all the action on NBC Bay Area starting at 6 p.m. with behind-the-scenes highlights then stick around to watch Tim Lincecum get the Cy Young Award.
The last time the Giants had a home opener of 13 or more innings was April 20, 1917. But the Giants didn't fare so well in that game, falling to the Boston Braves 4-2.
