Pablo Sandoval Ties Willie Mays' Hit Streak

Over the weekend we pointed out that Pablo Sandoval was closing in on Willie Mays record for a hitting streak to begin a season.

Mays record was 16 and on Monday, because of a rain-caused doubleheader, Sandoval was given a chance to tie Mays. And he did just that, blasting a two-run homer in the first inning of the second game, giving him 16-straight games with a hit to start the 2012 season.

The Giants are on the verge of taking a 3-1 series victory in New York (follow the second game here) after Tim Lincecum picked up his first win of the season in a 6-1 victory during the early game on Monday.

Lincecum wasn't dominant, per se, but he did go five innings, giving up just four hits and one earned run while striking out eight. He did walk five, which is concerning, but he got out on a "five and dive" and picked up the win, which is at least good for his confidence.

In that game, Sandoval singled to right in the first inning, scoring Melky Cabrera, although he was eventually picked off while heading to second.

In the second game, Panda didn't mess around when it came to getting caught on the basepaths: he blasted a two-run shot to right field with leadoff man Gregor Blanco on base.

Sandoval will get a chance to break Mays' record on Tuesday, when the Giants head to Cincinnati to play the Reds, with Matt Cain matching up against long-time Giants nemesis and former Padres pitcher Mat Latos.

Over the course of his career, Sandoval has had 25 plate appearances against Latos, posting a .250/.280/.375 line and hitting one home run with four strikeouts and one walk.

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