Bochy hopes Pablo, Belt can mimic Pence's turnaround

SAN FRANCISCO -- Pablo Sandoval entered Tuesday night's matchup with a history of success against Padres' left-hander Eric Stults, and Giants' manager Bruce Bochy was hoping that could help shake Sandoval out of his current slide.

The former All-Star third baseman and World Series MVP has two hits in 14 at bats this homestand and both of those came in Sunday's win over the Cleveland Indians.

Brandon Belt is in even worse shape. He's hitless in his last 16 at-bats, 10 by strikeouts. He's struck out in 12 of his last 19 at-bats.

Bochy pointed to Hunter Pence's recent success for why he remains patient and confident with Sandoval and Belt.

Pence, who was hitting .181 on April 20, entered Tuesday night's game with a seven-game hitting streak, batting.444 (12-for-27) over that span, which includes five extra-base hits and six RBIs.

"Talent is going to surface," Bochy said. "He's getting his timing and he's hit missing pitches like he was before. It was really a matter of time before he got this thing turned around."

Bochy said he expects the same from his two other slumping sluggers.

"These guys are good hitters," he said. "It's the same thing. They will get it turned around."