SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Hunter Pence might not have silenced all skeptics, but he at least drowned out a few doubters Sunday with a first-inning grand slam that propelled the Giants to their fifth consecutive Cactus League victory, a 5-4 decision over the Padres.
Pence entered the game hitting .105 (2-for-19) with 10 strikeouts. But he has downplayed concerns about his performance, pointing out that he was experimenting with batting stances. He went from a closed stance to a conventional square one (feet even with each other) before settling on an open stance -- at least for now.
Pence admitted that he felt "jumpy" at the plate before finding comfort.
"I definitely felt better at the end of yesterday, coming into today," he said.
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Maybe Blanco's ageless
After watching Gregor Blanco dash around the bases on a first-inning triple, some observers wondered whether the 34-year-old might be faster than he was when he initially joined the Giants as a Minor League free agent in 2012.
"I feel like I am, to tell you the truth," Blanco said.
Blanco, 34, said that he has maintained his physical condition with a workout routine featuring exercises that requires quick bursts.
Up next: The Giants play their first exhibition against the Bay Area-rival Athletics at 1:05 p.m. PT in Mesa. Chris Stratton will start for the Giants, while right-hander Jharel Cotton starts for the A's. The game can be heard on Gameday Audio.