Pence on cusp of achieving 20-20 milestone

SAN FRANCISCO -- Entering Sunday with 19 home runs, Giants right fielder Hunter Pence needed one more roundtripper to amass at least 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in a single season for the first time in his seven-year career.

Pence came close with Houston in 2010, when he totaled 25 homers and 18 steals in 27 tries.

Arizona manager Kirk Gibson expressed sincere respect for Pence.

"He's a very aggressive, confident, athletic player," Gibson said. "He hustles his [butt] off with everything he does. He's getting it done."

The only Major Leaguers to accomplish the 20-20 feat thus far are Rockies left fielder Carlos Gonzalez (26 homers, 21 steals before Sunday) and Angels center fielder Mike Trout (23 homers, 32 steals).

Barry Bonds was the last Giant to reach 20-20, hitting 37 homers and stealing 28 bases in 1998. He achieved this combination six times, joining his father, Bobby Bonds (six times), Willie Mays (three), Jeffrey Leonard, Glenallen Hill and Orlando Cepeda (one apiece) as the Giants' only 20-20 performers since the franchise moved west in 1958.