SAN FRANCISCO -- Following a three-hit performance on Tuesday, Gorkys Hernandez stayed hot Wednesday, capping a decisive five-run sixth inning with a 14-pitch at-bat that culminated in a two-run single against Marlins starter Jose Urena in the Giants' 6-5 win at AT&T Park.
The Giants center fielder fell behind in the count 0-2. He then proceeded to foul off eight pitches and take three off the plate before delivering what proved to be a crucial hit to right field.
"I thought Gorkys' at-bat was the key in the game," manager Bruce Bochy said. "He really grinded out that at-bat. He came through with a huge hit to give us the cushion."
The hit put the Giants up, 5-1, and chased Urena with two outs in the sixth inning. The Marlins clawed their way back in the later innings, scoring four runs, in a rally effort that ended up falling just short.
The seventh pitch of the at-bat, which Hernandez watched for ball three, appeared to be a strike up in the zone.
"He was trying to cover the zone, he did a pretty good job," Urena said. "I made a pitch that was right there in the zone, and they called a ball on it. You can't do anything about it."
With Buster Posey and Andrew McCutchen out of the lineup, Bochy praised his other right-handed batters for "coming through for us."
Hernandez has now driven in 19 runs and brought his average up to .285.