Posey thrives in return to Giants' lineup

ST. LOUIS -- Catcher Buster Posey went 3-for-5 Sunday in a successful return to the Giants' lineup after missing three games with lower back tightness.

Entering the game in a 3-for-34 skid (.088), Posey singled in each of his first three at-bats before grounding out twice. His first-inning hit scored Angel Pagan and opened the Giants' scoring. Posey raised his batting average from .254 to .264.

Noting that Posey's condition had continued to improve, manager Bruce Bochy said that Monday's scheduled off-day will "give us some time to see how he comes out of [Sunday]."

Posey's return was timely, since the Giants lost their biggest bat when Michael Morse had to be scratched with a sore left foot.