Panda's homer gets Giants' offense going

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Pablo Sandoval lined a fifth-inning leadoff home run to snap a scoreless tie, spark a three-run uprising and propel the Giants to a 3-2 victory Thursday over the Cincinnati Reds.

Starters Tony Cingrani of the Reds and Tim Hudson of the Giants pitched three shutout innings apiece.

"I felt like I was overstriding a little bit," said Cingrani, who issued three walks. "I was trying to get too much on the ball. I felt pretty good."

With Hudson's effort, San Francisco's projected starters have allowed one run and 11 hits with three walks in 20 innings.

"It is early in Spring Training and the pitchers are a little bit ahead of the hitters right now," Hudson said. "I wouldn't hold too much weight in it at this point, but I think it's a pretty good statement for our staff."

The Giants went hitless until Sandoval led off the fifth against Reds right-hander Chien-Ming Wang with his first spring home run, a drive into the right-field picnic area. Roger Kieschnick reached base on Cincinnati second baseman Argenis Diaz's error and scored on Juan Perez's double. Ehire Adrianza's one-out single advanced Perez to third base before Angel Pagan's bloop single delivered the inning's final run.

Cincinnati responded with an unearned run in the sixth off Giants right-hander Sergio Romo. Juan Duran advanced to second base on Chris Dominguez's throwing error, advanced on a walk and a fielder's choice and scored on Travis Mattair's single.

Up Next: Tim Lincecum will make his second Cactus League start when the Giants visit the Kansas City Royals on Friday. Lincecum threw fastballs and curveballs but avoided using his slider, which he plans on mixing into his repertoire eventually. Lincecum will continue to concentrate on keeping his pitches low, which resulted in a three-groundout first inning in his previous spring outing.