Small-ball approach helps Blanco succeed

CINCINNATI -- A simple adjustment helped Giants outfielder Gregor Blanco revive his offensive skills.

"I started working on hitting the ball on the ground more," Blanco said Tuesday. "I tried not to elevate any ball -- not even in batting practice or soft toss. I tried to keep my swing level. I'm still working on it."

The results were obvious. Batting .087 on April 21 and .100 as late as May 11, Blanco entered Tuesday hitting .375 (15-for-40) in his previous 16 games, lifting his average to .238.

"That's my game -- trying to get on base. Small ball," Blanco said. "I was trying to do more than I could do."