Brown's 'crazy day' includes first two hits, RBI

SAN DIEGO -- Any one of Trevor Brown's noteworthy experiences Tuesday would have provided him with a lifelong memory. To experience multiple moments suitable for framing might have given the Giants rookie catcher a sensory overload.

Yet Brown remained composed, albeit obviously happy, after playing such a significant role in the Giants' 4-2 triumph over the San Diego Padres.

"Crazy day," Brown repeated after his hitting and defense helped the Giants trim first-place Los Angeles' National League West lead to six games, the smallest it has been since it rested at 5 1/2 games Sept. 1.

"But it was a blast," Brown concluded after starting his second game for the Giants since his contract was purchased from Triple-A Sacramento on Sept. 16.

Brown collected his first big league hit and RBI, doubling home Ehire Adrianza to snap a scoreless tie in the fifth inning. He demonstrated his toughness in the third inning, remaining in the game after a Chris Heston pitch ricocheted off Yangervis Solarte's foot and struck him in the throat.

Of course, Brown excelled at his top priority: handling San Francisco's pitchers. Starting only his second Major League game, Brown steered Heston and four relievers through a six-hitter. He also threw out Justin Upton on a fifth-inning stolen-base attempt.

Video: SF@SD: Upton caught stealing, call stands

Brown prompted considerable concern after he absorbed the Solarte carom. He received a thorough examination before he was deemed fit to continue.

"I felt a little dizzy," said Brown, a 23-year-old who's in his fourth season in the Giants system. "An inch to the left and it probably would have squared me up a little more."

Video: SF@SD: Brown checked on by trainers after ricochet

Brown certainly squared up the 1-1 fastball Padres starter Tyson Ross threw him in the fifth inning. It outdistanced Padres center fielder Travis Jankowski and easily scored Adrianza, who broke from first base with the pitch.

"Off the bat, I thought I hit it pretty well," Brown said. But he couldn't be sure -- not after homering twice in 82 games this year for Sacramento.

"Nice time to get your first hit," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "We had our work cut out for us, the way Ross was throwing the ball."

In fact, Ross matched a career high by striking out 11.

Brown entered the game having received his first dose of Hunter Pence's unbridled optimism regarding reaching the postseason. As Brown related, the sidelided right fielder urged teammates Sunday, "Miracles can happen."

Or, as reliever George Kontos said, "As long as there's not an 'E' [for eliminated] by our names, it's 100 percent doable."