Somehow, the 15-6 rout by the Dodgers over the Giants at AT&T Park afternoon — the first of a day-night doubleheader — managed to give San Francisco fans and players plenty to smile about by its conclusion.
Not only did a position player come in to pitch for the Giants, not only was that position player Pablo Sandoval, but indeed, Sandoval pitched a perfect inning, retiring the Dodgers in order in the top of the ninth. It was the only 1-2-3 inning in the game for Los Angeles.
The Giants' larger-than-average third baseman, affectionately nicknamed "the Panda," induced three groundouts, prompting riotous cheers from the home crowd.