Hunter Pence's returns sparks Giants' 11-2 win against Reds

CINCINNATI - The Giants enjoyed watching Hunter Pence run around the bases. Brandon Crawford’s grand slam was a pretty good moment, too.

Crawford hit his fourth career grand slam and drove in a career-high six runs Saturday night, and Hunter Pence scored three times in his return from a broken forearm, leading the San Francisco Giants to an 11-2 victory against the Cincinnati Reds.

The defending World Series champions are hoping their offense gets a boost from Pence’s return. The right fielder was hit by a pitch during spring training, causing a fracture just above the left wrist.

“It’s just nice to have him back and have his energy in the dugout and on the field,” Crawford said. “To have him flying around the bases like that, it’s fun to watch.”

Pence made an immediate impact. He had hits in his first two at-bats off Mike Leake (2-2), helping San Francisco pull ahead 5-0.

“I’m just happy to be back playing again and being healthy,” Pence said.

Crawford’s grand slam in the fifth inning made it 9-0, the most runs that Leake has allowed in his career.

“He’s so gifted defensively, he’s underrated, I think, as a hitter,” manager Bruce Bochy said of his shortstop. “But he’s a very productive hitter. He’s just a good all-around ballplayer.”

Brandon Belt and Gregor Blanco had solo shots off Leake and San Francisco enjoyed its two-day offensive splurge. The Giants have scored 21 runs in the last two games at Great American Ball Park, their best two-game total of the season. They entered the series second-to-last in the NL in runs scored.

Ryan Vogelsong (2-2) finally won on the road. He’d been 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA on away from home this season, with batters hitting .385 off him. The Reds managed two runs and six hits in 5? innings, including Jay Bruce’s solo homer.

Pence was hit by a fastball from the Cubs’ Corey Black on March 5. He played five games on a minor league rehabilitation assignment and felt good enough to tell the Giants that he was ready.

Belt hit his second homer in two days in the second inning, and Pence followed with a double to right-center. He came around on Crawford’s single for a 2-0 lead.

Blanco hit his first homer of the season in the third inning. Blanco is on a 9-for-18 hitting streak.

Pence singled in the fourth and came around on Crawford’s double. Casey McGehee’s single made it 5-0. In the fifth inning, Pence drew a walk to set up Crawford’s grand slam.