By: Joe Lami

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.–

Ryan Vogelsong entered Friday night’s contest praying for some run support, as he came into the game with five straight games without it. The Giants sure made up for it with their highest scoring total of the season, as they destroyed the Brewers 13-2 in front of a sold out crowd of 41,348 at AT&T Park.

The scoring started in the first inning, as the Giants put up a three-spot on the Brewers, after Vogelsong shut down the Milwaukee in the first inning. This was a good sign for San Francisco, as they entered the contest with the best record in the NL when scoring first (52-15). The bats got started with a base hit for Joe Panik. This would start a string of four base hits for San Francisco that brought in the three runs. The Giants had a chance to extend the first inning lead, with the bases loaded and only one out for Brandon Crawford after Michael Morse was hit by a pitch and Gregor Blanco drew his first of three walks. Unfortunately, Crawford ended the first with a double play.

Milwaukee bounced right back, getting a run of their own in the second, as Jonathan Lucroy hit a double to start off the inning. He was later knocked in when Lyle Overbay grounded into a fielder’s choice. However, the Giants extended their lead adding two more in the second inning. Posey earned his second of five base hits of the game. As he hit a RBI single to left, bringing in Vogelsong. It was the first time a Giant had a five hit game since Brandon Belt did it last year against the Dodgers on September 13^th. Giants’ manager Bruce Bochy added “It was more important to rest than to try and go 6 for 6” as he decided to bring Posey out at the end of the sixth. Pence would bring in the second run of the inning as he was able to beat out a ground ball to the short stop. After two innings, the Giants were well on their way having the 5-2 lead.

The Giants would continue their slaughter, scoring in the first five innings of the game. As they added, one in the third, two more in the fourth before they put up four in the fifth inning making the lead 12-2.

“I think we’re playing a lot more loose, and finally having some fun out there,” commented Blanco, who ended the night 1 for 2, with a home run, three RBI, three walks and a steal.

San Francisco chased Brewers’ starting pitcher in the third inning, after he threw 80 pitches, while giving up six runs on nine hits, while striking out only one. This would cost the Brewers’ dearly, as they were forced to depend on their bullpen to get them through the rest of the game. Marco Estrada entered the game, throwing 74 pitches in only two innings, while giving up seven runs with five of them earned. In total Milwaukee threw 198 pitches on Friday.

Vogelsong turned thing around, after suffering a long drought at home. He earned his first win since May 24 at AT&T Park. His last seven home starts had been tough as he posted an 0-5 record with a 4.15 ERA. It was much different Friday, as Vogelsong finished with 7 innings pitched, while giving up four hits for two runs, while striking out seven, with three of them coming in the 7^th inning as he struck out the side. “It was good to have Vogey finally get some run support,” added Bochy. Vogelsong added “It was tough mentally when your team scores a lot of runs, and you’re sitting on the bench for such a long time, but I’ll take it.”

San Francisco with the win now stands a top of the NL Wild Card standings, as they took the lead over the St. Louis Cardinals, who fell to the Chicago Cubs 7-2 by a half game. Tomorrow, the Giants look to continue the explosive offense, as they send Jake Peavy out to faceoff against Mike Fiers.

You can follow Joe Lami on Twitter @joe_lami