By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Friday, May 13, 2016

AP photo: San Francisco Giant Joe Panik (center)  at Chase Field on Friday night hits a three run homer in the sixth inning is greeted at the plate by Denard Span 2 and Angel Pagan (right)

PHOENIX–Joe Panik homered for the second consecutive game for San Francisco on Friday. This time, it was a three-run blast that gave the Giants a 3-1 win over Arizona.

Panik’s home run gave starter Jeff Samardzija all the offense he would need. Samardzija did his part, scattering eight hits while throwing 112 pitches to improve to 5-2. The Giants’ top three pitchers – Samardzija, Johnny Cueto and Madison Bumgarner – are a combined 14-5 this season.

Diamondbacks starter Shelby Miller continued his struggles. He held San Francisco scoreless through the first five innings, but allowed Panik’s home run in the sixth.

Arizona took a 1-0 lead in the fifth on Miller’s first career triple, followed by an RBI single from Jean Segura.

After Josh Osich got the first out in the ninth, Santiago Casilla struck out the next two hitters for his eighth save in 11 opportunities.

San Francisco won despite the D-Backs turning five double plays. On a positive note, outfielder Angel Pagan returned to the Giants lineup after missing 11 games with a strained hamstring.