Sep 8, 2008 2 min read

San Francisco rapped out nine hits in its big fourth inning and took advantage of two errors to push across its most runs in a frame since it scored 10 in the second inning against the Houston Astros on Sept. 23, 2003. It started with an error on right-hander Jeff Karstens, and included an injury to All-Star center fielder Nate McLouth as the first eight Giants reached base. Emmanuel Burriss and Nate Schierholtz had two hits apiece in the inning, and Randy Winn and Burriss each scored twice.

Sandoval had the big blow, hitting a three-run double into center field that knocked McLouth out of the game. McLouth dived for a sinking liner, but the ball bounced and ricocheted off him into left field.

McLouth left with a cut above his left eyebrow that required three stitches, and was replaced by Nyjer Morgan.

McLouth also required treatment from a Pirates trainer after he was hit by a pitch in the third. He stole second, becoming the seventh player in Pittsburgh history to record 20 stolen bases and 20 home runs in a single season.

Jason Michaels drove in two runs for the Pirates, who matched the Philadelphia Phillies’ 1933-1948 major league record for consecutive losing seasons.

Karstens (2-5) had his 18-inning road scoreless streak come to an emphatic end as he lost his fifth straight decision. He pitched three-plus innings, and was charged with five earned runs and six hits.

Jonathan Sanchez lasted three innings for the Giants. He gave up three runs, two earned, and five hits.

Osiris Matos (1-2) allowed two runs in the fourth, but earned his first major league victory.

Copyright Associated Press 2008