Giants beat Diamondbacks in ninth, sweep series

Andrew Baggarly - MercuryNews

The Arizona Diamondbacks weren't the only ones fighting for their baseball lives Wednesday afternoon.

There was Brad Hennessey, who received a day in the sun after a four-month banishment to Fresno. There were relievers Jack Taschner and Sergio Romo, who proved they could protect a one-run lead.

And there was Eugenio Velez, who just keeps throwing knockout punches.

Velez notched his second walk-off hit in as many days, lacing a two-out, two-run double in the bottom of the ninth inning that sent the Giants to a thrilling 4-3 victory at AT&T Park.

Both times, Velez's hits made a winner of Brian Wilson. The Giants' tattooed closer had recorded 37 saves in 40 chances before blowing back-to-back opportunities.

Yet the rallies only added to the torment for the Diamondbacks, who were swept in the series and have lost 13 of 16 to plummet from the top spot in the National League West.

A night earlier, Wilson served up a tying, two-run home run to Chris Snyder in the ninth inning but Velez singled in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth.

Velez received another shot to bail out Wilson after Bengie Molina singled and Aaron Rowand drew a two-out walk from closer Brandon Lyon. The wiry infielder connected on a drive that rolled to the wall in right-center field, scoring both baserunners without a play.

Velez kicked his heels as he slowed into third base, punching the air with his fist before teammates spilled out of the dugout to celebrate with him.

Wilson spoiled a victory for Hennessey, who was impressive while making his first major league start since Sept. 15, 2006. Hennessey, working ahead in the count and relying on his defense to make plays, allowed four hits and a run over six innings. Stephen Drew hit a solo homer in the third inning, but the next hardest hit ball was Chad Tracy's line drive that Hennessey gloved in the sixth.

The Giants replaced Kevin Correia with Hennessey because they want to evaluate their options for the final rotation spot next season. Because both pitchers are eligible for salary arbitration, it's possible that neither will be tendered a contract this winter.

Hennessey had thrown three complete games at Fresno this season; Giants starters have gone the distance once all year.