On Saturday afternoon, Pablo Sandoval did something pretty special.
With the Giants trailing 15-6, he took the mound in the Top of the 9th and delivered a 1-2-3 inning.
On Monday morning, Mike Krukow talked about The Panda's pitching debut.
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"He's such a unique story and then he goes out there and you watch him start warming up, and technique wise, the guy looks like he should be in your bullpen," Krukow said on KNBR 680. "It's a beautiful throwing motion -- compact, a repeatable stroke, all the things you look for when a prospect is coming up.
"The curveball was fantastic. So what you take out of it -- that's not the last time he's gonna do this. He's now a guy that's not only the third catcher, but he's your 14th pitcher."
Four years ago, when he left town for the Red Sox, Sandoval looked like he would forever be an enemy at AT&T Park, despite his years of glory here. He returned last season humbled, and he has worked hard to rebuild the trust that was lost by a bridge-burning exit.
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The bottom of the ninth was the final step. Sandoval received a raucous standing ovation from those remaining when he took his last at-bat of the day. A few minutes later, he strapped an ice pack to his elbow as any dominant relief pitcher would.
He said he loved the moment, but he’s not sure if he wants to do it again.
In 42 plate appearances this season, Sandoval is hitting .237 with one home run and seven RBI.
"He's had his issues controlling his weight, etc -- but you can never say he doesn't love this game," Krukow added.