Like Leyland, Lamont Labors

A game after becoming the first Pittsburgh manager to win his debut since Harry Walker did in 1965, Gene Lamont faced what his friend and predecessor Jim Leyland did so many times the last several seasons.

The Pirates’ 7-5 loss on Thursday to the Giants gave them a split in their season-opening series.

What helped the Giants end an eight-game home losing streak to Pittsburgh was Jeff Kent, who matched a career-high with five RBIs. Then the Giants withstood Mark Johnson’s first grand slam.

Johnson had not homered in 153 previous at-bats, dating to Sept. 4 against Colorado.

Kent hit a two-run homer, a two-run double and added a sacrifice fly. Osvaldo Fernandez went five innings, allowing six hits, including Johnson’s slam, to pick up the victory. Giants manager Dusty Baker used three relievers in the ninth with Rod Beck getting the final out for his first save.