Giants Manage to Defeat Marlins

Even after another stirring home victory, there wasn’t much joy in the San Francisco Giants’ clubhouse.

Neifi Perez doubled home Yorvit Torrealba with the go-ahead run in the eighth inning Saturday as the Giants, using a patchwork lineup, won their fifth in a row, beating the Florida Marlins, 3-2.

The teams and fans at Pacific Bell Park observed a moment of silence before the game for Bobby Bonds, the former Giant star who died of cancer earlier in the day. His son, Barry, will be away from the Giants indefinitely.

“As soon as we got here and we knew that Barry Bonds’ father died, it was sad,” said Perez, who had two doubles. “But we’re professionals. We have to play the game, and we’re glad we won the game for him.”

Jeffrey Hammonds homered for the Giants, who also rested regulars Rich Aurilia, Benito Santiago and Marquis Grissom.

But after a strong start from Dustin Hermanson and outstanding relief by Jim Brower (8-4), the West Division-leading Giants had their sixth consecutive home victory -- and 21st in the last 24 games.

The Giants have maintained prime position for a playoff spot despite an overwhelming series of injuries and other sadness. Earlier in the season, pitcher Jason Schmidt’s mother died of a brain tumor.

“There’s not many players whose dad or mom dies while they’re still active. We’ve had it two times this year,” Manager Felipe Alou said. “When that happens, it makes all the other guys think too. We were trying to get it going, but the first few innings were quiet.”

The Giants improved their record in one-run games to a major league-best 22-8.

Florida lost its fifth in a row, but didn’t lose any ground in the wild-card race because Philadelphia lost to St. Louis. The Marlins are 1 1/2 games behind the Phillies.

Josh Beckett (6-7) struck out six in seven innings for Florida.