Bonds Hits No. 697 in Giant Rout

Barry Bonds moved closer to an exclusive high-water mark, yet that merely had a ripple effect for the San Francisco Giants Friday night.

Bonds hit his 697th home run in an 18-7 victory over Arizona in front of 38,698 at SBC Park. That was only part of an 18-hit performance by the Giants, who moved within a game of the Chicago Cubs in the National League wild-card race.

The Giants got contributions from nearly everyone. Edgardo Alfonzo had five hits, including a second-inning home run, and J.T. Snow four. Cody Ransom, who had only seven runs batted in, drove in four.

It was the most runs by the Giants since July 2, 2002. Bonds, though, was the center of attention, as he moved with three home runs of joining Henry Aaron and Babe Ruth as the only players to hit 700 home runs.

Bonds launched Edgar Gonzalez’s 2-0 pitch to center field in the second inning, then stood and admired his 438-foot piece of work before beginning a slow jog around the bases. That got the rout underway, giving the Giants a 9-3 lead.

Bonds nearly added to his home run total, sending Diamondback left fielder Josh Kroeger to the wall in the sixth inning, his last at-bat before going to the bench. The Diamondbacks intentionally walked Bonds twice, making him the first player to be walked intentionally 100 times in a season.

With Arizona trailing, 11-5, in the fifth, Diamondback pitcher Brian Bruney put Bonds on, the largest Giant lead this season when Bonds has been walked intentionally.

“That is what is impressive about Barry, his patience,” Giant Manager Felipe Alou said.

“In the two years I have managed this team, he has not been pitched too very much. But you never see him panic. You never see him swing at bad pitches.”

There were plenty of bad pitches on both sides Friday. The Diamondbacks took a 3-0 lead in the first against Giant starter Brad Hennessey, who lasted only four innings.

The Giants answered quickly, scoring six in the bottom of the first off Gonzalez (0-8). Dustin Mohr and Ransom had two-run doubles.

The Giants scored four more in the second when Alfonzo and Bonds homered.

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Career Home Run Leaders

1. Hank Aaron: 755

2. Babe Ruth: 714

3. Barry Bonds: 697

4. Willie Mays: 660

5. Frank Robinson: 586