Giants’ Old-Timers Make the Difference

Barry Bonds made a significant contribution to the San Francisco Giants’ 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night without getting a hit.

The 41-year-old slugger walked twice, scoring both times, stole a base and made a sliding catch in left field to help the Giants start the second half with a win.

Bonds, 41-year-old Steve Finley and Moises Alou, who turned 40 on July 3, became the first trio of 40-year-olds in baseball history to start in the same outfield. They combined to go four for 11 with two stolen bases and two runs scored.

Ray Durham hit a home run, his fifth in 11 games, for the Giants, who moved into a second-place tie with the Dodgers in the National League West.

Ryan Howard homered in his first game since winning the All-Star home run derby on Monday, but the Phillies lost their fourth in five games overall and have dropped 11 of their last 14 on the road.