Giants get to within a game of Rockies

Jonathan Sanchez tossed five solid innings, Aaron Rowand hit a three-run homer and the San Francisco Giants beat the Colorado Rockies, 6-3, on Friday night in the opener of a key four-game series.

Sanchez (6-10) gave up an unearned run and two hits to win for only the third time since his no-hitter July 10. His strong outing couldn’t have come at a more opportune time for the Giants, who pulled to within a game of the Rockies in the wild-card chase.