Hunter Pence’s return, Brandon Belt’s surge and 5 other catalysts in the San Francisco Giants’ recent turnaround

Oct 26, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Giants right fielder Hunter Pence reacts after scoring a run against the Kansas City Royals in the 8th inning during game five of the 2014 World Series at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

It was a wild weekend for the San Francisco Giants at the Great American Ball Park, as the offense broke loose and averaged double-digits runs across three-consecutive wins over the Reds.

While the Dodgers still hold a comfortable lead in the National League West, there’s no denying who the hottest team in the division is right now. If they even come close to resembling the powerhouse that was on display in Cincinnati, the Giants should make up even more ground as they welcome Los Angeles for a three-game set at home on Tuesday.

Before we look ahead to that series, though, let’s salute the catalysts in the team’s magnificent May turnaround.

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