Panda returns: Top 5 Pablo Sandoval Moments with the San Francisco Giants
2. Game-tying hit against the Washington Nationals in Game 2 of the 2014 NLDS
The Giants were already up 1-0 before playing Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Washington Nationals, so they were playing with house money when they were down 1-0 with 2 outs in the top of the ninth. Jordan Zimmermann shut down the Giants for 8 and 2/3 innings.
Then, Joe Panik coaxed a walk. That’s when the series changed.
Nationals Manager Matt Williams pulled Zimmermann and put in his closer Drew Storen–a move that would end up haunting Williams and the Nationals fans for years.
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The next batter, Buster Posey, singled on the first pitch, setting the stage for the Panda.
Sandoval took a 94 MPH fastball and roped it down the left field line for a game-tying double. Posey, after a replay review, was out trying to score the go-ahead run.
The Giants would stay alive for nine more innings, as Brandon Belt‘s 18th-inning, tie-breaking home run would be enough to seal their 2-1 win.
And the 2-0 series lead proved huge as San Francisco went on to win the series 3-1.
In the World Series that year, Sandoval would have another big moment, breaking a 4-4, sixth-inning tie in Game 4.
Obviously, the San Francisco Giants went on to win the World Series that year.