Panda returns: Top 5 Pablo Sandoval Moments with the San Francisco Giants

1. 3 home runs in Game 1 of the 2012 World Series

When you’re in the same league of Babe Ruth, at least for a World Series game, then you’ve accomplished something.

Back in Game 1 of the 2012 World Series against the Detroit Tigers, Sandoval got things started with a bang.

In the first inning, Sandoval hit a booming shot over the center field fence to give the Giants a 1-0 lead. Two innings later, Sandoval went opposite field with a two-run shot that gave the Giants a commanding 4-0 lead. Both of those home runs were off the great Tiger starter Justin Verlander.

Then, for icing on the cake, Sandoval capped off his historic night with another moonshot to center field in the fifth inning — this time off reliever Al Albuquerque. That gave the Giants a 6-0 lead, and they would go on to win the game 8-3.

The three home runs put Sandoval in historic company. He joined Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, and the great Ruth as the only players to have hit three home runs in one World Series game.

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This would not be the last time Sandoval would slam three home runs in a game. He did it again during a regular season game in San Diego just one year later.