Bonds homerless in front of Selig; Giants lose to Braves in 13

Jul 25, 2007, 6:50 GMT

San Francisco, CA - Edgar Renteria hit the go-ahead two-run double in the 13th inning to boost the Braves past the Giants, 7-5, after Atlanta wasted a four-run lead in the ninth, on a night Bud Selig was in attendance to see Barry Bonds in his pursuit of the home run record.

Playing on his 43rd birthday, Bonds went 1-for-5 with a walk to remain at 753 career homers, two shy of Hank Aaron's record.

The Giants were stymied by Tim Hudson until the ninth inning, when they scored four times with two outs to force extra innings. However, San Francisco faltered in the 13th as Renteria lined a hit to left field to boost Atlanta to its second victory at the halfway point of the four-game series.

Amazingly, the Giants nearly came back to win, but left the bases full after scoring once in the bottom of the 13th.

Chipper Jones homered and drove in two runs, and Renteria had three hits for the Braves.

Hudson came into the game having allowed four homers in 19 at-bats against Bonds, but retired him on a grounder in the second before letting up a single to right in the fourth. Bonds struck out looking in the seventh and popped out in the ninth. Oscar Villarreal then fanned Bonds to end the 10th, and the Giants left fielder walked in the 13th.

Earlier Tuesday, the commissioner announced his intentions to attend as many games as possible as Bonds chases the record. Selig, who was on hand when Bonds and the Giants played the Milwaukee Brewers over the weekend, didn't make the trip to San Francisco as the Giants began a seven-game homestand Monday night. However, he was in the Bay Area a night later.

Despite the dark cloud overhead that has Bonds suspected of using steroids, Selig said he would attend the games as the record is chased.

'Out of respect for the tradition of this game, the magnitude of the record, and the fact that all citizens in this country are innocent until proven guilty, I will attend Barry Bonds' next games to observe his potential tying and breaking of the home run record, subject to my commitments to the Hall of Fame this weekend,' Selig said. 'I will make an additional statement when the record is tied.'

Bonds last homered on Thursday when he hit two at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Giants are home the remainder of the week.

Jonathan Sanchez (1-2) walked Julio Franco with one out in the 13th and pinch- hitter Yunel Escobar singled to center. Pinch-runner Chris Woodward went to thd on a wild pitch, but was then thrown out at home on a chopper to second by Willie Harris. However, Renteria then laced a 1-1 pitch down the left field line, and Jones followed with an RBI single to center.

Bonds walked with one out in the 13th. Ryan Klesko then hit a ball toward first base, but Woodward's throw to second hit Bonds in the back, leaving runners at first and second. Tyler Yates then replaced Wilfredo Ledezma on the mound and walked Rich Aurilia before Pedro Feliz singled to center to get the Giants within two runs. However, Yates got Bengie Molina to fly out and then fanned Fred Lewis to end the game.

Peter Moylan (4-1) picked up the win by throwing two innings.

Hudson was charged wtih six hits and three runs before being lifted with two outs in the ninth. Omar Vizquel and Randy Winn walked to start the ninth, but Bonds popped out to third and Klesko flied out to left. However, Aurilia singled on an 0-2 offering to center field to snap the shutout. Bob Wickman then gave up a double to Feliz on a 1-2 pitch, as the ball landed in left-center field, getting the Giants within a run.

Pinch-hitter Molina was up next and laced a single to left-center field, and Feliz slid home safely to tie the game. Molina went to second on a wild pitch, but was left stranded when pinch-hitter Ray Durham flied out.

Winless since June 11, Matt Morris gave up eight hits and four runs over six innings for the Giants, who lost for the 10th time in 13 games.

Jones doubled to start the fourth inning and Brian McCann singled with one out. Jeff Francoeur then doubled to left field to give the Braves their first run. Kelly Johnson followed with a two-run single on a chopper up the middle.

Jones homered to left field with one out in the fifth.

Game Notes

Bonds made a sliding catch in short left field to start the 10th inning...Bonds' walk was his 100th of the season. He has reached the century mark in 14 seasons, passing the record previously held by Babe Ruth.

© 2007 The Sports Network

Game Notes

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