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Morse propels Giants past Cardinals 6-5

ST. LOUIS -- Michael Morse homered and drove in three runs and Pablo Sandoval homered and scored twice to propel the San Francisco Giants to a 6-5 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday night in the opener of a four-game series.

The Giants have won seven of eight and the Cardinals have dropped three of four to start a nine-game home stand.

Gregor Blanco scored from second on Angel Pagan's single to center off Carlos Martinez (0-3) to tie the score at 4-4 in the eighth. Pagan moved to second on Peter Bourjos' throwing error. After Sandoval was intentionally walked, Morse doubled to deep center to drive in Pagan and Sandoval for a 6-4 lead.

Javier Lopez (1-0) got two groundouts in relief of Ryan Vogelsong for his first win since Sept. 22, 2013. Sergio Romo held on for his 17th save in 19 chances.