Franco lifts Phillies over Giants 5-4 in 12 innings

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Maikel Franco drove home the winning run with one out in the 12th inning to give the Philadelphia Phillies a 5-4 victory over the struggling San Francisco Giants on Wednesday night.

Ryan Howard homered among his three hits and Cameron Rupp also connected for Philadelphia. Franco finished with three RBIs, including one on the unusual play that ended the game.

With the bases loaded and one out, Franco lined what appeared to be a clean single into right-center field. But young teammate Aaron Altherr, who was on first base, got so excited about the Phillies winning that he ran over to congratulate Franco without ever touching second base.

Giants catcher Buster Posey noticed the blunder and took a throw at second from right fielder Hunter Pence that technically forced out Altherr. Franco did indeed cross first base, though, so Tommy Joseph scored easily from third and the Giants had no chance at an inning-ending double play.