Villalona's heroics keep San Jose alive

Despite posting back-to-back walk-off wins, the San Jose Giants know there's still more to accomplish. So even after Angel Villalona's 13th-inning home run forced a decisive fifth game in their California League semifinal series, the Giants remain focused. 

"There's excitement, but we're keeping the adrenaline under control," San Jose batting coach and interim manager Lipso Nava said. "In games like this, there are a lot of ups and downs. You can't go overboard [with emotion]. We're trying to keep everyone concentrated on the task at hand."

Visalia scored in the ninth to force extra innings Tuesday night, but Villalona extended the best-of-5 series to its limit and gave the Giants a 5-4 win over Visalia with a two-out blast off Mason McCullough.

San Jose was three outs away from a more conventional victory, but Rawhide pinch-hitter Kevin Cron led off the ninth and sent Jake Smith's second pitch over the left field fence for his first season homer.

It turned out to be the only run allowed by five San Jose relievers, who scattered five hits and struck out eight without issuing a walk over seven innings.

"Since the beginning of the second half of the season, our bullpen has been our strength," Nava said. "They gave us a chance to win games and pick up ground to make the playoffs. They're doing the same thing now -- putting hitters away and keeping us in games."

Nava is filling in for Russ Morman, who's been sidelined for about three weeks due to a medical condition.

"He keeps in touch and we let him know he's a huge part of this," Nava said. "We miss him and wish him to get well soon."

The Rawhide struck in the top of the first on Jamie Westbrook's three-run blast off Giants No. 15 prospect Andrew Suarez, who lasted six innings and struck out six. Aramis Garcia, San Francisco's 11th-ranked prospect, hit a two-run shot in the second and No. 2 prospect Christian Arroyo and Villalona collected RBIs in the third to put San Jose in front.

"Suarez had a rough start, but he settled down," Nava said. "He went deep enough into the game to keep our relievers fresh for later. That was key."

Rawhide starter Blake Perry gave up four runs on five hits and two walks while fanning six over 5 2/3 frames.

Game 5 is Wednesday in Visalia.

In other Cal League playoff action

High Desert 13, Rancho Cucamonga 6

The Quakes out-homered High Desert, 4-0, but Chris Garia and Evan Van Hoosier combined for six hits and six RBIs as the Mavericks evened the best-of-5 South Division finals at 2-2. Dodgers No. 7 prospect Alex Verdugo hit a two-run shot for Rancho Cucamonga, which hosts Game 5 on Wednesday. Box score