FanHouse RyanSadowski

SAN FRANCISCO -- Ryan Sadowski's mere presence in the major leagues is a testament to his persistence.

As the 26-year-old Giants right-hander prepared to try to extend the 13-inning scoreless streak to start his career, he said he wasn't even sure he'd be here.

"You have doubts every day," he said, "especially when you have overcome a few things."

A few things?

Starting Five is our wrapup of the previous day's baseball action, with a quick nod to what is ahead.

You Oughta Know ...
That the milestones keep coming for Albert Pujols. He went into the record book in grand fashion Friday night, belting his 31st home run of the season. The drive was his fourth grand slam of the season and 10th of his career, both Cardinals' franchise records. The latter mark nudges him past Stan Musial on the club list.

"He broke Stan Musial's career record?" manager Tony La Russa asked. "I'll go bow to his feet here in a second. That's a serious point to make."

Pujols is on pace to finish 2009 with 61 home runs. And just in case that's not enough for you, it came in the eighth inning with the Cardinals down 3-0 to the Reds. St. Louis went on to beat Cincinnati 7-4.

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