SAN FRANCISCO -- Before the Giants even stepped onto the field against the rival Dodgers on Friday, they had a big call go their way.

Third baseman Matt Chapman, who had received a one-game suspension for pushing Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland in a benches-clearing incident on Sept. 2 at Coors Field, had the punishment reduced to a fine after issuing a successful appeal.

The clemency meant that Chapman would be available for the start of a key rivalry series at Oracle Park, a major boon to the Giants and their mounting playoff hopes. As he is wont to do, Chapman went on to be a difference-maker in a 5-1 walk-off win over the Dodgers in 10 innings, flashing his Gold Glove-winning defense by making a run-saving play in the fourth inning.

The Dodgers had runners on second and thir

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