Pagan returns, but Giants lose finale to Brewers, 3-1

Milwaukee -- - Angel Pagan's mood after the Giants' 3-1 loss Thursday was brighter than the outcome for the Giants, who dropped their series against the Brewers. Any weekend athlete who has fought through a bad back should understand.

"I feel great," Pagan said after going 2-for-5 in his first game off the disabled list. "It's been a long way for me, battling the heat in Arizona, trying real hard to get back here as soon as possible.

"I thought my jumps in the outfield were pretty good. My energy was pretty good. I feel happy. I know we lost, but I feel good things are coming."

That's because Pagan is playing without any hesitation caused by the bulging disk that wreaked havoc in his lower back and had kept him away since June 14.

Pagan hoped to return for a series against the Cardinals that began July 1. The day before, he was warming up for a simulated game at AT&T Park, the last box to check, when his back gave out.

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