SAN FRANCISCO -- It wasn't particularly pretty, this 9-7 Giants victory over Kansas City on Thursday, as there were relief-pitching smudges, on-the-field hiccups and a blown lead.

But at this stage, San Francisco isn't after style points.

A win definitely is a win -- the Giants have won only two of their last 13 games -- yet somehow it seemed to have more significance than normal, for there were definite signs of improvement.

Like starter Noah Lowry -- long out of sync, his pitching rhythm sporadic -- suddenly realizing slight mechanical tinkering has given him better velocity, accuracy and overall command.

Like slumping outfielder Pedro Feliz ripping a huge, two-run double in the sixth inning during a key pinch-hit appearance, showing manager Felipe Alou he's still a force and gratitude that Alou is still a Feliz believer.

Like rookie Lance Niekro, a notorious hitter against lefties but scuffling vs. right-handers, having a good day against Kansas City righty Jose Lima and pounding out two hits with three RBIs, raising his average to .309.

Maybe it won't turn the Giants' season 180 degrees by this weekend, but these elements are starting to click.

For Lowry, it was a big day. After struggling most of the year -- it seemed more than a sophomore jinx -- the young left-hander discovered his arm was lagging behind his body during the delivery.

After video replays and arm-to-arm talks with pitching coach Dave Righetti, it appears Lowry is back on his game.

"We talked last time about mechanics and things I needed to work on, and [Rags] was seeing the same things," said Lowry. "He really helped me out in the bullpen session, and we got a lot accomplished going into the game today.

"It made a huge difference," said Lowry, who in New York over the weekend went only 4 1/3 innings vs. the Mets, giving up nine hits and four runs in a 5-1 defeat.

"Hopefully, I can build off this and take it into my next start," said Lowry. "I was making sure my glove-hand side was closed and making sure I stay on my back leg, allowing me to get extended with my throwing arm."

In a nutshell, locked in. Consistently smooth.

"When you keep your front side closed, it takes the stress off the throwing arm," he said. "It helps out and adds a couple of miles per hour on your velocity. It's tough as a pitcher when you've been doing something for so long and try to change it, but hopefully, we've gotten it taken care of."

Pedro Feliz  /   1B
		Born: 04/27/75 Height: 6'1" Weight: 205 lbs Bats: R / Throws: R More info: Player page Stats | Splits Gallery Team Site | Shop

As for Feliz, it was only one at-bat, but maybe it's the wakeup call from his long slumber at the plate.

Feliz was batting .193 in his last 22 games and had only seven RBIs in his previous 26 games, this after being ablaze offensively, hitting .325 as late as May 10.

His two-bagger sparked the Giants' five-run rally that broke a 4-4 tie and soothed some psyches after San Francisco had only moments before lost a 4-0 lead.

"It's good to get a 'W,'" said Feliz. "That's what we needed right now. It's been up and down this year, but I haven't felt bad. I feel good at the plate, though it hasn't gone the way I wanted.

"I'm just going in there and trying to do my job. [Slumps] happen to everybody in baseball and it's happening to me right now. I'm just going to keep working hard and get back to my normal swing."

Niekro has been switching with veteran J.T. Snow this season, Snow batting mainly against right-handers (.280) but doing well against southpaws as well (.278).

"It was great to come back after they tied it and get the momentum going back for us," said Niekro. "Hopefully, that'll give us confidence we can do that on a daily basis."

It was a strange first Major League victory for rookie Scott Munter -- he blew the save but recorded the victory over his two-thirds-inning stint when the Giants scored five in the sixth.

Giants closer Tyler Walker earned his ninth save by getting the final four outs.