Aaron Rowand knocked in Nate Schierholtz in the bottom of the 12th inning with a bases-loaded single and the San Francisco Giants won their home opener 5-4 over the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday.

After Schierholtz singled, Andres Torres reached on an infield error to move Schierholtz to third. Reliever Brian Tallet (0-1) intentionally walked Freddy Sanchez to load the bases before Rowand singled in the winning run with a shot off the left-center wall.

The Giants used eight pitchers, including Dan Runzler (1-0), who worked a scoreless 12th inning for the win.

San Francisco led 3-1 going into the top of the ninth when closer Brian Wilson walked Yadier Molina with two outs. After Daniel Descalso singled, Wilson hit Jon Jay to load the bases. Ryan Theriot's single on a 3-2 pitch gave the Cardinals the 4-3 lead.

St. Louis closer Ryan Franklin retired the first two batters in the bottom of the ninth before Rowand singled and Buster Posey walked. Pablo Sandoval followed with a single to force extra innings.

Miguel Tejada and Pat Burrell blasted solo home runs for the Giants, who raised their World Series championship flag in a lengthy pregame ceremony. Jonathan Sanchez allowed one run and four hits while striking out seven over five innings.

St. Louis starter Jake Westbrook allowed three earned runs on eight hits and four walks in 5 2/3 innings.