Touch 'Em All: Pence in search of stolen scooter

Hunter Pence is as down-to-earth and happy-go-lucky as it gets for a professional athlete, but on Monday morning, Pence wore a rare somber look. After Sunday's win, Pence's signature scooter was stolen outside Epic Roasthouse on the Embarcadero.

"I had a dream I saw someone riding it," Pence said. "I tackled him."

For a team that entered the day 14 games above .500, this qualified as big news. Giants manager Bruce Bochy noted that Pence had a rare sad look on his face. "I've never seen that before," Bochy said.

As he told the story, Pence was able to smile about the incident, saying he was overwhelmed by the support he got from Giants fans on Twitter. Many sent Pence digitally enhanced pictures of the scooter and sent jokes to the rightfielder, who signed a five-year extension last September and is having another strong season. Pence was riding the scooter in a bobblehead handed out at AT&T Park last month and said he'll give a signed bobblehead to anyone who helps reunite slugger with scooter, even if it's the person who stole it.

"I'll forgive you!" he said. "It's not that big a deal, but I'm really sad about it. It doesn't make much sense to steal. The charger is rare, it's not going to last that long. I trust people. Apparently someone needs it more than I do."

The scooter is a GoPed customized by team chef Joe Day. Pence had it made shortly after being traded to the Giants in 2012 from the Phillies, because he "can't fathom driving" and wanted to enjoy the views of the bay and city as he cruised to work every day, listening to music and waving to fans. The scooter is emblazoned with Pence's name, his number (8), a Michael Jordan jumpman sticker and another that says "swag." The scooter wasn't locked up, and Pence was hopeful that someone might have just moved it to another spot.

Hall of Fame announcer Vin Scully missed calling Monday's Dodgers' game with the Reds with a chest cold. The 86-year-old will miss Tuesday's game also.