Crawford dedicates home run to recently deceased sister-in-law

While fans were lighting up AT&T Park with their cell phones to get the San Francisco Giants pumped up during Friday's contest against the Colorado Rockies, the night was a special one for Brandon Crawford for a different reason.

The Giants shortstop recently lost his wife's sister, Jennifer Pippin, to an asthma-induced death and made sure to dedicate his fourth-inning home run to her memory.

"I tried to get around the bases as fast as I could," Crawford told John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle after the game. "That one was for Jenn. That one was for my sister-in-law."

Crawford was offered additional time to grieve by manager Bruce Bochy, but decided to play after being held out of the starting lineup Thursday.

"I think you know there’s somebody greater out there that’s looking over you. I know she was watching this game tonight, and I’m glad I was able to do something for her," Crawford explained.

"When she was at home, she was always watching every game. I’m sure she’s still watching down on us."

(Video courtesy: MLB.com)