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Some Giants Fans Play Hooky To Watch Climatic Game 5 Against Reds

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Fall is flu season, and this year there's also a Giants fever epidemic that's cutting into some workers' productivity and preventing others from going to work at all.

The Firestone Public House in downtown Sacramento was a gathering spot for some of those afflicted on Thursday as San Francisco battled Cincinnati in the final game of their National League Divisional Series.

The game got under way shortly after 10 a.m., forcing some fans to make a decision.

Some of those who, um, couldn't make it into work shied away from our CBS13 camera at Firestone for fear their boss might find out that sick call was simply a front to play hooky.

"I don't want to point out anybody," Firestone owner Alan Wong said. "I think they planned in advance. Hopefully they took a vacation day."

But Wong was certain Thursday wasn't his average lunch crowd.

"The turnout has been phenomenal," he said.

So Giants fever is good for business? "Awesome," he said.

An unscientific CBS13 poll taken at Firestone showed six out of 10 people at the bar played hooky to watch the Giants game. And that's not to mention people who took an extended lunch break.

But in the end, fans were rewarded for their dedication. The Giants held on for a 6-4, advancing to the National League Championship Series.

"All the way baby!" one fan said. "Another 2010 this year."

That could be bad news for employers, with at least four more games getting in the way of some fans' work responsibilities.

The Giants face the winner of the St. Louis-Washington series in the NLCS, which starts Sunday.

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