The offense continued to struggle in Barry Zito starts, only scoring one run off the Oakland A’s pitching staff. The Giants are now 30-38 after losing 5-1 last night and will attempt to get to .500 before the All-Star Game.
Zito lasted almost six innings, giving up four runs on six hits to his former team. His control has been off, walking four hitters while striking out just three. Vinnie Chulk allowed another run to score in the seventh inning after taking over for Zito, and was relieved by Alex Hinshaw. Hinshaw was perfect in an inning and two-thirds, striking out one. Pat Misch finished the game, giving up two hits in the ninth inning, but keeping the A’s scoreless.
Giants hitters were held to just five hits over the game, scoring their only run on a steal of home by Omar Vizquel. Second baseman Ray Durham had the only Giants extra-base hit, a double, he also reached base on a walk. Jose Castillo, Vizquel, Zito, and Fred Lewis had the other Giants hits, all singles. Along with a steal of home in the second inning, Vizquel also flashed his glove, making a great diving catch in shallow leftfield near the foul line in the first inning. Despite being forty-one years old, Vizquel is proving he still has the range to play the shortstop position.
Matt Cain will pitch against Rich Harden tonight at 6:05 p.m. The Giants need to get back on a winning streak after losing three of their last four games if they want to catch up to division leading Arizona.
