The Giants have started the second half of the season with three sweeps, unfortunately for them only one of them has gone their way. A 7-2 loss in the finale of the series against the D-backs this afternoon completed the sweep.
Barry Zito handled Arizona well for three innings, but got hit around for four runs in the fourth, allowing the D-backs to take a comfortable lead with Randy Johnson on the mound. Zito would also give up a two-run shot to Mark Reynolds in the fifth inning to end his day with six earned runs on six hits and five walks. Osiris Matos relieved Zito and pitched a scoreless sixth inning while allowing two hitters to reach base and threaten. Conor Jackson would add another Arizona run in the seventh inning on a solo shot off Sergio Romo to put San Francisco in a 7-0 hole. Geno Espineli allowed a hit in the eighth inning, but was able to strand the runner. Alex Hinshaw pitched a hitless ninth inning, but struggled with his control, walking two batters.
Despite combining for nine hits off Johnson in seven innings, the Giants were still shutout by him, but struck out just two times. Leadoff leftfielder Fred Lewis had a big day, going four-for-five with two stolen bases, but did not produce any runs. Lewis had two doubles and two singles. The Giants managed to add two meaningless runs in the eighth and ninth innings coming on hits by John Bowker and Aaron Rowand.
Tomorrow the Giants will head to southern California for series’ against the Dodgers and Padres. They need to come away with some wins during this roadtrip, especially after being swept by Arizona and facing more opponents from their own division. Kevin Correia will pitch against Hiroki Kuroda at 7:10 p.m.
