The Giants and D-backs traded runs and the lead several times in the third and final game of the series. In the end, the Giants came back to win 4-3, tying the game in the eighth inning and getting the go-ahead run in the ninth.
Barry Zito kept the game close and gave his team a chance to win, leaving after six innings, down 2-3. He struck out five, but rightfielder Justin Upton got on his nerves, hitting a solo homer in the second to give Arizona the early lead, and then a triple in the fourth to drive in another run. Zito gave up six hits overall, and walked three more D-backs batters. The bullpen kept the Giants in the game, Jack Taschner pitched the seventh inning, allowing just one hit, and Tyler Walker did the same in the eighth. After taking the lead in the top of the ninth inning, closer Brian Wilson earned his sixteenth save of the season with a perfect ninth inning performance.
Giants rightfielder Randy Winn was tonight’s hero, going three-for-five out of the leadoff spot, with two solo shots and a single. His first homer put the Giants on the board as he led off the fourth inning against Randy Johnson, the second homer was more dramatic, coming in the top of the ninth to put the Giants ahead, once again leading off the inning. Winn also recorded a stolen base off Johnson and D-backs catcher Miguel Montero. Bengie Molina finally had his first hitless game in a while, but reached base on a walk in the eighth inning. Arizona reliever Tony Pena loaded the bases before allowing the game-tying run to score by walking pinch-hitter Fred Lewis. Centerfielder Aaron Rowand also scored a run while going two-for-four with a single and a double.
San Francisco retuns home Friday to begin a weekend series against the Padres. Matt Cain will face Greg Maddux in game one at 7:15 p.m. Coming off a sweep of one of the best teams in the league, the Giants should have the momentum and morale to put together some wins during their next homestand.
