With the help of Tim Lincecum’s pitching, and two big innings, the Giants defeated the Cubs 8-3 earning them a series split. A four-run second inning, and three-run seventh reassured that their lead was safe. The NL East is easily the weakest division this season, with the Giants record now at 38-48, they find themselves just four games out of the lead.
Despite giving up a run in the first inning, Lincecum rebounded and did not allow much more until the sixth. After allowing two more runs in the sixth inning his day was done, leaving the game with a slim one-run lead. In total he allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings of work. Lincecum also struck out eight batters while earning his tenth win of the season. Jack Taschner and Keiichi Yabu combined to get the Giants through the seventh inning. Sergio Romo rebounded from a tough outing in his last game to throw a perfect eighth inning. Osiris Matos made his Major League debut pitching the ninth inning and recording his first strikeout while shutting down the Cubs for good.
Lincecum was also able to provide himself some run support, breaking a 1-1 tie in the second inning with a run batted in, and then came around to score on Fred Lewis’ single. He helped fuel the four-run inning that gave the Giants a 4-1 lead at the time. Pinch-hitting Rich Aurilia extended the lead to four in the seventh inning with a three-run homer off Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol, he would stay in the game to play first base. Shortstop Omar Vizquel also appeared to have broken out of his slump by reaching base on two singles in the game, driving in a run and scoring one. Third baseman Jose Castillo went two-for-three with an RBI and two runs scored. Centerfielder Aaron Rowand also scored two runs for San Francisco after going two-for-four with singles.
The Giants will host the Dodgers this weekend, with the first game at 1:05 p.m. Friday afternoon. Jonathan Sanchez will square off against proven veteran Derek Lowe. Coming off a strong start, Sanchez could help bring the Giants within four games of the division lead. The Dodgers have been a disappointment so far this year.
