Tim Lincecum helped the Giants end their five game losing streak last night, beating the Phillies 8-2. The offense seems to give him way more run support than he needs, and not enough to guys like Barry Zito. Everything just seems to click whenever Lincecum pitches.
Lincecum lasted eight innings, giving the bullpen some rest. He only gave up four hits over those eight innings, but two of them were solo homers, one in the second and one in the eighth. He also averaged a strikeout per inning. Brian Wilson pitched a perfect ninth inning to ensure the win.
The offense produced more than Lincecum needed them to, scoring two runs in the second inning, three in the third, and then continued to add on one at a time throughout the rest of the game. Batting in the second spot in the lineup, Omar Vizquel went three-for-five in his second game back (all three hits were singles). Rightfielder Randy Winn also went three-for-five, with two singles and his first homerun of the season. Centerfielder Aaron Rowand put the Giants on the board with a solo shot to leadoff the second inning, he also added two more singles to go three-for-four on the day. Third baseman Jose Castillo had a perfect day at the plate, going four-for-four with a double and three singles, he also scored three of the Giants eight runs.
The Giants will try to win the series today with Jonathan Sanchez on the mound at 1:05 p.m. Kyle Kendrick will try to do the same for Philadelphia. Perhaps with Omar Vizquel back, the Giants will be generating more runs with a more familiar lineup.
