Barry Zito earned little run support once again, but showed some improvement in his seventh loss of the season. It was another close game for the Giants, they dropped it 3-1 to the Pirates.
Zito lasted five innings, giving up two runs on five hits and just two walks, while striking out five batters. His only real mistake tonight was giving up a two-run shot in the fourth inning to Pittsburgh outfielder Xavier Nady. Keiichi Yabu continued to pitch well out of the bullpen, allowing just one hit in two innings of work. Tyler Walker pitched the eighth inning, and surrendered an insurance run. The Giants also announced the demotion of Brad Hennessey to Triple-A Fresno, and called up Billy Sadler to take his spot in the bullpen after Hennessey was roughed up pretty badly on Tuesday.
The only Giants run scored was produced by catcher Bengie Molina, who went two-for-four on the day with two singles. It finally came in the ninth inning, with runners on first and third with no outs. It appeared the Giants may have had something going, but what looked like another late-inning comeback was quickly extinguished.
Matt Cain will attempt to avoid the sweep tomorrow at 9:35 a.m., and help the Giants finish their road trip with a win. The Pirates will start Pat Maholm against him. Starting Friday, the Giants will return home for a ten-day homestand, beginning with the Phillies.
