Barry Zito helped the Giants put an end to their five-game losing streak win a 9-2 victory in the series finale at Colorado. The offense improved off a last night’s five-run performance, and looks to be benefitting from the expanded September rosters.
Zito had a great day, earning his ninth win of the season. He went a strong eight innings, giving up just two runs on four hits and two walks while recording five strikeouts. The Rockies got their first run in the second inning when Garrett Atkins doubled, and later scored on a groundout by third baseman Jeff Baker. The other Colorado run came on a solo homer by second baseman Clint Barmes in the fifth inning, but by then the Giants already had a comfortable 6-1 lead. Brad Hennessey pitched a perfect ninth inning to finalize the win.
Newly called up Nate Schierholtz, and Scott McClain led the Giants offense. Schierholtz went four-for-five with two doubles and two singles, he scored three runs. McClain was three-for-five with three RBI’s, and three runs scored with two singles and a homerun. McClain’s sixth inning homer was part of a back-to-back show that Pablo Sandoval started with a two-run homer of his own. Sandoval also scored another run earlier in the game after reaching base on a single. First baseman Travis Ishikawa also contributed from the bottom of the order with a double and single that drove in three more runs for the Giants.
San Francisco gets Thursday off, but hopes that does not weaken their bats. They will begin a six-game homestand against Pittsburgh and Arizona. The Pirates will be up first, starting the series at 7:15 p.m. on Friday. Pittsburgh is a weak team this year, but with the way the Giants have been playing lately, they will have to fight for every win. Kevin Correia will be matched up against Zach Duke.
