So far it's been a good homestand for the Giants. And so far it's been a great homestand for Barry Zito.
Despite a period of discontent in the first three seasons of his $126 million deal, the lefty has finally figured out the way into the hearts of the home crowd. Win.
Friday night at AT&T Park Zito added to the best start of his career, improving to 4-0 as the Giants beat the Rockies, 5-2. For the second start in a row, he was serenaded with chants of, "Barry, Barry!" from the San Francisco faithful.
That's in sharp contrast to the boos that rained down over the former Cy Young Award winner over the last few seasons.
But that was then, and this is now. And now Zito is looking a whole lot like the guy who won Baseball's most prestigious pitching honor when he was with the Athletics.
In eight innings of work Zito held the Rockies to just two runs on five hits and three walks, while striking out five. At one point he retired 10 batters in a row. As a result, Zito is now tied with Tim Lincecum for most wins on the team, and saw his ERA move to a measly 1.53.
But he couldn't do it alone. The Giants lineup also picked up the slack, scoring three runs in the go-ahead fifth inning. Pablo Sandoval started things off with an infield hit that scored Andres Torres, and Aubrey Huff followed it up with a two RBI, bases-clearing double, putting the Giants on top, 5-2.
Sports
That is where they stayed. Jeremy Affeldt came in for the one-out save, and the Giants improved to 5-2 on this nine-game homestand.
