Barry Zito gets the least amount of run support in the major leagues, but his teammates staked him to a 5-1 early lead and he pitched well enough to hold on for his second consecutive victory. Zito's line wasn't impressive 5 IP, 7 Hits, 4 ER, 4 BB's and 6 K's but his gritty effort was rewarded with a superb job by the Giants bullpen. Reliever's Merkin Valdez, Sergio Romo, Jeremy Affeldt and Brian Wilson all chipped in with strong performances.
The Giants offensive efffort was helped greatly by some spotty D'Backs defense. Arizona was credited with three errors and starter Doug Davis was victimized by a Bengie Molina two-run homer in the top of the third that gave San Francisco a 3-1 lead. Molina had two hits three RBI's including his ninth home run of the season. Pablo Sandoval and Edgar Renteria also collected two hits apiece and the Giants offense gave Zito some wiggle room in a 6-4 victory.
With the win the Giants are just a half game behind the Mets in the wild card race. Arizona honored former Diamondback Randy Johnson, who won his 300th career victory last week, with a brief video tribute after the third inning. The Big Unit stood in the dugout and tipped his cap to acknowledge a standing ovation.
San Francisco goes for the sweep on Thursday in a 12:30 pm start.
