Barry Zito four game dry-spell

MIAMI (AP) — Pablo Sandoval hit a two-run homer, Barry Zito ended a four-start losing skid and the San Francisco Giants beat the Florida Marlins 2-1 on Friday night.

Zito (2-6) went five-plus innings, allowing one run on four hits to get his first win since May 8 at Los Angeles.

Brandon Medders and Sergio Romo combined for three scoreless innings of relief. Brian Wilson loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth, but got Jorge Cantu to ground out for his 14th save in 17 opportunities.

The Giants have won eight of 10.

Sandoval homered off Chris Volstad in the fourth for a 2-0 lead. Bengie Molina led off the inning with a single and Sandoval followed with a drive over the right-field wall, his fourth of the season.

Aaron Rowand had three hits for the Giants, extending his hitting streak to 15 games, the longest active streak in the National League.

Florida closed to 2-1 in the sixth. Zito walked the first two batters and was replaced by Medders. A one-out single by Ronny Paulino loaded the bases. Alejandro De Aza hit a sacrifice fly to foul territory in left field that scored Cantu from third.

Volstad (4-5) worked six innings, giving up two runs on eight hits while striking out five.

The Marlins threatened in their half of the fourth when they loaded the bases with one out but Zito struck out Brett Carroll and Volstad to end the inning.

The Marlins defense, second worst in the major leagues in fielding percentage, made a play in the third inning when right fielder Brett Carroll nailed Rowand at home trying to score on Randy Winn's single.

The game started 55 minutes late because of rain.

Notes: Giants starting pitchers have allowed three earned runs or less in 16 of the past 17 games. ... Florida's Dan Uggla reached base four times with two hits, an error and a walk. ... Volstad faced the Giants for the first time.



by the associated press