Tim Lincecum was lights out for the San Francisco Giants as they defeated the San Diego Padres 2-1. Lincecum threw eight innings of two-hit ball and struck out nine en route to his 15th win of the season. Brian Wilson locked down the ninth inning for his career-high 45th save of the season.
The Rockies took a 1-0 lead in the sixth inning when Seth Smith singled, advanced to second on a fielder's choice, and was subsequently driven in on an Eric Young, Jr. single. Those were the only two Rockies base runners all night. The only offense provided by the Giants was a two-run home run by Pat Burrell in the seventh inning that gave them their final 2-1 lead.
The Padres defeated the Reds 4-3 thanks to their own seventh inning rally, which allowed them to maintain their half game deficit in the NL West. The Giants victory dropped the Rockies to 4 1/2 games out of first place, providing some breathing room for the Giants and Padres. Although the two teams are battling for the division, the Braves current four game losing streak has moved them to a half game back of the Padres in the wild card race.
The final sprint to the finish line continues tomorrow with the Giants sending Barry Zito out to face Jason Hammel. The Padres will send out veteran Jon Garland to face rookie Travis Wood of the Reds. The Braves send out veteran Derek Lowe to face aged Cuban rookie Yunesky Maya of the Nationals. Both the Padres and Braves should be finished or close to finished by the time the Giants take the field at 5:10pm pacific time.