Since his return from the disable list San Francisco Giant starter Barry Zito has been pitching like a brand new man, and will be looking to keep his progress going Saturday night against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park.
Zito (3-1 3.18 ERA) went 2-10 with a 4.70 ERA in the second half of the 2010 season for the Giants, effectively leaving him off the postseason roster. But Zito's zen like focus and command has been coming back strong in his last few starts, and will hopefully have a much better second half than last year. Zito last start was July 7 against the Padres, going a season high seven innings will holding them to just one run on four hits. If any semblance of that start shines through on Saturday I'm sure the Giants would be more than happy to take it.
The Padres have won 13 of their last 22 meeting with the Giants at Petco Park, although they're already in a 2-0 hole in this four game series. They also will unfortunately be without their second best bat in the lineup as third baseman Chase Headley went down with a strained calf in the first inning of Friday's game; a big blow to an already inept offense.
First pitch is set for 5:35 pm PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.