After the San Diego Padres took the first two games of their four game set at AT&T Park the San Francisco Giants weren't having it anymore. That's why they fought back hard to top the Pads in extra last night, and will look to end the series with a tie behind the resurgent Barry Zito Thursday night.
Zito (2-1 3.81) has had a new focus and determination on the mound since returning from the DL, winning both of his starts so far and will try to make it three in a row this evening. And in true Zen-Zito fashion, he tries to explain his new mindset on the mound:
"I'm not determined to prove myself to anybody," Zito said. "I'm determined to do the things I can do. Trying to prove myself to the world, that's energy I don't need to waste. As long as I please myself, everything should be all right."
Zito 2is 0-6 with a 5.40 ERA in eight outings in the last two years against San Diego, so maybe he has a little something to prove tonight.
Zito will face the Padres Cory Leubke (2-2 2.52 ERA), making his third career start since working his way into San Diego's rotation. This will be his first time facing the Giants in his career, but he has been very solid in his 27 appearances for the Pads since April, sporting a 1.24 ERA and a .149 batting average against.
Pablo Sandoval will look to extend his hitting streak to 18 straight games after going 2-5 with 3 RBI Wednesday night. Kung Fu is 10-21 against San Diego this season with six RBI's.
First pitch is set for 7:15 pm PT this evening with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.