The starting pitcher didn't stink up this one, and that was rare. The Giants' rotation ranked 27th among the 30 teams in ERA at 7.42, which was a big part of the reason for their 0-6 record in San Diego and Los Angeles.
With Jonathan Sanchez due to start, the Giants returned home Friday night to open a weekend series against the Diamondbacks, a team that had easily handled Sanchez, who was 1-5 with an 8.56 ERA in seven starts against Arizona. Repeat: The starting pitcher didn't stink up this one.
Neither did the bullpen. Nor the defense. The offense did just enough, and the Giants beat the Diamondbacks 2-0.
The six-game losing streak ended. Not only did Sanchez throw 6 2/3 scoreless innings, but setup men Jeremy Affeldt and Bobby Howry did their jobs in the wake of recent failures. Closer Brian Wilson got the final out of the eighth and added a scoreless ninth for save No. 1.
Really, it was textbook baseball, something fans haven't seen from the Giants this year -- certainly not on the road.
GIANTS 2, DIAMONDBACKS 0: Through seven innings, the Giants led 1-0, thanks to Pablo Sandoval doubling and getting driven in by Bengie Molina. Andres Torres' homer in the eighth was the second run. Jonathan Sanchez pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings, and lefty Jeremy Affeldt was summoned to face pinch-hitter Tony Clark, who hit a vicious liner to right fielder Randy Winn, ending the threat.
