The Giants didn't extend their winning streak over the Nationals, but they ended a streak by a National.
A 6-3 loss Wednesday ended San Francisco's run of nine consecutive victories over Washington, dating to 2007. But in the game, Ryan Zimmerman went 0-for-3 with two walks, and his hitting streak was snapped at 30 games. He was one of seven players this decade to hit safely in at least 30 in a row.
But the Giants weren't in the mood to take a bow.
"Not in a loss," Randy Winn said. "I'd gladly trade his hit streak for a win."
Zimmerman's streak ended when he hit into a fielder's choice in the ninth. At that moment, Giants fans stood and cheered.
"We want to thank the Giants' fans," Nationals manager Manny Acta said. "I thought that was very classy."
Zimmerman echoed Acta, saying, "It was special. Anytime you can get people telling you 'good luck,' people cheering you on the road, it means something."
One of his walks was intentional, coming after Barry Zito's wild pitch advanced two runners and left first base open in the seventh.
"We're trying to win a ballgame," manager Bruce Bochy said. "Once the wild pitch happened, we had no choice. You're behind in the count and have the hottest hitter in baseball up there. You're trying to limit the damage."
NATIONALS 6, GIANTS 3: The Giants trailed 1-0 through six innings, but the Nationals scored three in the seventh. With the bases loaded, Merkin Valdez replaced starter Barry Zito and gave up a broken-bat, two-run single to Elijah Dukes. Barry Zito, after four consecutive solid starts, was charged with four runs in 6 1/3 innings.
