The Arizona Diamondbacks were unable to take the series from the San Francisco Giants, falling by a score of 7-3 on Thursday afternoon. The Giants used a six-run second inning to their advantage early, and the D-backs were unable to overcome Barry Zito on the mound. Arizona is now 78-78 this season with six games remaining on the schedule.
Patrick Corbin was hit hard by San Francisco. He lasted just three innings after surrendering six runs on seven hits. Zito was much better for the opposition, tossing six innings of three-run ball. The veteran lefty scattered six hits and three walks, striking out three on his way to his 14th win of the season.
Hunter Pence got the scoring going in the second inning with a two-run homer. Hector Sanchez doubled home a run, and then a passed ball plated the fourth run of the game. Marco Scutaro capped everything off with a two-run shot to left field to make the score 6-0.
Chris Young plated two runs in the fourth with a two-out single. Jake Elmore cut the deficit to 6-3 in the sixth with a ground-rule double over the left field wall.
With the Diamondbacks still trailing by three runs, Sanchez hit a solo homer in the eighth inning to make the score 7-3. Sergio Romo entered the ninth and recorded two strikeouts in a perfect inning of work.
The D-backs now return home to Chase Field and will welcome in the Cubs on Friday night.