San Francisco, CA (Sports Network) – Pat Burrell hit a three-run homer to back seven effective innings from Tim Lincecum, as the San Francisco Giants edged the Arizona Diamondbacks, 3-1, in the middle contest of a three-game series.
The victory is the third in a row for the Giants, who maintained a two-game lead over San Diego in the NL West — the Padres beat the Cubs on Wednesday. San Francisco’s magic number for clinching the division stands at three.
Lincecum (16-10) allowed just one run — a leadoff homer by Stephen Drew — during his start. He gave up six hits and walked four, but struck out 11 in taking the win. Brian Wilson escaped trouble in the ninth for his 47th save.
Ian Kennedy (9-10) pitched five innings in the start for Arizona, and gave up Burrell’s homer to take the loss.