Trevor Cahill didn't have the worst start ever but four runs from the Giants were more than enough thanks to a stellar performance from Barry Zito (7 IP, 2 ER, 3 Ks). Outfielder Gregor Blanco might have been the MVP of the battle of the soft-tossers though with two hits, a run, a RBI and difficult catch to protect San Fran's lead and end the game. Paul Goldschmidt and Chris Young each also had promising games reaching base five time combined.
After a quick 1-2-3 inning from the Diamondbacks' bats in the first, the Giants did some serious damage against Cahill, all with two outs. Starting with Blanco taking home in a double steal, San Francisco got three across in a rally that included a triple from Brandon Belt.
Cahill settled in nicely after that, only allowing one run additional run but he was only able to go six innings and the Dbacks starters continue to rely too heavily on their bullpen.
Even so, things Cahill could have been in line for at least a no decision if Justin Upton's ground rule double down the third base line stays in play. With that bad break, the Dbacks were only able to score one in a third inning that had potential to be huge offensively.
John McDonald's pinch hit solo home run in the eighth inning made things interesting but Arizona's rally would come up short with two runners on after Miguel Montero struck out and Ryan Roberts was robbed of a double by Blanco after a solid at-bat.
The D-backs will get another chance again tomorrow at 7:15 PM. San Francisco sends Ryan Vogelsong (3-2) to mound to face Joe Saunders (3-3) as the Giants look to tie up the season series at four wins each.