Giants center fielder Angel Pagan had two hits and two RBI and two runs scored
Barry Zito didn’t have his best stuff. No problem. Tim Lincecum picked up the slackand pitched 4 1/3 innings of one run ball striking out six and walking none as the San Francisco Giants beat the Cincinnati Reds 8-3 in game four of the NLDS.
“I knew he would play a huge role in this,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “And I know of other situations where starters have been in the ‘pen and really done a great job to help their team win. We knew Timmy would play a critical role in the series like he did tonight.”
Angel Pagan, Gregor Blanco and Pablo Sandoval each hit home runs for the Giants.
“Thanks to the win today, there will be a tomorrow,” Pagan said. “And we are ready for that.” “I’d like to think that we still have the advantage,” Reds outfielder Jay Bruce said. “We’re at home. I expect Mat to come up with a big game. I’m looking forward to it.”
Zito lasted just 2 2/3 innings and gave up two runs on four hits. The left-hander lasted only 2 2/3 innings, his shortest career outing in the postseason. Mike Leake who was starting for the injured Johnny Cueto pitched into the fifth inning but allowed five earned runs on six hits. Ryan Ludwick homered for the Reds. Todd Frazier and Brandon Phillips had RBIs for Cincinnati.
