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Zito looks to end Giants' skid vs. Cubs

Jul 17, 2007 - 4:03 PM San Francisco (38-52) at Chicago Cubs (48-43) 8:05 pm EDT

CHICAGO (Ticker) - Barry Zito and the San Francisco Giants cannot buy a win of late. The Chicago Cubs seem like they can't lose.

Zito (6-9, 4.90 ERA) takes the hill as the Giants look to snap a five-game skid in the middle game of a three-game series with the Cubs on Tuesday.

Zito has been a main contributor to the last-place Giants' woes. The lefthander, who garnered the richest contract given to a pitcher in baseball history, has not won since June 4.

The 28-year-old has allowed 35 runs in his last 30 innings, and was pounded for five runs and eight hits in four innings by St. Louis on July 8.

Barry Bonds, who is hitless since July 5, sat out Monday's opener. Aramis Ramirez hit a two-out, two-run go-ahead double in the eighth as the Cubs rallied for a 3-2 victory.

Chicago is the hottest team in baseball having won four straight and 16 out of 20.

Sean Marshall (4-3, 3.48) get the ball for the Cubs, who boast the majors' best record at 26-12 since June 3. Marshall has just one win since June 19, and received a no-decision against Washington on July 5 when he allowed two runs and five hits in 5 1/3 innings.