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Zito eyeing consecutive wins for first time in 2008

Aug 23, 2008 - 10:17 AM San Diego (48-80) at San Francisco (56-72) 4:05 p.m. EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- Barry Zito has endured a painful campaign but seeks a shred of redemption on Saturday when he takes the mound for the San Francisco Giants against the San Diego Padres.

Zito (7-15, 5.43 ERA), who has won 18 of 58 starts since signing a seven-year, $126 million contract before last season, tries to win back-to-back starts for the first time since his final two outings in 2007.

The 30-year-old lefthander leads the majors in losses, but was stellar in his last start. The 2002 American League Cy Young winner allowed five hits and two walks while striking out three in seven masterful innings as the Giants clamed a 5-0 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Monday.

"There's no question that he's pitching with so much more confidence than he did earlier this year," San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said of Zito, who lost first seven starts in 2008.

Dirk Hayhurst is expected to be called up from Class AAA Portland to make his major league debut for the Padres. Hayhurst, who is 2-3 with a 3.75 ERA in 46 games - two starts - for the Beavers, takes Greg Maddux's spot in the rotation after he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.