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Lincecum stellar again as Giants down Diamondbacks

Sep 9, 2008 - 6:31 AM By Michael Duca PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- Tim Lincecum staked his claim to the National League Cy Young Award on Monday night, pitching 8 1/3 stellar innings as the San Francisco Giants claimed a 6-2 victory over the struggling Arizona Diamondbacks.

Lincecum (16-3) surrendered two runs - one earned - and seven hits, striking out nine while walking two, logging his longest career outing by throwing 127 pitches. The 24-year-old righthander entered the ninth inning with a chance to record his first career shutout, but was removed after the Diamondbacks loaded the bases with one out in the frame.

"We wanted to give Timmy every opportunity to finish it," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.

Lincecum wasn't concerned about not getting the complete game.

"It would be nice to finish one out," Lincecum said. "But, if I don't, it's not a big deal if the team is getting the win. I was given a fair chance to finish this one."

Rookie Alex Hinshaw induced a ground ball by rookie pinch hitter Jamie D'Antona, starting a potential double play. But, he couldn't handle the return throw to first base, allowing two runs to score.

Reliever Sergio Romo replaced Hinshaw and struck out Justin Upton on three pitches, preserving Lincecum's fourth straight win.

Lincecum, who leads the majors in strikeouts (227) and strikeouts per nine innings (10.3), also leads the NL in win percentage (.842) and ERA (2.54).

"I wasn't thinking about the Cy Young, I was thinking about us having a chance to catch up in a division game," Lincecum said.

The loss was the fourth straight by the Diamondbacks (71-72), who were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers over the weekend and fell out of first place for the first time since April 5.

Arizona had the chance to regain a game in the standings as the Dodgers suffered a 4-0 loss to the San Diego Padres, but it could not capitalize.

"We have to worry about us," Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero said. "We have to win. We can't worry about them. We can't control them."

The Diamondbacks, who have lost 12 of their previous 16 games, are hitting .198 with runners in scoring position during their skid.

"Tonight, we didn't have too many opportunities," Arizona manger Bob Melvin said. "We haven't been swinging the bat all that well lately. When you get those opportunities, you have to put on your best at-bats, and we were not able to do that."

Bengie Molina's three-run homer off Arizona starter Yusmeiro Petit (3-5) keyed a five-run third inning. In the span of nine pitches, Petit allowed singles to Dave Roberts and Randy Winn and an RBI single to Pablo Sandoval.

Molina stepped in and hit Petit's first pitch just over the left field wall to stake Lincecum to a four-run lead. Petit's troubles weren't over, though.

After he retired the next two batters, Petit allowed a single and stolen base to Emmanuel Burriss, followed by an intentional walk to Omar Vizquel. Lincecum singled to second to load the bases, and Roberts walked to plate the fifth run. Petit exited in favor of rookie Leo Rosales, who got Winn to foul out to Mark Reynolds on a spectacular diving play.