Barry's Back

Barry Zito of course.  With their backs against the St. Louis wall, the SF Giants got what brung them: a dominating performance by a starting pitcher.  This has been Zito's year, even with his last brief postseason outing.  He pitched 8 2/3 clutch innings, backed up by clutch fielding and even some hitting. 

It's what's been missing, this Giants trademark of dominant starting pitching, and why they were down to a 3-1 deficit, and in danger of losing it all on the road.  Of course, they did get pitching that was pretty good, if you're hitting, but not lights-out, until Vogelsong in game 2 and now Zito.  And even after more than 100 pitches he was throwing wicked curves in the eighth.  I've never seen balls drop like he threw in that inning.

So they come home, have Vogelsong again and Matt Cain, who is due for a groove.  Just to get back home is a good thing.  Giants baseball.  They've been fun.