San Francisco Giants pitcher, Barry Zito prepares to throw a ball. Photo courtesy of Gene J. Puskar/AP.

PITTSBURGH—The San Francisco Giants lost to the Pittsburgh Pirates, 3-1 on Wednesday, May 7, 2008.   Barry Zito made his return to the Giants rotation in Wednesday’s game, but fell short as he allowed Xavier Nady to score two home runs off of two of his pitches during the 4th inning.  

Pittsburgh’s Phil Dumatrait led the Pirates to victory pitching 5-2-3 in the game.   He struck out five Giants players, gave up one walk and allowed 5 hits before he left the game in the 6th inning.  

Bengie Molina put the Giants on the scoreboard with the single that he scored in the 9th inning.  By that time it was already too late for the Giants. Zito’s pitching speeds varied throughout the game.  Zito was able to strike out Xavier Nady with an 84mph fastball later in the game, compared to the 74 and 75mph balls he threw when Nady first stepped up to the plate.  The Giants have lost 4 of their last 5 games of the season.  Hopefully, the Giants will be able to bring some spark back into their game with their next 10 games all being played at home.