Zito finally gets some support in win over Marlins

Juan Uribe’s 2-run homer helps hard-luck Barry Zito and Giants to 3-0 win over Marlins

SAN FRANCISCO — The boos were in Barry Zito’s favor for a change. This time, manager Bruce Bochy took the heat for pulling his $126 million left-hander.

Zito pitched into the ninth inning, Juan Uribe hit a two-run homer and the San Francisco Giants won their fourth straight at home against the Florida Marlins with a 3-0 victory Tuesday night.

What a change for Zito, whose struggles have frustrated nearly everybody.

“I’ve got four years left on this deal after this,” Zito said of his seven-year contract. “I want more than anything to let my potential come through, and show and let myself know, more importantly than others, that I’m still capable of throwing up effective outings.”

Zito was close to his 11th career complete game and second this season, but Bochy replaced him with Sergio Romo after Wes Helms’ one-out single on the lefty’s 107th pitch.

“I haven’t quite earned the right to get out of my own jams late. That’s something I’ve got to earn back,” Zito said. “I’ve had a lot more challenges here than I could have predicted. That’s just another one.”

Zito (5-8), who entered his 17th start with the lowest run support in the majors at 2.80, outpitched All-Star Josh Johnson (7-2). Zito allowed four hits, struck out six and walked one in only his second outing this season to reach the eighth inning.

“Everything was working,” said Giants catcher Bengie Molina, who had a sacrifice fly. “I think he’s been pitching great, we just can’t score for him.”

Romo recorded the final two outs for his first career save and the Giants’ majors-best 12th shutout and fifth in the last 10 games. San Francisco won its seventh in 10 games overall.

Johnson, who had won four straight decisions, picked up his first loss since May 19 against Arizona. The right-hander has allowed three or fewer earned runs in his last 15 starts, which matches the longest such single-season streak in franchise history. Kevin Brown also accomplished the feat in 1996.

“It was probably the best I felt in a month or so,” Johnson said. “I just made a couple of bad pitches. But it’s definitely something I can build on for the next start. It was good to finally find somewhat of a rhythm.”

At Milwaukee, Adam Wainwright came within two outs of his first career shutout and Ryan Ludwick and Colby Rasmus homered for St. Louis.

Wainwright (9-5) allowed seven hits, struck out nine and walked two. It was the fourth time this season Milwaukee has been shut out and the third time in the last nine games.

Yovani Gallardo (8-6) allowed four runs and six hits, walked five and struck out five in five innings.

At Phoenix, Doug Davis got his first victory in a month and Arizona matched a season-best four-game winning streak.

Davis scattered nine hits, allowing two runs in 6 1-3 innings. It was his first victory since beating San Diego 8-0 on June 5. Davis (4-8) was 0-2 in five starts since then.

Kevin Correia (5-7) allowed four runs, three earned, and six hits in six innings.

At Denver, Clint Barmes capped Colorado’s eighth-inning rally with a sacrifice fly.

The Rockies scored the winning run without the benefit of a hit. Julian Tavarez (3-7) issued consecutive one-out walks. Joe Beimel relieved and induced a comebacker from pinch-hitter Ryan Spilborghs but he threw wildly to second going for the force.

Alan Embree (2-2) picked up the victory without throwing a pitch and Huston Street got three outs for his 21st save in 22 chances.

At Philadelphia, Ramon Hernandez hit a tiebreaking RBI single off Brad Lidge in the ninth inning.

Brandon Phillips hit two homers and drove in three runs to help the Reds rebound from the worst loss in franchise history, 22-1 to the Phillies on Monday.

David Weathers (1-1) tossed a scoreless eighth and All-Star closer Francisco Cordero finished for his 21st save in 22 chances.

At New York, Manny Ramirez drove in three runs with two singles before he was ejected following his second called strikeout.

Clayton Kershaw (6-5) combined with three relievers on a four-hitter, pinch-hitter Blake DeWitt hit a seventh-inning homer and Los Angeles twice scored with bases-loaded walks.

Ramirez, in his fourth game back following a 50-game drug suspension, was called out on strikes in the fifth, dropped his bat and threw his helmet and protective gear and was tossed while walking to the outfield.

At Chicago, Javier Vazquez allowed a run and five hits in seven strong innings and Brian McCann had two two-out RBIs for Atlanta.

Vazquez (6-7) has two wins in his last nine starts — both against the Cubs. He walked none and struck out six. Rafael Soriano got his ninth save in 10 chances by pitching the ninth.

Carlos Zambrano (4-4), pitching on three days’ rest, allowed five hits and two runs in six innings. He hasn’t won since June 6 — a stretch of six starts.

At Houston, Jack Wilson hit a two-run homer and drove in three runs as Pittsburgh ended a three-game slide.

Paul Maholm (6-4) allowed two runs and six hits in six innings for the Pirates. Matt Capps pitched a perfect ninth for his 19th save.

Brian Moehler (5-5) allowed three hits and four runs in 6 1-3 innings.