Barry Zito plunks Prince Fielder on 1st pitch for 2009 HR celebration, Giants top Brewers 5-3

Zito plunks Fielder, Giants beat Brewers 5-3

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Andres Torres hit a run-scoring single to highlight a four-run fifth inning and the San Francisco Giants came back from a three-run deficit to beat the Milwaukee Brewers 5-3 on Thursday.

The game featured a first-inning confrontation between Giants left-hander Barry Zito and Milwaukee first baseman Prince Fielder.

With two outs and a runner at first base, Zito’s first pitch hit Fielder squarely in the back, an apparent retaliatory gesture for Fielder’s antics during a walk-off home run against the Giants on Sept. 6 at Milwaukee’s Miller Park.

“My fastball was running in and it just got away from me,” Zito said.

While plate umpire Ted Barrett walked about halfway between the plate and the mound, Fielder walked to first base, tossed the ball lightly in Zito’s direction and clapped his hands.

Fielder claimed he wasn’t expecting to be hit and didn’t like it, but apparently was willing to let it slide — this time, at least.

“If that’s what they gotta do, let them hit me once, if it makes them feel better,” he said.