Lincecum Leads the Giants to a 3-0 Win Against the Dodgers, Clinching the Sweep

With a tie for first place on the line, Tim Lincecum was magnificent. Coming off of an encouraging outing on Friday in Oakland, Lincecum was at his best on a Wednesday afternoon in San Francisco against the rival Dodgers.

Lincecum went seven innings for the first time since since May 30th against the Arizona Diamondbacks, allowing just four hits and no runs. He also fanned a season high eight strikeouts while walking just two Dodgers' batters.

After today's start, the Freak brought his ERA down to 5.60, and he also won his first game since April 28th against the Padres.

Not to mention that the Dodgers didn't score a single run during this three game set. The Giants haven't shut out an opponent in a three consecutive games since 1954, and only three times (not including today) in the San Francisco Giants era.

Melky Cabrera put the Giants on the board for the second consecutive day, lining an RBI double to left that snuck out of the diving Bobby Abreu's glove. Lincecum, who singled with one out, scored on Melky's hit.

Buster Posey followed Cabrera's hit with a one out walk, juicing the bases for Angel Pagan. Pagan also drew a walk, allowing Ryan Theriot to trot home, giving the Giants a 2-0 lead. With a chance for more, Chad Billingsly struck out Pablo Sandoval on a high fastball to end the threat.

The Giants wouldn't need anymore offense behind Lincecum, but Angel Pagan ripped a one out single to right field, scoring Ryan Theriot again, adding another run to the Giants' lead.

In the top of the third frame, Chad Billingsly tried to steal home on a passed ball to the backstop, but Hector Sanchez quickly caught the hard bounce of the backstop and tossed a perfect throw to Tim Lincecum who got clobbered by Billinsgly, but Timmy was able to apply the tag and get the out (With his glove off).

With runners on first and second and one out, Bruce Bochy came jogging out to the mound for a little pep talk with Lincecum. As soon as the huddle broke, Bochy heard a roar of cheers from the crowd as they were thankful that Bochy kept Lincecm in the game.

The Freak retired the his final two batters in the seventh, leaving the job to Sergio Romo who was excellent, retiring four straight batters to clinch the sweep of the Dodgers.

The National league West is all tied up now. The Dodgers will fly back home to start a three game series against the Mets, while the Giants will host the Reds for a four game series starting tomorrow night.