The Braves' struggles at the plate continued on Thursday night against Barry Zito and the Giants, being held scoreless the first eight frames in a game they would eventually lose by a score of 5-2.
Zito worked 8+ innings, surrendering two runs on just five hits and three walks. His final line was not great, but the veteran lefty completely shut the Braves down in the middle innings. Tommy Hanson was not nearly as good and was on the wrong end of some lucky bounces; he lasted just 4.1 innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on seven hits and three walks.
Pablo Sandoval singled home the first run with two outs in the third. Hunter Pence bunted home a run in the fifth, and he came around to score with Marco Scutaro on a two-base error from Freddie Freeman on a ball hit down the line by Brandon Belt. Hector Sanchez then doubled home Belt to push the lead to 5-0.
The Braves made things interesting in the ninth. Martin Prado and Chipper Jones singled, and they were driven in on a double from Freddie Freeman. Dan Uggla then walked to bring the tying run to the plate. Unfortunately for Atlanta, Brian McCann struck out, Jason Heyward grounded into a fielder's choice and Juan Francisco hit a 5-3 grounder to end the scoring threat.
Atlanta has now lost five of their last six games.