Andrew Baggarly - MercuryNews
Barry Zito is having a hard enough time trying to rediscover himself in the second year of his record-setting contract with the Giants.
He had a whole lot more working against him in a 7-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday afternoon.
The left side of his infield made two errors that led to unearned runs. And his offense couldn't touch Brewers ace Ben Sheets, who overmatched them with his wicked curveball while throwing a five-hitter for his second career shutout.
Zito gave up a few hard-hit balls too, including solo home runs to Gabe Kapler and Ryan Braun, as he fell to 0-2 and the Giants lost five of six on their season-opening trip.
The worst fears about the Giants' offense have been realized. They still haven't scored a run in the first four innings; they have been outscored 21-1 over the first five innings.
And they looked like Pony Leaguers against Sheets, who came out blazing as he struck out the side in the first inning. It was his first shutout since May 29, 2001.
The Giants were without Aaron Rowand for the second consecutive day because of a bruised rib cage, and Randy Winn was out with a sore ankle after hitting himself with his own backswing a day earlier.
The Giants were without long reliever Keiichi Yabu as well. He sustained scratches to both corneas Saturday when an exercise band snapped off and struck him in the face.
Yes, these are your 2008 San Francisco Giants.
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