No decision no problem for Cain if Giants win

Alex Pavlovic Mercury News

No decision no problem for Cain if Giants win

The Giants' vaunted starting pitchers haven't been credited with a win in nine games, and Thursday's starter couldn't care less.

Matt Cain left with a four-run lead in the sixth inning of an 8-7 win over the Chicago Cubs, but said "it doesn't matter" how the Giants win, and he's happy that "all the guys are getting the job done right now."

The right-hander did his part, overcoming a rough first inning and giving the offense a chance to get in gear.

Cain threw 31 pitches in the first inning, including a 10-pitch strikeout of Kosuke Fukudome. He gave up two runs on Xavier Nady's double to left-center field, but exited the lengthy frame feeling good about his stuff.

"I knew I had thrown a lot of pitches, but I felt like I was throwing strikes," Cain said. "They were fouling off a lot of good pitches."

Cain buckled down, leaving after 121 pitches. He allowed three earned runs, eight hits and a walk, and matched his season high with nine strikeouts.

"Matty battled his butt off until we were able to score some runs," said Pat Burrell, whose fifth-inning grand slam put the Giants ahead until the Cubs scored three runs in the eighth.

Freddy Sanchez was 1 for 19 before picking up two hits Thursday. While his bat has gone cold, his glove is as good as ever -- and it's one of the main reasons he continues to see regular playing time.

Sanchez

nd as always, made all the routine ones look easy. He hasn't made an error in 72 games this season.

Disabled left-hander Dan Runzler (dislocated left knee) said he feels great and is ready to make a rehab start for Class-A San Jose on Saturday. Fellow left-hander Jeremy Affeldt (left-oblique strain) will pitch for San Jose tonight.

Mike Fontenot, acquired from the Cubs on Wednesday, made his Giants debut in the sixth inning. Fontenot pinch hit for Cain and struck out.

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