Lincecum, Grizzlies blank Rainiers

Tim Lincecum struck out nine in seven scoreless innings and combined with two relievers on a six-hitter as Fresno defeated visiting Tacoma, 2-0, on Thursday.

Lincecum (2-0), who yielded four hits and two walks, has been virtually unhittable since the Giants made him their No. 1 pick in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft. In two starts for the Grizzlies, the right-hander has given up six hits and struck out 17 in 12 scoreless innings.

Lincecum didn't allow a runner to get past second base in this one. Jeff Clement doubled in the second inning and Rob Johnson doubled in the sixth. Lincecum stranded Johnson by striking out Bryan LaHair and Wladimir Balentien to end the inning.

Scott Munter pitched a scoreless eighth and Brian Wilson allowed a leadoff double and a walk before retiring three straight batters to pick up his second save.

The Grizzlies staked Lincecum to a 2-0 lead in the first. Chad Santos singled with two outs to plate Luis R. Figueroa and Kevin Frandsen singled with the bases loaded to bring in Dan Ortmeier.

That was all Fresno got against Tacoma starter Jorge Campillo (1-1), who yielded seven hits in seven innings. He struck out four and walked two. --Tim Leonard/MLB.com