The Zo Zone

... Giants rookie righthander Tim Lincecum bears a resemblence to Cameron Frye in Ferris Bueller's Day Off?

*

Shane Victorino had a heck of a series against the Giants. He hit .588 (10 for 17) with one double, one home run, four RBIs, seven runs scored, six stolen bases and one walk. Victorino was upset Wednesday in Atlanta because Charlie Manuel benched him for the second-straight day.

So did Manuel motivate Victorino?

Or did the rest simply help?

*

Cole Hamels (4-1) didn't have his best in last night's 8-5 victory, but that's what makes him so much fun to watch. He didn't dominate, but he gutted out a win anyway. In seven innings, he allowed eight hits, five runs (three earned runs) and two walks. He struck out nine.

Because Hamels pitched the seventh, it allowed Manuel to go directly to Geoff Geary and Brett Myers in the eighth and ninth innings.

That was sorely needed, especially if Freddy Garcia can't pitch tonight and Manuel needs somebody from the bullpen to start.