SAN FRANCISCO (July 4, 2009)--Tim Lincecum ran his career-best scoreless innings streak to 23 in winning his third straight start and also
scored the first run in the San Francisco Giants' 9-0 victory over
the Houston Astros on Saturday.

The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner struck out nine and
allowed three hits with two walks in seven innings. Brandon Medders
and Merkin Valdez each pitched an inning to finish the three-hit
shutout, the Giants' majors-best 11th and fourth in their last
seven games.

San Francisco had 12 hits a day after producing a season high in
runs and pounding 15 hits in a 13-0 victory Friday night.

Lincecum has gone 18 consecutive innings without allowing a
baserunner past second.