SAN FRANCISCO — If right-hander Tim Hudson pitched his final game at AT&T Park on Sunday, it was a doozy.
Matched up with a pitching staff that had shut out the Giants for three consecutive games, Hudson needed to blank the Arizona Diamondbacks over six innings just to keep his club even in a 0-0 game.
When the Giants finally erupted for four runs in the last of the sixth, Hudson was told to hit the shower and enjoy his six innings of work, during which he allowed just four hits.
The win was the 222nd of his career, most among active pitchers.
With Giants manager Bruce Bochy looking for spots to use RHP Matt Cain and RHP Ryan Vogelsong before season’s end, it’s possible Hudson won’t pitch in the club’s final homestand of the season during the last week of the regular season, especially if San Francisco has been eliminated from the National League West race.
That would allow Hudson to go out where he started his career — on the mound in Oakland.
Hudson is scheduled to pitch Saturday against the Athletics, and is hoping to go against longtime pal LHP Barry Zito, who likewise has enjoyed success for both the A’s and Giants.
The Giants have picked Hudson’s slot for the possible reunion. It’s now up to the A’s to play along.