Barry Zito has given up just two runs in 15 innings in two starts against the Atlanta Braves this season.
Imagine the dilemma manager Bruce Bochy would have if the San Francisco Giants and Braves meet in the playoffs.
Remember, Zito was left off the playoff roster in 2010. The way he has shut down the Braves this year, it would be tough to keep him away from the mound if the Braves are the opposition.
The Giants beat Atlanta in the opener of a four-game series because Zito was in control, giving up two runs in eight-plus innings.
Consistency always is the problem for Zito, who had surrendered eight runs in his previous two starts. But Thursday, Zito tossed eight scoreless innings and was allowed to start the ninth despite being at 108 pitches, high for Zito.
He quickly gave up a couple of singles and was replaced by Jeremy Affeldt, who gave up a two-run double to Freddie Freeman, both runs charged to Zito.
Zito is 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA against the Braves in his career. He continually had them off-balance Thursday.