Tim Lincecum leads Giants over Astros

SAN FRANCISCO — Tim Lincecum ran his career-best scoreless innings streak to 23 in winning his third consecutive 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 gave up three hits with two walks in seven innings as the Giants cut the Dodgers' NL West lead to 6 1/2 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 (9-2), expected to be named an All-Star today for the second consecutive year, outpitched former Giant Russ Ortiz (3-4).