CHICAGO (AP) - If Barry Zito is going to permanently reclaim a spot in the Giants' rotation, he'll need more starts like this.
Zito returned from the disabled list and threw seven strong innings, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Chicago Cubs 6-3 on Tuesday night for a sweep of a day-night doubleheader.
"I was trying to execute and things worked out for the most part," Zito said. "We scored some runs and played great defense."
In the first game, Ryan Vogelsong, who replaced the injured Zito in San Francisco's rotation, improved to 6-1 as the Giants won 13-7.
Zito (1-1) pitched for the first time since leaving his start on April 16 with a right foot sprain. He allowed four hits and two runs, leading the Giants to their seventh straight win.
"It's a big game for us to come back and win the second one, but for Z's first start back, I thought it was a great outing," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said.
Brian Wilson got his 24th save.
Nate Schierholtz had three hits and two RBIs to pace the San Francisco offense, and Brandon Crawford added two hits and two RBIs. Crawford also saved a run with a highlight reel stop of an Aramis Ramirez grounder in the third.
"When there are runners on scoring position and two outs, we're told to lay out and keep everything in front," Crawford said. "In that situation, I was trying to get to anything I could and get rid of it as soon as I could."
Rodrigo Lopez (0-2) - pressed into starting duty after throwing out of the bullpen for most of the season - allowed eight hits and four runs in 4 2-3 innings for the Cubs.
Pat Burrell and Aaron Rowand each drove in three runs for the Giants in the opener 13-7.
In the second game, Lou Montanez hit a two-run homer for the Cubs, who were held to five hits. Ramirez also homered for Chicago.
Zito was sharp early, striking out Reed Johnson to start the game and retiring first six Cubs.
"Change of speeds is so important and to be able to get a feel for all the pitches early, that's big deal," Zito said.
In the first game, the Giants' offense had season-best totals in runs (13) and hits (18).
Burrell slammed his seventh homer, Miguel Tejada also had three hits and Rowand had a three-run double.
Vogelsong (6-1) got the win despite allowing a season-high six runs - three earned - and matched his high for the season with four walks in five innings.
