Lincecum looks sharp in win over Mets

Any disappointment San Francisco Giants fans may have had over not seeing Tim Lincecum pitch in the All-Star game was quickly erased by how sharp he looked in the first game back from the break.

Lincecum pitched a six-hit complete game for his fourth career shutout and Pablo Sandoval hit an RBI double to help the San Francisco Giants (48-41) open the second half of the season with a 2-0 victory over the New York Mets (48-41) last night.

“I think it’s evident the rest probably did him well,” manager Bruce Bochy said. “The first inning you could tell he was fresh. It was nice that he didn’t pitch in the All-Star game and we could use him tonight.”

NL manager Charlie Manuel held Lincecum (10-4) in reserve Tuesday night in case the All-Star game went extra innings. When he wasn’t needed in that game, the Giants decided to pitch him in the first game back from the break.

The Mets were hoping for a big offensive boost this game with the return of five-time All-Star Carlos Beltran to the lineup. Beltran had been out since undergoing offseason surgery on his right knee. He batted cleanup and played center field, but was caught stealing after his only hit in the game.