Ortiz Ends Impressive Month With Big Game

The way Russ Ortiz has pitched in August might get the San Francisco Giants into October.

Ortiz (11-10) earned his sixth consecutive victory, and Barry Bonds hit his 484th home run as the Giants beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 2-0, Wednesday night at Pittsburgh.

The right-hander gave up four hits in seven innings and matched his career high with 12 strikeouts. Ortiz was 6-0 with a 1.31 ERA in August for the first-place Giants, who lead Arizona by 2 1/2 games in the NL West.

Ortiz wasn’t too carried away with his numbers though.

“I couldn’t care less, actually,” he said. “I’m here to win championships. I’m not here for myself.”

Ortiz left for a pinch-hitter in the eighth after throwing 113 pitches. He improved to 5-0 with a 1.39 ERA in seven appearances against Pittsburgh. Robb Nen pitched a perfect ninth for his 32nd save.

Bonds’ home run was his 39th of the season and came in the fourth off Jimmy Anderson (4-7). Bonds doubled with two out in the sixth and scored on Ellis Burks’ single.