Zito helps Giants avoid Braves’ sweep

ATLANTA — Barry Zito gave up only three hits in seven innings, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Atlanta Braves, 5-1, on Thursday to avoid a four-game sweep.

“He saved us,” Giants Manager Bruce Bochy said of Zito. “It would have been tough to come in here and get swept.”

The Giants improved to 2-5 on their 10-game trip.

“It’s definitely nice to get the team back on the right track,” Zito said.

Zito (6-10) walked five but gave up only one run, on Yunel Escobar’s second-inning homer.

Zito pitched five scoreless innings after giving up Escobar’s homer.

“He made his pitches well,” Braves catcher David Ross said. “He didn’t allow anybody to get comfortable.”