Updated

Pablo Sandoval stroked a two-run homer to lead the San Francisco Giants to a 2-0 win over the San Diego Padres on Saturday.

Tim Lincecum (2-0) scattered four hits and struck out eight over 6 2/3 shutout innings for the Giants, who have taken the first two tilts of a three-game set. Sergio Romo twirled a perfect ninth frame to earn his eighth save of the season.

"It is difficult, the ball comes out of (Lincecum's) hand and it looks like a strike, but then just doesn't get there. You have to be ready to hit, but tonight he was on," Padres manager Bud Black said.

Everth Cabrera had two hits for the Padres, who have dropped two straight and seven of their last 10 games.

Andrew Cashner (0-1) lasted just four innings, giving up two hits, including Sandoval's two-run homer, while striking out five.

In the fourth, Angel Pagan worked a leadoff walk and reached second on Marco Scutaro's ground out to second baseman Alexi Amarista. Sandoval fell behind 1-2, but fouled off four straight pitches before clubbing his third homer of the season.

"They throw the ball well. Cashner got a huge arm, and their bullpen is tough. We know that it is going to be a battle when we face them," Giants catcher Buster Posey said.

Cabrera hit a leadoff double in the eighth inning off Jose Mijares and moved to third on Will Venable's ground out. Mijares was replaced by Santiago Casilla, who promptly walked Chase Headley to put runners on the corners with just one out.

Casilla was able to get Yonder Alonso to ground into an inning-ending double- play, and Romo retired the side in order in the ninth to seal the win.

Game Notes

Sandoval fouled a pitch off his foot in the seventh inning. He finished the at-bat, but was replaced in the field by Joaquin Arias in the eighth ... The Giants have won 15 of their last 19 games at AT&T Park ... The Giants are 4-0 when Lincecum starts this season ... Clayton Richard was a late scratch with flu-like symptoms ... Cashner made his first start since suffering a lacerated tendon in his right thumb while dressing meat after a hunting trip in the offseason. He made five starts for San Diego last season.