Giants begin series with Mariners

The San Francisco Giants try to get themselves back into the win column this evening when they open a three-game series with the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field.

Perhaps still basking in the glow from Matt Cain's marvelous perfect game on Wednesday, the Giants were unable to match the intensity from that contest in Thursday's finale with the Houston Astros and fell, 6-3.

"It was hard to get any sleep, and I think it was the same for everybody," said Brandon Belt, who hit a two-run home run in the loss. "It might have played into today, but we'll get them tomorrow."

Barry Zito (5-4) surrendered five runs on five hits and three walks with three strikeouts over five innings to absorb the loss.

Tonight, the Giants turn to righty Ryan Vogelsong, who has won his last five decisions. Vogelsong won his second straight start on Saturday against Texas, as he surrendered a run and three hits in 7 2/3 innings to run his record to 5-2 to go along with a 2.26 ERA.

"He's got a maniacal focus that you love," San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said.

The Giants have won his last seven starts and Vogelsong has pitched to a 1.64 ERA in that time. He's also pitched into the seventh inning in 10 of his 11 starts this season.

This will be his first start against the Mariners since 2004 when he pitched for Pittsburgh. He lost that encounter, yielding three runs in six innings.

Seattle, meanwhile, will counter with lefty Jason Vargas, who is 7-5 with a 3.90 ERA. Vargas had a two start winning streak stopped on Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, as he allowed five runs and nine hits in six innings.

Vargas did not get a decision in his only other start against the Giants, but pitched well, surrendering a run and two hits in seven innings.

Seattle has lost all five games since its combined no-hitter against the Dodgers last Friday. The Mariners come into tonight's tilt on the heels of getting swept by the lowly San Diego Padres, including a 6-2 setback on Thursday.

Franklin Gutierrez drove in a run and scored once while Dustin Ackley drove in the other run for Seattle. Erasmo Ramirez (0-1) made the first start of his career and was tagged for six runs -- five earned -- on eight hits with a walk and three strikeouts over five-plus innings.

"I felt like their guy pitched a good ball game, he had good stuff tonight, he had everything working," said Seattle manager Eric Wedge. "He did a good job with his fastball, a real good breaking ball, too. He was dropping it in there for strikes."

Seattle has won nine of its last 11 against the Giants.