Tim Lincecum labors in final start before regular season, Giants lose to A's 7-3

SAN FRANCISCO – Back on the mound at AT&T Park, Tim Lincecum was still far from his old form.

The former ace allowed five runs in his final start before the regular season, and the San Francisco Giants lost to the Oakland Athletics 7-3 in the Bay Bridge Series opener Thursday night.

With a black-and-orange crowd announced at 40,630 returning for the first time since San Francisco won the World Series last October, many left guessing about Lincecum's future again. He struck out six and walked one in 4 2-3 innings. He gave up five hits, including a home run to Yoenis Cespedes for the second straight start.

Lincecum ended a shaky spring with a 10.57 ERA in five starts.