An inning-ending out that turned into a two-run triple when it was completely misplayed by Eugenio, an infielder making just his fourth start in left field, cost Lincecum his 18th win and instead resulted in his 4th loss. His first came on a highly questionable balk call by umpire Gary Darling.

To illustrate the luck Brandon Webb has had and the lack of luck (five wins blown by his bullpen) Lincecum has had, Tim outpitched Brandon on back-to-back nights between the Giants and Diamondbacks — yet Tim got a loss and Brandon another win. Despite that, Webb has three more losses than Lincecum to go along with his four more wins.

Which is the better record? 17-4 or 21-7? The former is an .810 winning percentage; the latter, .750.

With a major league leading 243 strikeout (just eight from the SF Giants franchise record), Lincecum has been the more spectacular. With a 2.46 ERA that is 0.80 lower than Webb’s and with 21 games in which he gave up two or fewer earned runs and 27 with three or less, Tim has been the more consistent.

It seems odd to call a talent as explosive as Tim Lincecum Mr. Consistency. But with a 13-3 record following Giants defeats, that is precisely what he has been.

Without Brandon Webb, the Diamondbacks quite possibly would have finished second, just as they likely will. Without Tim Lincecum, the Giants might be the worst team in baseball.