Perfect streak ends for Giants reliever Kontos

SAN FRANCISCO -- George Kontos' drive for perfection ended Friday night when he allowed his first inherited runner to score this season in the Giants' 9-3 Interleague decision over the Oakland A's. Beforehand, Kontos marooned all 26 runners that were on base when he entered the game.

"It's something I took pride in," said Kontos, 30.

This lapse didn't detract from Kontos' superb season. The right-hander entered Saturday ranked among the National League leaders in relief innings (47 2/3), ERA (1.51) and appearances (46). But he still wasn't happy about entering the seventh inning with Billy Butler on first base with one out, then yielding back-to-back singles by Brett Lawrie and Eric Sogard that chased the run across.

"It's disappointing," Kontos said. "I felt like I didn't do a good enough job of executing my pitches."

This has rarely been a problem for Kontos, who began Saturday leading the Majors by allowing opponents to hit .071 off him (4-for-56) with runners in scoring position.

Kontos gained a measure of relief through knowing that when he finally faltered, it didn't cost the Giants a victory.

"Getting the win makes it easier," he said.