ST. LOUIS — The San Francisco years have been the bust of times for Barry Zito, but in Game 5 of the National League Championship Series against the Cardinals Friday, it was the best of times for the eccentric lefthander, who had his glory days with the Oakland A’s before signing a $126 million contract to pitch in the City by the Bay.

Zito pitched 7⅔ scoreless innings and saved the day for the Giants, who faced elimination at Busch Stadium. Instead, Zito sent them back to AT&T Park, where they have a chance to come from behind, just as they did against the Cincinnati Reds in the Division Series when they were down two games and won the final three.