While the streaking San Francisco Giants climbed back into the playoff race, pitcher Justin Verlander added to his Hall of Fame credentials.

Verlander (3-10, 4.29 ERA) will be back at it Saturday night in the middle game of a three-game series at St. Louis. The Giants (72-69) won 8-2 Friday night for their fifth victory in a row and their 11th win in 12 games.

They remained four games behind the New York Mets and San Diego Padres in the race for the final National League wild-card spot.

The Cardinals (70-72) fell 6 1/2 games behind the Mets and Padres.

Verlander recorded his 73rd double-digit strikeout game in his last start, a 13-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Sunday. He blanked them on three hits over five innings while striking out 10 and walking four.

"He had to grind thr

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