The San Francisco Giants secured a 9-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday afternoon at Truist Park, snapping a tough run of losses. This win not only ended the Giants’ six-game losing skid surrounding the All-Star break but also moved them closer to playoff contention with a 54-49 record, trailing the last NL wild-card spot by just two and a half games. The focal point of this triumph was Justin Verlander, who earned his first win of the season and his first with the Giants in this outing.
Verlander’s Delivery: Efficient and Resilient Over Five Scoreless Innings
In his 17th start of the year—and first season with San Francisco—Justin Verlander pitched five innings, allowing only a single hit while walking five batters but preventing any runs. Despite a challenging season record of 1-8, this win marked an important personal milestone and ended an especially prolonged drought. His pitching helped the Giants clinch the series and build momentum as the season progresses.
Longest Winless Streak of Verlander’s Career Finally Broken
The drought for Verlander was unprecedented both for him and the Giants. His 16-game winless streak was the lengthiest by any Giants starting pitcher in franchise history and more than twice as long as his previous longest. Prior to this season, the longest he went without a win in starts was seven, achieved twice—once in 2015 and again in 2024 amidst injury interruptions.
- June 13 to July 24, 2015: zero wins across seven starts.
- May 29 to September 8, 2024: zero wins in seven starts stretched by injuries.
This recent streak began early in the season and finally ended in late July, highlighting the significance of Verlander’s perseverance and resilience. His ability to stay competitive, despite the challenging stretch, reflects his veteran experience.
Milestone Victory Puts Verlander Among MLB’s Elite Active Pitchers
Wednesday’s win was the 263rd of Verlander’s major league career, extending his lead as the active wins leader by a wide margin—Max Scherzer trails with 217. Ranking 41st all-time, Verlander is now just behind Gus Weyring, who holds 264 wins. If he can sustain stronger performances the rest of this season, he has a shot to move higher on the historic list, potentially surpassing renowned pitchers such as Jim McCormick (265), Eppa Rixey and Bob Feller (266), Jim Palmer (268), Jamie Moyer (269), and approaching a tie for 33rd with Burleigh Grimes and Mike Mussina at 270.
Verlander’s breakthrough win for the Giants represents a turning point in what has been a challenging season, offering hope for both the pitcher and the team as they push to remain competitive in the NL wild-card race.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Can Justin Verlander get 300 wins?
A. Verlander’s chances of getting 300 wins are basically nonexistent due to age and performance trends. Even during his long and remarkable career, from winning Rookie of the Year to his latest Cy Young, he averaged 16 wins each season. This average doesn’t include the shortened 2020 season.
Q. Has Justin Verlander ever thrown a no hitter?
A. Eighteen years ago, Justin Verlander achieved his first no-hitter in baseball. He is one of only six pitchers to throw three no-hitters.