SAN FRANCISCO — Justin Verlander edged nearer to an MLB strikeout record during the San Francisco Giants’ recent game, even as the team’s home losing streak worsened. Verlander, who is climbing the all-time strikeout list, pitched effectively against the Tampa Bay Rays but ultimately took a 2-1 loss on June 8, 2025, at Oracle Park, deepening the Giants’ difficulties on their home field.
Verlander’s MLB strikeout climb has been a highlight in an otherwise disappointing season for the Giants, who suffered their 15th loss in 16 home games, marking their worst start at home since 1901. The matchup not only featured Verlander’s impressive performance but also underscored the challenges the Giants face in their bullpen and overall team offense.
Striking Closeness to Walter Johnson’s Record
Verlander was briefly confused by cheers from Giants fans in the fifth inning, expecting a milestone to appear on the scoreboard but seeing nothing significant. The fleeting message indicated his approach to overtaking Walter Johnson on baseball’s all-time strikeout list, though sources differ on Johnson’s official career totals. Among MLB.com, Baseball-Reference, and the Elias Sports Bureau, the Elias records place Johnson’s total at 3,515 strikeouts, leaving Verlander just four shy of tying the Hall of Famer.
During a quiet postgame in the Giants’ clubhouse, Verlander addressed the discrepancy in strikeout totals with some humor. “Sheesh,” he said with a smile after hearing more details on the differing numbers. Despite the confusion, Verlander’s progress in his MLB strikeout climb remains a significant career achievement.
Verlander’s Strong Performance on the Mound
Verlander celebrated a rare feat for a 42-year-old pitcher by throwing seven innings and striking out at least eight while allowing only two hits. It was his best start of the 2025 season, a throwback to his Cy Young Award-winning years. After seven innings, Verlander found himself with a 1-0 lead, energized by a well-executed game plan and support from teammates like Christian Koss, who helped the Giants take an early advantage.
Despite the solid outing, Verlander threw 88 pitches, marking his first complete seven-inning game of this season, and the Giants relied heavily on a weakened bullpen to protect the lead. Manager Bob Melvin was forced to use José Buttó and Matt Gage in relief, both unfamiliar with closing such tight games.
Giants’ Bullpen Woes Continue
The Giants’ bullpen, depleted by recent trades of Tyler Rogers and Camilo Doval and the paternity leave absence of Ryan Walker, failed to hold the lead in the eighth inning. With two outs and no runners on base, the Tampa Bay Rays rallied to score two runs off José Buttó and Matt Gage, overturning Verlander’s advantage and sealing the Giants’ loss.
This blown lead marked the sixth time this season that the Giants’ bullpen has squandered a lead Verlander established, tying him for the most such losses in MLB. The combination of bullpen fatigue and personnel changes has directly contributed to the team’s ongoing struggles at Oracle Park.
“Look, we still had a great chance to win that game, We had two out and nobody on in the eighth and we can’t finish it off. It’s pretty frustrating.”
—Bob Melvin, Giants Manager
Reflection on a Difficult Season
Verlander acknowledged the challenges the team has faced, though he noted his enjoyment of the clubhouse environment. His individual performance contrasts with the Giants’ struggles, especially given his record of run support, which ranks near the bottom of the league.
“We have a great group of people. I’ve enjoyed every moment that we’ve experienced in the locker room and off the field, On the field has been a struggle. It’s been hard, yeah.”
—Justin Verlander, Giants Pitcher
While Verlander appears capable of continuing his MLB career for several more years, aiming toward 300 career wins, the current season’s poor team results diminish the likelihood of reaching that milestone. With a 1-9 record, his opportunities for accumulating wins are limited, reflecting the wider difficulties the Giants are experiencing in securing victories over their upcoming schedule.
Verlander’s Historic Strikeout Achievements
Despite team setbacks, Verlander continues to cement his legacy by moving up the all-time strikeout list. Having reached 3,511 career strikeouts, he is poised to surpass Walter Johnson officially in his next appearance. He also trails only 24 strikeouts behind Giants Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry, which would move Verlander into eighth place all-time.
For Giants fans and baseball followers, these milestones provide a rare positive highlight in a tough year. Verlander’s accomplishments underscore his stature as one of the game’s enduring legends, even as the Giants endure adversity.
“I grew up a fan of the game and I think there’s just these names that come up and you’re like, ‘OK, you just passed so-and-so, and it’s like, I did what? Who? That’s a freaking legend,’ You just don’t think about yourself that way. You just kind of [put your] head down, work hard, just keep plugging along, but I feel like moments like that — you hear Walter Johnson, even though I’m not there yet technically, I guess I’m in limbo — everybody knows that name.”
“Every pitcher that has ever picked up a baseball and played for a significant period of time knows who Walter Johnson is. It’s pretty cool.”
—Justin Verlander, Giants Pitcher
Giants’ Home Stand Struggles Amplify Pressure
The Giants’ losses at home have reached historic lows, with the team dropping 15 of 16 games at Oracle Park this season. They have lost every series on this homestand, extending their losing streak at home to an unprecedented six straight series, a level of poor performance not seen since 2008.
If the Giants fail to win their next home game, they will experience an eight-game home losing streak for the first time since July and potentially close the homestand with a 1-8 record. This prolonged slump has hampered the team’s push to remain competitive in the wild-card race, something that may have been partially salvaged before the bullpen’s decline triggered by the departures of Rogers and Doval.
Outlook amid Uncertainty for Giants and Verlander
Justin Verlander’s MLB strikeout climb remains a compelling narrative against the backdrop of a struggling Giants team. His continued pursuit of historic career milestones offers a bright spot for fans during a difficult season filled with frustration and unfulfilled expectations. Meanwhile, the Giants face mounting pressure to halt their home slide and rebuild confidence within their pitching staff.
With the season progressing and only weeks remaining, the Giants will need to address their bullpen deficiencies, bolster offensive production, and support veterans like Verlander to salvage their season. Verlander’s efforts and leadership may provide a foundation for future success, but the immediate path looks challenging, both for the 42-year-old pitcher and the team as a whole.