SAN FRANCISCO -- For Justin Verlander, the next month will be about big numbers.

He picked up win No. 264 on Tuesday, and while this disappointing Giants season has put a big dent in his hopes for 300, it's still a number to chase. He also got to 3,520 career strikeouts, passing Walter Johnson and moving into ninth on the all-time list.

But Tuesday night was also about a first.

When Matt Chapman provided a cushion with a two-run homer and the bullpen cruised through the final three innings of a 5-2 win over the Chicago Cubs, Verlander had his first career win at Oracle Park.

"No offense," he said, smiling, "But I wish I had one in 2012."

The Giants are glad he doesn't, although they have a lot of regrets about the way they've handled Verlander's 14 starts at home this year. They hav

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