With the San Francisco Giants vying for a playoff spot, can they continue to settle for mediocre performances out of Justin Verlander?

Verlander posted an 0-8 record in 16 starts with the Giants prior to Wednesday's win. The winless streak in his first 16 games was the longest for a pitcher in Giants history. He entered Wednesday with a 4.99 ERA, which would stand as the second-worst of his 20-year career (5.48, 2024) if carried over the course of a full season.

Justin Verlander’s first win this season will get most of the attention following the Giants’ 9-3 victory over the Braves, and rightfully so. It didn’t feel right that one of the most successful pitchers in baseball history appeared incapable of getting one more win.