Even if the Dodgers, who have won the division eight straight years, hold on to their 6-5 lead over the Brewers at the time of publication, the Giants still sit in the driver’s seat.

For an organization that has employed the greatest player of two generations in Willie Mays and Barry Bonds, it’s a team of wily veterans and overachieving acquisitions that’s won more than any. The Giants have now matched the 117-year franchise record for wins in a season with 106. SF added another victory - 3-0 - to its already historic season. San Francisco (106-54) tacked on one more run and shut down San Diego with five pitchers, including rookie closer Camilo Doval. The fans could smell a ninth NL West title in franchise history. “Beat LA” chants rang on the shores of McCovey Cove.Īt that point, the Giants led the Padres 2-0. Between the top and bottom of the fifth inning, fans rose to their feet and erupted as the Oracle Park jumbotron flashed the Dodgers score: MIL 5, LAD 1.