Cubs claw back to beat Giants

SAN FRANCISCO -- Jeff Baker hit a two-out, two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning, and the Chicago Cubs staved off elimination in the National League Central for a day by beating the Giants 3-2. Had the Cubs lost, the St. Louis Cardinals would have clinched the N.L. Central. The Cardinals on Friday begins a three-game series against the N.L. wild-card-leading Rockies, who lead the Braves by 3 1/2 games. San Francisco and Florida are four behind. Brian Wilson (5-6) walked El Camino High School product Derrek Lee to open the inning but got Micah Hoffpauir and Mike Fontenot on infield popups before Baker hit his fourth home run. Aaron Heilman (4-4) pitched the eighth to earn the victory.