SAN FRANCISCO — Former Rockies infielder Jeff Baker hit a two-out, two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning and the Cubs staved off elimination in the NL Central for a day by handing the Giants a blow to their postseason hopes with a 3-2 victory Thursday night.
Had the Cubs lost, the Cardinals would have clinched the Central. The Cardinals begin a three-game series tonight against the NL wild card-leading Rockies, who lead the Braves by 3 1/2 games, with San Francisco and Florida four behind. The Cubs trail Colorado by 6 1/2 games with 10 to play.
Brian Wilson (5-6) walked Derrek Lee to open the inning but got Micah Hoffpauir and Mike Fontenot on infield popups before Baker hit on his fourth home run.
Aaron Heilman (4-4) pitched the eighth to earn the victory and Carlos Marmol put two runners on in the ninth but finished for his 15th save in 19 chances, including 11 straight.
Kosuke Fukudome had two hits for the Cubs, who won their fourth in five games.
John Bowker hit his first home run of the year and drove in two runs. The Giants lost for the second time in 75 games when leading after eight innings.
• The Cubs granted right-hander Rich Harden’s request that he not pitch again this season, manager Lou Piniella said before the game. Harden has been limited to long toss after complaining of arm fatigue.
