Yu Darvish struck out 12 over 6⅓ innings and improved to 3-1 on Friday as the San Diego Padres held off the National League West-leading San Francisco Giants 3-2.
Darvish walked three, hit a batter, and surrendered four hits, including a solo home run to Giants catcher Buster Posey in the top of the first at Petco Park.
"It was one of those days where I could strike out a lot of batters, but there were so many issues today," Darvish said. "I don't want to pitch lousy as a top of the rotation starter, and going six to seven innings is expected since I want to set a good example for the starting staff."