SAN FRANCISCO - Though Jason Schmidt pitcher - and though he didn't have his best stuff, Schmidt hung on for his 100th career victory.

Schmidt struck out 11 in his NL-leading 14th win, Michael Tucker hit a three-run homer and the Giants beat the Chicago Cubs 6-2 Friday night in the opener of a key three-game series between playoff contenders.

Matt Clement (8-11) was even less effective for Chicago, allowing five hits, four walks and a season-high six runs while dropping to 2-6 in his last 11 starts.

"We both bent a little bit tonight, and I guess I broke and he didn't," the Butler native said. "That's why he's probably going to win the Cy Young Award. I can't give up six runs and expect to win against Jason Schmidt."

Schmidt's 100th win meant little to him. He failed in his previous attempt to reach the milestone, losing to St. Louis' Woody Williams last Sunday in Williams' 100th win.

"I'm on a good team, I'm getting great defense and a lot of runs, and I'm benefiting from it," Schmidt said with a shrug.