Cueto helps Giants pass Cubs for MLB's best record

SAN FRANCISCO - Johnny Cueto pitched a five-hitter to become the NL's first 13-game winner, and the San Francisco Giants beat the Colorado Rockies 5-1 on Wednesday night to move atop the major league standings.

San Francisco (54-33) passed the Chicago Cubs (52-32), who lost to the Cincinnati Reds earlier in the day.

Voted to the All-Star Game for the second time and a candidate to start in next week's Midsummer Classic, Cueto (13-1) allowed one run on five hits with eight strikeouts and one walk while going the distance for the fourth time this season. The performance gave San Francisco's slumping bullpen a much-need break.

Cueto also became the first Giants pitcher since John Burkett in 1993 to win 13 games before the All-Star break.

The 30-year-old veteran Cueto was acquired by the Giants in the offseason thanks to a six-year, $130-million contract.

Along with his 13 wins, the Dominican owns a 2.47 ERA, good for fifth in the National League.