By Jeremy Kahn

AP Photo: San Francisco Giants starter Johnny Cueto throws against the St Louis Cardinals in the first inning in St Louis on Friday night

Johnny Cueto joined some exclusive company with his victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of their three-game series.

Cueto gave up a season-high five walks and despite back soreness, he helped the San Francisco Giants defeat the Cardinals 5-1 at Busch Stadium.

After two consecutive complete games, Cueto lasted six innings in his two starts and despite back issues, his picked up his ninth win of the season.

The ninth win of the season ties Cueto with Jake Arrieta, Stephen Strasburg and Chris Sale as the only pitchers with nine wins this season. Six of his victories have come away from AT&T Park.

Following Cueto’s departure, five different relievers combined to allow just one hit.

It was a tough loss for Adam Wainwright, who allowed just two runs in seven innings of work.

Brandon Belt and Brandon Crawford drove in two runs in the top of the fourth inning to give the Giants 2-1 lead.

Denard Span added a two-run single and Matt Duffy squeezed home a run, as the Giants broke the game open in the top of the ninth inning.

Since May 11, the Giants are 18-4, and have not allowed an earned run in three of their last four games.

Over his last six starts, Cueto is 5-0 with an 0.99 earned run average and allowed two or fewer runs in each of those starts.

The Giants prior to the game that they will be without right fielder Hunter Pence for six to eight weeks, as the right fielder will undergo surgery for a torn right hamstring.