Travis Wood was in line for his first win since July 6 on Sunday but the Giants rallied against the Cubs, and he ended up with a no decision. While the Giants are aiming for the postseason, he’s working on next year.

“He’s positioned himself as one of our starters [for 2013],” manager Dale Sveum said of the left-hander. “He’s made strides to learn how to pitch completely different than he ever has, and it’s made him able to survive and have some really good games. … He’s coming, and it’s been an adjustment, but I think he’s done a pretty good job, too.”

Wood, who has not given up more than three earned runs in six of his last seven starts, agreed.

“I’ve always been a guy who just, ‘Here it is, I’m going to attack you and pound you with the fastball and cutter and whatever happens, happens,’” Wood said. “But I’ve learned to use my other pitches and use both sides of the plate, so it’s definitely been a learning year.”

It’s also been a long year for the Cubs, who are 0-for-September and have to face the Nationals, who have the best record in baseball.

“We’re doing everything we can — we’re grinding out at-bats and playing great defense,” Wood said. “The wins will come — we’re a young team. It’s just getting experience and learning the game and slowing it down and figuring out what you have to do. we’ll be there.”

Wood now is 0-8 with a 6.33 ERA in his last 10 starts, but has not given up more than three earned runs in six of his last seven starts, dating to Aug. 1.

– Carrie Muskat