SAN DIEGO- The Padres entered Tuesday night's game against the Dodgers on a 10 game losing streak and needed a win to remain in sole position of first place.
Over the past 10 games the Padres have been losing ground to the San Francisco Giants, leaving the Padres a game ahead in the National League West. '
With one swing from the bat of Nick Hundley in the third inning of Tuesday night's game, relief seemed to take over the team.
Hundley gave the Padres a 1-0 lead in the third on a long home run to left center field. Padres pitcher, Tim Stauffer, who was making a spot start would give the run back but Stauffer left the game after four innings of one run ball.
Stauffer was given the start after Matt Latos was scratched.
The Padres took the lead again for good in the fourth inning after a string of hits by the middle of the lineup drove Vincente Padilla out of the game for the Dodgers.
Scott Podsednik would add a home run in the seventh inning to make it 3-2 Padres, and San Diego didn't look back from there.
Once again the bullpen, which has been one of the best in the MLB, shut the door with work from reliever Russ Adams and closer Heath Bell, who struck out two batters in the Dodger's half of the ninth inning.
The Padres played a defensively sound game Tuesday night and hope to build off of the win. With the division lead down to one game coming down the stretch San Diego needs the consistent defense and pitching they have received all season.
San Diego and Los Angeles play again Wednesday night where Matt Latos will take the mound for the Padres and Clayton Kershaw will take the mound for the Dodgers.
Game time is 7:05 p.m at Petco Park.
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