Mastery Of Giants Continues As Padres Gain Back Lost Ground In West

San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - Clayton Richard pitched seven strong innings and Adrian Gonzalez homered, as the Padres beat the San Francisco Giants for a seventh straight time this season in a 3-1 decision at Petco Park.

This marked the third time this season that Richard matched up against Matt Cain, with the Padres winning each time. Richard (3-2) gave up three hits and a run with three walks and five strikeouts, while Cain (2-3) was charged with six hits and two runs in six frames.

The Padres remained unbeaten against the Giants this season and stayed in first place in the NL West by snapping their three-game skid. They swept a series at San Francisco last week and won Monday night thanks in part to the patience of closer Heath Bell, as he picked up save No. 11 this season.

Two fans ran onto the field in the ninth inning before being taken off the field by security. Aubrey Huff doubled to right field leading off the ninth, and after Bell fanned Juan Uribe, one of the fans entered the field, causing a brief delay.

Bell then fanned pinch-hitter Eugenio Velez and Nate Schierholtz flied out to center to end the game.

The Giants, who were coming off a three-game home sweep of the Astros, had just four hits and went 1-for-11 with men in scoring position.

David Eckstein legged out an infield hit in the fifth and scored later in the frame on Chase Headley's single to right field for a 2-1 San Diego edge.

Kyle Blanks was hit on the leg by a Sergio Romo pitch with the bases loaded to for a 3-1 difference in the seventh, and the Giants stranded men on first and second in the eighth when Bengie Molina grounded out.

The Padres placed outfielder Scott Hairston on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a strained left hamstring. To fill the roster spot, the Padres selected the contract of outfielder Chris Denorfia from Triple-A Portland. Additionally on Monday, the Padres transferred pitcher Chris Young to the 60-day DL... Mark DeRosa was put on the 15-day DL for the Giants with left wrist inflammation. The team also recalled Velez from Triple-A Fresno...Cain fell to 4-8 lifetime against the Padres...Since the start of last season, the Giants have lost 11 of their 13 games against the Padres held in San Diego...The Padres left 13 men on base.