San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - Mat Latos tossed seven innings of one-run baseball to set an MLB record, as the San Diego Padres defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers, 2-1, in the second test of a three-game series at Petco Park.
Dodgers Just What Doctor Ordered, Latos Strong Again As Padres Remain In First Place
Latos (14-5), who gave up just four hits, has yielded two runs or fewer in each of his last 15 starts, which is the longest such streak in major league history (min. 5.0 IP). The right-hander also struck out 10 and did not issue a walk to improve to 9-1 during his impressive streak.
Aaron Cunningham and Adrian Gonzalez each drove in a run for the Padres, who have won two in a row since a 10-game skid. San Diego remained one game ahead of San Francisco in the NL West standings after the Giants beat Arizona.
Rafael Furcal knocked in the lone run for the Dodgers, who have dropped four in a row. Clayton Kershaw (11-10) went seven innings in the start, allowing two runs on five hits.
The Padres got on the board in the second. Singles by Gonzalez, Miguel Tejada, and Nick Hundley loaded the bases with one out. Cunningham hit a sacrifice fly before Latos struck out.
San Diego tacked on another run in the third for a 2-0 lead. Chris Denorfia singled and raced home on Gonzalez's double to left.
The Dodgers finally got to Latos in the sixth. Scott Podsednik hit a two-out double and scored on Furcal's base hit up the middle.
Los Angeles stranded runners on first and second in the eighth. Pinch-hitter Jamey Carroll doubled off Mike Adams to begin the inning. After pinch-hitter Jay Gibbons lined out, Heath Bell took over on the mound. Podsednik struck out before Furcal walked. James Loney struck out to end the frame.
Bell worked a perfect ninth to record his 39th save.
The Dodgers and Padres have split 14 games this season...Latos was scratched prior to Monday's game due to the stomach flu. He improved to 1-2 in his career against the Dodgers...Los Angeles designated Ronnie Belliard for assignment and called up outfielder Trent Oeltjen from Triple-A Albuquerque...Kershaw fell to 4-3 lifetime versus San Diego.
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