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Headley hits 2 HRs as Padres down Pirates

Aug 11, 2012 - 5:50 AM Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - Chase Headley hit two homers, including a go-ahead two-run shot in the seventh, as the Padres edged the Pirates, 9-8, on Friday in the opener of a three-game series.

The Pirates used a five-run fourth inning to grab a 7-1 lead, but the Padres responded with six runs in the fifth, tying the game on Headley's three-run blast to right.

Pittsburgh went ahead again in the sixth when Rod Barajas singled home Garrett Jones, but Tony Watson (5-2) failed to hold the lead, issuing a two-out walk to Everth Cabrera before Headley sent his 17th homer of the season over the fence in left field.

"To be honest with you this is probably my favorite place to play," said Headley. "This ballpark is beautiful and I have some family here that I get to see. It's a tremendous ballpark and I see the ball well here."

Brad Brach (1-2) allowed one run over two innings of relief to earn the win for the Padres, who have won five straight games -- one short of a season- high.

Dale Thayer, Luke Gregerson and Huston Street combined to record the final nine outs in order. Street increased his scoreless innings streak to 21 1/3 frames, but appeared to injure his leg while attempting to cover first base on the final out of the game.

Jesus Guzman added a two-run double during the fifth, then crossed the plate on Alexi Amarista's base hit. Amarista began the game with his fifth homer of the year.

The Pirates have now lost 10 straight to the Padres at PNC Park.

"There's not many seasons where you don't have a game or two like this," said Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle. "But you find a way to claw back because it's speaks about the character of your club and that's what we have to do."

Travis Snider hit a three-run homer in the fourth and Pedro Alvarez plated a pair with a single to cap the inning.

Jones hit his 17th homer of the season -- a solo shot in the third -- and Starling Marte opened the scoring for Pittsburgh with an RBI single in the second.

Edinson Volquez got the start for San Diego and was charged with six runs on seven hits over 3 1/3 innings.

James McDonald countered with a 4 1/3-inning start for the Pirates, giving up seven runs on seven hits.

The Padres' 10-game win streak at PNC Park is the longest active streak in the major leagues for a team at an opponent's home park.

Game Notes

The Padres are 13-2 over their last 15 games versus the Pirates and are 27-9 all-time at PNC Park...Headley has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games...Street last allowed a run on June 17 at Oakland.