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Padres use late push to beat Astros

Apr 16, 2011 - 3:43 AM Houston, TX (Sports Network) - Ryan Ludwick hit the tie-breaking two-run single in the seventh inning, helping the Padres defeat the Astros 4-2 to split the first two of a four-game series.

Aaron Harang (3-0) allowed one run on three hits and one walk while fanning eight in six innings for the Padres.

Michael Bourn went 2-for-4 with a run scored and a stolen base for Houston.

J.A. Happ (1-2) gave up four runs on seven hits and two walks. He also struck out three in a losing effort.

Both pitchers were cruising through the game before Chris Denorfia's lead off home run in the fifth gave the Padres the lead.

The Astros tied the game in the sixth when Hunter Pence hit an RBI double that scored Bourn, who had reached base on a bunt single and then stole second.

San Diego quickly took the lead back for good in the seventh. Nick Hundley singled to center and Denorfia followed with a ground-rule double to right. Ludwick's two-run single to left made it 3-1, and he moved up a base on the throw home. After a Jason Bartlett groundout, pinch-hitter Eric Patterson's sac fly scored San Diego's fourth run.

Houston threatened in the ninth against closer Heath Bell, who earned his third save of the year. Carlos Lee and Brett Wallace started the inning with back-to-back singles giving the Astros runners on the corners with no outs.

After a Bill Hall foul out to second baseman Orlando Hudson, Chris Johnson grounded into a fielder`s choice that scored Lee. Hall then got pinch-hitter Jason Michaels to fly out to center field to end the game.

Game Notes

Hudson extended his hitting streak to 11 games with his infield single in the sixth inning...Bell has converted 37 straight saves dating back to last season.