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Late rally pushes Padres past Braves

Jun 27, 2011 - 1:10 AM San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - Orlando Hudson's two-run single in the eighth inning put San Diego ahead for good, as the Padres went on to capture a 4-1 win over the Atlanta Braves in the rubber match of a three-game series.

Hudson's hit made Mike Adams (3-1) a winner, despite allowing the first run of the game in the eighth.

Cory Luebke, a reliever turned starter, lasted five innings of one-hit ball in his first start this season for San Diego. But after tossing 75 pitches, Luebke left the game with a 0-0 tie and the Padres' bullpen was able to work for the win.

Jonny Venters (3-1) allowed all four Padres runs with two outs in the eighth to get the loss, Atlanta's second in seven games.

"Today just didn't happen," Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "Needless to say, you try to get six outs with a one run lead and it just didn't happen."

With the season series knotted at four games apiece, it was only fitting that the game, weekend series and season series would be come down to the wire.

After seven scoreless innings, Atlanta struck first in the eighth as Nate McLouth drew a one-out walk. Pinch-hitter Eric Hinske then grounded into a possible double play but a bobble by Hudson allowed Hinske to beat out the throw to first.

The bobble proved costly as Jordan Schafer extended the inning with Atlanta's second hit of the game, a double into right that sent Hinske home.

However, the Padres responded during the bottom half.

Chris Denorfia drew his second walk of the game to start off the Padres' eighth. Cameron Maybin followed with an infield hit while pinch-hitter Rob Johnson bunted the runners to second and third. Venters intentionally walked Jesus Guzman to load the bases and Will Venable popped up a bunt attempt to the pitcher for the second out.

But San Diego would do all the damage during the next three batters. Jason Bartlett tied the game with a hard grounder that Venters tipped with his glove, causing short stop Alex Gonzalez to miss a possible barehanded play and score Denorfia for a 1-1 tie.

Hudson atoned for his bobble in the top half and laced a single into center to score both Maybin and Guzman for the lead. Chase Headley then singled in Jason Bartlett to end the decisive four-run inning.

"This team has been battling all year," Hudson said. "We were scraping for runs and today we go against a guy who has great stuff. He (Venters) is one of the toughest guys in baseball to face."

San Diego closer Heath Bell entered to twirl a perfect ninth inning and collected his 20th save of the season.

The Padres had their opportunities to go ahead earlier. Overall, They had 11 of the game's 13 hits and left 13 runners on base. One of the better chances came in the seventh.

Eric O'Flaherty replaced Atlanta's starter Tim Hudson and immediately gave up a leadoff double to Guzman. He then hit Venable with a pitch and Bartlett's sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third.

O'Flaherty struck out Orlando Hudson for a second out and walked Headley to load the bases. Scott Linebrink came in and induced a Ryan Ludwick groundout to second.

Game Notes

The Padres won their first series against the Braves at PETCO Park since sweeping a three-game set in 2005. They finished 5-4 in the season series against Atlanta, their first season series victory against the Braves since going 5-1 in 2005...San Diego allowed just two hits, its least amount of hits allowed in a game this season. The two hits for the Braves are tied for their fewest hits in a game this season...Tim Hudson pitched six scoreless innings on six hits. He also had a season-high eight strikeouts. The hurler hasn't allowed a run in the last 14 innings...Before the game, San Diego recalled right-handed pitcher Anthony Bass from Double-A San Antonio and optioned right-hander Evan Scribner to Triple-A Tucson.