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Ortmeier's RBI double powers Giants past Padres

Apr 10, 2008 - 6:43 AM SAN FRANCISCO (Ticker) -- Bengie Molina's late-inning heroics continued for the second straight game, even if he wasn't around to score the go-ahead run.

Dan Ortmeier stroked the game-winning hit with two outs in the ninth inning on Wednesday, lifting the San Francisco Giants to a 1-0 victory over the San Diego Padres.

"It was a slider up in the zone and I got a pitch to hit and put a good swing on it and we came out with a win," Ortmeier said. "That's what you work for. That's what you play for is stuff like that. It was a blast - a lot of fun."

Molina hit two home runs, including a walk-off shot in the 11th inning, to lift the Giants to 3-2 victory during Tuesday's game.

On Wednesday, Molina led off the ninth inning with a single down the right field line but was replaced at first by Rajai Davis, who stole second base to move into scoring position.

After Fred Lewis grounded out to the pitcher, Jose Castillo ripped a line drive at Padres second baseman Tadahito Iguchi, who made a leaping catch and nearly doubled up Davis at second.

The next batter, Ortmeier, ripped an RBI double off Padres reliever Heath Bell (0-1) over the head of center fielder Jim Edmonds to lift the Giants to their second straight victory.

Ortmeier, who was brought in to pinch-run for Rich Aurilia in the bottom of the seventh inning, finished with just the one hit and one RBI in his only at-bat.

After weeks of discussing the possibility of giving up switch-hitting and becoming strictly a right-hander hitter, Ortmeier put the idea into practice with the game on the line.

"I had a good (batting practice session) today and thought it was something I felt very comfortable with," Ortmeier said. "I wanted to go up there and give our team the best shot to win and it worked out."

Ortmeier entered the game 2-for-14 on the season and was 1-for-7 from each side of the plate. On Wednesday, he returned to his natural side in a key situation.

"He worked today on it and we put him in a tough spot today," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "Game on the line, facing one of the better relievers in the game and I couldn't be happier for him.

"The biggest part of this was he was all for it and got a pitch to handle."

Tyler Walker (1-0) picked up the win for the Giants with a perfect ninth inning, but it was starter Jonathan Sanchez who put his team in position for the win.

The 25-year-old lefthander pitched into the seventh inning, allowing just three hits and two walks while registering a career-high 10 strikeouts.

"He (Sanchez) was terrific," Bochy said. "He stayed within himself, he used his two-seamer well tonight along with his changeup and curveball."

However, Sanchez's performance almost fell apart after he surrendered back-to-back singles to Edmonds and Khalil Greene to open the seventh inning.

Merkin Valdez relieved Sanchez and, after Scott Hairston sacrificed the runners to second and third, Josh Bard hit a medium-deep fly ball that Lewis caught near the foul line in left field.

With his momentum going into foul territory, Lewis turned and threw home to nail Edmonds, who was attempting to score, for an inning-ending double play.

"He (Lewis) saved us," Bochy said. "That is a tough play. Defense wins games for you. Freddy can be one of the better outfielders and he has been working on it and today he made one of the better plays I have seen."

In addition to having his momentum going away from where he had to throw the ball, Lewis had to contend with the bullpen mound that is near the line and in the field of play.

"I was just excited to help out any way I could," Lewis said. "I know we have been struggling at the plate and trying to get runners in, and I was just so excited to be a part of it.

"I did trip a little and I was thinking about it and was trying to stand up. I didn't want to dive on the mound. I wanted to try to make the catch the best way I could standing up."

Padres starter Justin Germano nearly duplicated Sanchez's performance through the first seven innings, surrendering just four hits while walking one and striking out three.