Tue Jul 1 00:59:18 2008

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Padres erupt for seven runs in ninth to beat Rockies

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Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Edgar Gonzalez belted two solo home runs, the second as part of a seven-run ninth to break open a tie game, as the San Diego Padres outslugged the Colorado Rockies, 15-8, in the opener of a three-game set between two teams badly in need of a win.

Edgar Gonzalez was 4-for-5 with three RBI and Jody Gerut had a three-run homer and finished four RBI and two runs scored. Brian Giles added four hits with an RBI and a run scored while Kevin Kouzmanoff was 3-for-5 with a home run, two RBI and a run scored for San Diego. The Padres snapped an eight-game losing streak with only the team's second win in the last 14 games. Heath Bell (6-3) inherited the win, tossing a scoreless eighth prior to San Diego's punishing ninth.

Brad Hawpe hit a three-run homer and Chris Iannetta stroked a three-run double while Todd Helton and Troy Tulowitzki added RBI hits for Colorado, which has now lost eight straight and nine of ten overall. Brian Fuentes (1-4) took the loss, allowing the Padres to bust open a tie game with five runs on five hits in just one-third of an inning.

Padres starter Greg Maddux was slammed for eight runs on eight hits and three walks in just 4 2/3 innings to remain winless since May 10, going 0-3 over his last 10 starts. The Rockies' Jorge De La Rosa was equally unimpressive, giving up six runs on 11 hits over five-plus frames in the no-decision.