San Diego, CA – Will Venable knocked a two-run home run and had three RBI as the San Diego Padres defeated the Miami Marlins, 5-1, on Tuesday.
Yonder Alonso and Everth Cabrera had an RBI apiece for the Padres, who have won 10 of their last 13 games. Starter Eric Stults (3-2) gave up just one run on seven hits and two walks in 6 1/3 innings.
"This is a good sign of where the pitching is headed," Padres manager Bud Black said. "The consistency of the starting pitching is starting to build a little momentum."
Marcell Ozuna drove in the lone run for the NL-worst Marlins, who saw starter Alex Sanabia (2-5) last 4 1/3 innings before going down with tightness in his groin. He allowed four runs -- three earned -- on nine hits and two walks.
"I left pitches up in the zone," Sanabia admitted. "It was just one of those days. Obviously, if you leave the ball up, it's going to get hit."
Cabrera drew a walk to lead off the home half of the first. He advanced to third on a single by Chase Headley and a fielding error by Ozuna. Alonso hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Cabrera.
The Padres tacked on three more runs in the second. Jedd Gyorko singled to start the inning, setting up Venable's two-run blast. Alexi Amarista knocked a double to left-center field and Cabrera singled to bring him home two batters later.
Ozuna's RBI double came with two outs in the fourth, plating Matt Diaz, to cut the deficit 4-1, but that would be it for the Marlins' offense.
San Diego added an insurance run in the eighth. Alonso singled with one out, stole second and reached third when Miguel Olivo's throw was off the mark. Following a walk by Gyorko, Venable grounded into a fielder's choice but was able to bring Alonso home.
Anthony Bass pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for the Padres to end the game.
Game Notes
Headley was 2-for-4. He is on a 12-game hitting streak ... The Padres have hit a home run in five straight games ... San Diego has won nine of their last 10 home games.
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