Padres stay in touch with victory over Cubs

SAN DIEGO (Reuters) - The San Diego Padres ended a three-game losing streak with a 3-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, but the team's fading playoff hopes were not helped by the fact their rivals for a post-season berth also won.

With four contests remaining in the regular season, the Padres (88-70) stayed 1 games behind the Atlanta Braves (90-69) for the National League wild card and two games adrift of the San Francisco Giants (90-68) in the NL West division.

"We could use some help from some other teams, but right now it's about us taking care of business," San Diego center fielder Will Venable told reporters.

Starter Chris Young pitched five scoreless innings and struck out six batters and the Padres used four relievers to end the damaging run of losses.

Closer Heath Bell worked the ninth inning for his 45th save of the season to seal the deal after the Padres had scored runs in the second and fourth innings and David Eckstein added an RBI double in the fifth.

San Diego has been struggling with its offense and entered the night having scored just four runs in their last three games.

The home side did not need much hitting, however, as Young was able to lead the way in just his fourth start of the year after missing most of the season with injury.

"(Young) has answered the call," said Padres manager Bud Black. "He gives you quality innings and doesn't give in."

Young received help from Venable, who returned from a two-game absence with a sore back and made a great leaping catch over the wall to rob Aramis Ramirez of a home run in the third inning.

San Diego has one more game against Chicago, who are out of playoff contention, before closing the regular season with a pivotal series in San Francisco.

The Padres are trying to climb back into position for a playoff berth after squandering a 6 1/2-game divisional lead in a little over a month.

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by John O'Brien)