Arroyo homer lifts Giants past Padres
SAN FRANCISCO -- Rookie shortstop Christian Arroyo hit reliever Ryan Buchter's second pitch for a tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning Friday night, lifting the San Francisco Giants to a 4-3 victory over the San Diego Padres in the opener of a three-game series.
Right-hander Jeff Samardzija and two relievers combined on a five-hitter, delivering the Giants their third one-run win in five games on their current homestand.
The Giants' win came despite Padres third baseman Ryan Schimpf's third consecutive game with a home run, a two-run shot in a three-run fifth inning off Samardzija.
Arroyo, a 21-year-old who made his major league debut Monday, picked on a 1-0 fastball from the left-hander and sent it into the left-field bleachers for his second home run.
The homer was the first allowed by Buchter (1-1) in 10 appearances this season.
Right-hander Derek Law (3-0), who stranded Erick Aybar at third base in the top of the eighth inning to retain a 3-3 tie, got the win.
Giants closer Mark Melancon pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifth save.
Neither starting pitcher received a decision.
Samardzija left for a pinch hitter in the bottom of the seventh, having allowed three runs (two earned) and four hits in seven innings. He walked one and struck out five.
Padres right-hander Luis Perdomo was pulled after six innings, during which he allowed three runs (one earned) and six hits. He struck out five and did not walk a batter.
Brandon Belt had three hits, including a double, and Joe Panik collected a pair of singles for the Giants, who outhit the Padres 8-5.
Cory Spangenberg had a single and a double for the Padres.
NOTES: The Padres' record for home runs in consecutive games is six, set by 3B Graig Nettles in 1984. ... Padres 2B Yangervis Solarte was hit twice in the game by Giants starter RHP Jeff Samardzija, raising his season total to four. Giants pitchers have accounted for three of the four HBPs. ... The Giants had scored just four first-inning runs before tallying two on Friday. ... Giants 1B/LF Michael Morse's sacrifice fly was San Francisco's major league-leading 11th of the season.