Phillies 3, Padres 1
Shane Victorino plated Jayson Werth with both an RBI triple and single and Joe Blanton tossed six strong innings as the Philadelphia Phillies managed just three hits in their 3-1 triumph over the San Diego Padres on Saturday.
Victorino also scored when veteran Mike Sweeney legged out a run-scoring fielder's choice for Philadelphia (72-57), which closed the deficit to 1 1/2 games in back of NL East-leading Atlanta. The Braves play the Florida Marlins later on Saturday.
Blanton (6-6) allowed one run and six hits to pick up his third straight winning decision.
Jose Contreras and Ryan Madson retired the side in order in the seventh and eighth innings respectively. Brad Lidge did the same in the ninth to secure his 18th save of the season.
Jon Garland had a run-scoring single for his second RBI of the season for NL West-leading San Diego (76-52), which suffered its third straight loss.
On the mound, Garland (13-9) permitted three runs and three hits in 6 1/3 innings to fall to 0-5 in six career starts against the Phillies.