Padres 2, Reds 1
Pinch hitter Chris Denorfia belted a two-run homer with none out in the bottom of the ninth to lift San Diego past visiting Cincinnati.
Yonder Alonso walked to start the ninth against Reds closer Aroldis Chapman (3-4) and Denorfia followed by blasting a first-pitch fastball over the center-field fence. The Padres have won six of their last eight games and the Reds suffered their fourth straight loss.
Chapman’s fourth blown save of the season prevented Mike Leake from earning a victory in his first career start at Petco Park. The right-hander who grew up in the northern part of San Diego County pitched seven shutout innings and allowed four hits and two walks.
Cincinnati struck against Padres starter Sean O’Sullivan in the fifth when Derrick Robinson tripled into the right-center field gap and scored on a fielder’s choice by Cesar Izturis. Padres first baseman Alonso elected to throw home but the speedy Robinson easily beat the throw.
Luke Gregerson (5-5) struck out two in the ninth for San Diego before the decisive comeback. O’Sullivan gave up one run and five hits in six innings while making his third start for San Diego.
GAME NOTEBOOK: OF Shin-Soo Choo (ankle) and 2B Brandon Phillips (rest) were held out of Cincinnati’s lineup. … Padres OF Carlos Quentin (left knee) was scratched due to soreness. … Reds RHP Jonathon Broxton (elbow) will start a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday.