HOUSTON -- The San Diego Padres have to be happy to
have Ramon Hernandez back.
Activated from the disabled list before the game, Hernandez
delivered a two-run single to cap a big fifth inning and lift
the Padres to a 7-5 victory over the Houston Astros.
Enjoying a fine season, Hernandez missed the previous 18 games
with a left wrist injury. The Padres went 9-9 without their
starting catcher, who entered the game batting .280 with seven
homers and 33 RBIs.
Hernandez's only hit in five at-bats highlighted a six-run fifth
that gave the Padres a 7-1 lead.
Xavier Nady belted a solo homer to start the uprising in the
fifth. Starting pitcher Woody Williams and Dave Roberts added
RBIs singles and another run scored in the inning on a wild
pitch.
San Diego, which had just seven hits, averted a four-game sweep
and won for just the fourth time in its last 10 games.
Williams (5-5) gave up two runs, five hits and two walks in five
innings. The veteran righthander struck out four in improving
to 10-4 lifetime against Houston.
Three relievers bridged the gap to closer Trevor Hoffman, who
retired the side in order in the ninth for his 24th save in 26
chances.
Astros starter Wandy Rodriguez (4-4) fell apart in the fifth and
was charged with seven runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings. He
walked three and struck out five.
Morgan Ensberg, Craig Biggio and Raul Chavez hit solo homers for
Houston, which failed in its bid to return to .500 for the
first time since April 22.