PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -- Ben Johnson and Eric Valent homered for San
Diego during a five-run eighth inning and the Padres rallied to
beat the Oakland Athletics 6-5 on Tuesday.
With the Padres trailing 5-1, Johnson homered leading off the
eighth. Terrmel Sledge followed with a double and Valet hit a
two-run homer with one out.
Doug Mirabelli drew a two-out walk, Justin Leone singled and
Bobby Hill doubled them home.
"It's only spring training, but no question, anytime you win a
game like that it's important," Padres manager Bruce Bochy said.
"We're not as concerned with winning and losing in the spring, but
that was a nice comeback."
Rookie second baseman Josh Barfield continued his fine play for
the Padres with a double in three at-bats and two nice defensive
plays. Barfield, the son of former major leaguer Jesse Barfield, is
hitting .524.
Shane Komine lost and Jon Adkins won. Left-hander Ryan Meaux
pitched a perfect ninth for the save.
Bobby Crosby and Eric Chavez hit back-to-back home runs for the
A's in the third inning. It was the third of the spring for Crosby,
the fourth for Chavez and his third in three games.
A's left-hander Barry Zito worked four innings, allowing three
hits and one run.