Padres sweep Pirates
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Carlos Quentin hit a two-run double in the first inning and Andrew Werner won his major league debut as the San Diego Padres capped a three-game sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 4-2 win.
Werner (1-0) gave up two runs on four hits with four walks and two strikeouts over six-plus innings.
"I felt good out there tonight after the nerves calmed down," said Werner. "It was a bit crazy, but after I got that first strike I settled down and got into my groove."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Quentin drove in three, Will Venable scored twice and Mark Kotsay drove in a run for the Padres, who have won four straight overall and 18 of their last 21 against the Pirates.
Gaby Sanchez hit a solo homer while Pedro Alvarez drove in the other run for the Pirates, who have lost four of their last five. James McDonald (11-6) gave up four runs on five hits with five walks over five innings, and suffered his third defeat in his last four decisions.
"I felt like I was getting better as the game went on," said McDonald. "I was able to get my breaking ball down, my fastball was going where I wanted it to. Just a rough beginning but I felt like I ended strong."
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}San Diego got to McDonald early as he helped them along by walking the first three batters. Quentin then hit a fly ball deep to left center and it hit off the top of the wall for a two-run double. Kotsay followed with a sacrifice fly for a 3-0 lead.
Pittsburgh put men on first and second with one out in the second, but Michael McKenry hit into a 6-4-3 double play.
In the fourth, the Pirates got one across as Alvarez singled to right to score Andrew McCutchen, but Garrett Jones was easily thrown out trying to reach third to end the frame.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Padres got the run back in the fifth as Venable doubled to start the inning and later scored on a Quentin single for a 4-1 lead.
Sanchez led off the seventh with his fourth homer of the year and Alvarez followed with a walk, but Brad Brach took over and set the next three Pirates down in order.
Luke Gregerson did the same in the eighth, while Tom Layne turned the trick in the ninth for his first career save.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Game Notes
San Diego won five of six from Pittsburgh this season...Pittsburgh has off on Thursday and heads home to face Milwaukee for three games starting on Friday...San Diego hits the road for three games in Arizona starting on Friday...The Padres selected the contract of Werner from Triple-A Tucson prior to the game, optioned pitcher Brad Boxberger to Tucson and designated outfielder Jeremy Hermida for assignment.