Smashing Debut for This Padre : Jones Returns Home to One-Hit Astros

Jimmy Jones returned home to the state of Texas to make his major league debut, and found pitching in the major leagues much to his liking.

Jones, 22, allowed only one hit--a two-out, third-inning triple to Bob Knepper--to lead the Padres to a 5-0 victory over the division-leading Houston Astros.

“It was nice to be able to perform in front of my family,” said Jones, who is from Dallas. “I was pretty nervous and just trying to get by the first hitter, and stay calm after that.”

Padre Manager Steve Boros was delighted with the performance of his young pitcher.

“We’re not going too far (this year), and we want to get a look at some of our young pitchers,” Boros said. “Ed Wojna and Ed Vosberg have looked good in previous starts, but this one is going to be tough to top.”

Houston Manager Hal Lanier also praised Jones.

“He pitched a fine ballgame,” Lanier said. “He had command of all of his pitches. It’s tough to hit against someone you’ve never seen before.”

Despite the loss, Houston holds a 10-game lead over San Francisco and Cincinnati in the National League West with 13 games remaining.

Jones faced only one batter over the minimum while striking out four. Knepper (16-12) allowed 5 runs and 11 hits in four-plus innings.

San Diego took a 3-0 lead in the first. Randy Asadoor singled with one out, moved to third on a single by Jones and scored on Jerry Royster’s single that moved Jones to third. Royster stole second and Tony Gwynn walked to load the bases. John Kruk singled to score Jones and Royster.

The Padres padded their lead to 5-0 in the fifth. Kevin McReynolds opened with his 23rd homer of the season. Benito Santiago and Tim Pyznarski singled to knock out Knepper, and Asadoor greeted Manny Hernandez with a single to score Santiago.