Things Are Just Falling Into Place : Martinez’s Single in Sun Signals Continuation of Fortune

Weeks ago, Bill Doran would have caught the ball.

When the Astros’ second baseman lost a ball in the sun in the sixth inning Thursday, allowing two Padres to score, it was reminiscent of the problems that have plagued San Diego much of the season.

Carmelo Martinez, who popped the ball into the glare above shallow right field in San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium, has had his particular share of bad luck.

“Oh, I know what that feels like,” he said of Doran’s misfortune.

But Martinez’s luck has recently changed.

June 13, it turned out, was his lucky day. Suffering through an 0-for-28 slump, Martinez hit two doubles in San Francisco. In the 11 games since, he has hit .433 with 4 doubles, 4 home runs and 16 RBIs.

On Thursday, against formidable Astro pitcher Mike Scott, Martinez had two hits, including the two-out single that scored Tim Flannery and Tony Gwynn, putting the Padres ahead, 3-1.

Martinez believes that a few weeks ago, that popup would have been a routine out to end the inning.

“That’s the first time one of those has dropped for me,” he said. “I’m getting lucky now.”

Manager Larry Bowa credits Martinez’s hard work and positive attitude for his recent play. But he, too, acknowledges an intangible factor.

“We had a little luck today,” he said. “You got to be lucky in this game when you play every day.”

Gwynn, who has had the lion’s share of Padre good fortune this season, is more than happy to share.

“When you go through a dry spell (like Martinez),” Gwynn said, “you’re usually due for some luck.”

Gwynn got his own break in the sixth inning when, with two outs and Flannery at second, he bounced a ball straight off the ground. By the time catcher Ronn Reynolds caught the ball and released it, Gwynn was at first and Martinez was on his way to the plate.

When Martinez popped up the inside fastball, Gwynn and Flannery took off.

“You always know (a dropped ball) is a possibility,” Gwynn said, “but it wasn’t until I rounded third and heard the crowd that I knew it had dropped.”

Martinez knew the ball had a good chance of falling in when he saw Doran turning sideways.

“I could tell he wasn’t sure,” Martinez said. “He was trying to get a good angle on it.”

Astro outfielders Kevin Bass and Billy Hatcher ran in to help Doran, but the ball fell untouched.

Martinez is well aware of the problems the sun can cause at San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium .

“It’s a tough time,” he said. “It’s a very high sky.”

Martinez’s own fielding problems have brought him criticism from Padre fans, but he said he doesn’t let the criticism faze him.

“That’s OK,” he said of the boos, “as long as we’re winning.”

The Padres have won 9 of 12, and Martinez is looking for ways they can win more.

After tonight’s game against Houston, the stadium lights that have plagued outfielders will be adjusted. Martinez thinks the change will help him in left field.

But Martinez, dressed in a Vaurnet sunglasses shirt, didn’t have any complaints about the big light in the sky Thursday.

“Nah,” he said, smiling, “that one helped me today.”