Rematch Goes to Astros, 2-1

Beating the San Diego Padres wasn’t as difficult for the Houston Astros as it was eight months ago.

Sean Bergman gave up three hits in seven strong innings and took advantage of solid defense and late-inning relief Friday night, helping the Astros to a 2-1 victory.

It was the teams’ first meeting since last October, when the Padres upset the National League Central champions, 3-1, in their best-of-five series in the first round of the playoffs.

“They fought hard but they’re not the same team we faced in the playoffs last year,” Astro catcher Tony Eusebio said.

Bergman (4-2) struck out five and walked two, combining with two relievers for a four-hitter. He retired 10 in a row at one point until Woody Williams (2-4) singled opening the sixth.

Left fielder Richard Hidalgo threw out Williams, trying to stretch the hit into a double. It gave Hidalgo the National League lead with nine outfield assists.

Bergman benefited from another fielding gem in the sixth when Derek Bell caught David Newhan’s fly and then threw out Damian Jackson trying to retreat to first for an inning-ending double play, preserving Houston’s 2-0 lead.

“Sometimes, I go too slow and think too much,” Bergman said. “If they see that I’m slowing down, we’ll have a little meeting and it’ll kick me into gear.”

Billy Wagner, who got his 15th save in 16 chances, struck out his final two batters.