Padres’ Success Starts at the Top

The San Diego Padres don’t have to look far down in their lineup to see on of the main reasons why they’ve won nine in a row.

Leadoff batter Quilvio Veras scored twice Sunday, his ninth consecutive game with at least one run scored, as the Padres took an early lead against Colorado and held on to top the Rockies, 5-3, tying the longest winning streak in the majors this season.

The Padres, who have outscored the opposition, 55-21, during the streak, equaled Texas’ streak from May 24-June 2. It is two games shy of the club record, last reached in 1998.

“It’s supposed to be my job, get on base and score. I’m doing the job and I want to keep doing it,” Veras said. “This is good for the team and good for me, too. We know all year that we have great talent here. It wasn’t happening early, but now everyone is playing on the same page.”

Veras, who went two for four, has scored 14 runs during the winning streak.

“He’s getting it done in the leadoff spot,” Padre Manager Bruce Bochy said. “It’s been big during the streak that we’re scoring early. It takes pressure off our pitchers and puts pressure on the other pitchers.”

Sterling Hitchcock (6-6) gave up six hits and one walk and struck out eight to hand the Rockies their fourth consecutive loss. Hitchcock left after Vinny Castilla led off the ninth with his second homer of the game.

Trevor Hoffman worked the ninth for his 18th save.

Until this streak, the Padres were the last team in the majors to put together three consecutive victories this season.

Even with the streak, though, the Padres (34-38) are still four wins off the .500 level.

Darryl Kile (4-5) gave up five runs and eight hits in six innings.