Lawrence Wins 10th for Padres

Brian Lawrence couldn’t have been happier after outlasting a fellow Texan, especially since it was Roger Clemens.

Lawrence pitched eight innings for his 10th win, and Ryan Klesko singled in the go-ahead run with one out in the eighth inning to lead the San Diego Padres to a 2-1 win over the Houston Astros on Monday night.

Clemens tweaked his right knee in the fifth but stayed in the game, getting his second straight no-decision.

Lawrence was thrilled to have gone against Clemens.

“It’s something growing up and watching this guy, being from Texas myself and knowing where he came from, and doing the things he’s done, it’s almost an honor to be able to go up against a guy like that,” Lawrence said.

“To come out on the winning side, and knowing you battled with one of the best ever, it was awesome.”

Lawrence (10-5) held the Astros to one run and five hits in eight innings, struck out three and walked three. He has won 10 games for the third straight year. Trevor Hoffman pitched the ninth for his 21st save in 23 chances.

Klesko, who moved into the cleanup spot after Phil Nevin went on the disabled list on Monday, singled to right off Dan Miceli (3-4) to bring in Sean Burroughs from second and break a 1-1 tie.

Burroughs hit a leadoff single to right and was sacrificed by Mark Loretta. After an intentional walk to Brian Giles, Klesko hit a grounder right between first baseman Jeff Bagwell and second baseman Jose Vizcaino.

“It’s one of those games it’s nice to be a part of,” Klesko said. “Seeing Clemens go out there and pitch, and we got the win. They both threw good games, and it’s nice to get a hit to go through the hole there and help my team win.”