Padres Roll With Jackson’s Help

Damian Jackson hit a tiebreaking two-run single in the ninth inning, and the San Diego Padres completed their first three-game sweep of the Giants in SBC Park with a 9-6 victory Sunday at San Francisco.

“This team is playing great,” Manager Bruce Bochy said. “We’re clicking everywhere.”

The Padres are a franchise-best 20-6 in May, their most victories for any month, and they still have two home games with the Brewers before June arrives.

Chris Hammond (5-0) pitched two innings for the win after the Padres couldn’t hold a three-run lead for starter Adam Eaton, who was denied his personal-best sixth win in a row.

San Diego went 6-3 on its longest trip of the season and had 40 hits in the series. The Padres left the Bay Area in first place and headed for a 13-game homestand.

LaTroy Hawkins made his Giant debut in the eighth, one day after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs. He retired the side in order with a strikeout of Ryan Klesko, then received an ovation as he walked to the dugout.

Chicago 11, Colorado 6 -- Aramis Ramirez had three hits, including a homer, and four runs batted in for the Cubs at Chicago.

Todd Walker had his first career pinch-hit homer for the Cubs, who at 24-24 climbed back to .500 for the first time since May 1.

Washington 3, St. Louis 2 -- Livan Hernandez wrapped up the first five-victory month of his career to become the National League’s second eight-game winner, and Brad Wilkerson had three doubles at St. Louis.

Hernandez (8-2) was 5-0 in May with a 2.76 earned-run average to join Dontrelle Willis of the Marlins as the NL’s only eight-game winners.

Houston 2, Milwaukee 1 -- Andy Pettitte pitched six shutout innings, and the Astros won a road series for the first time this year.

Pettitte (3-5), who missed his last start because of tightness in his left elbow, ended a personal three-game losing streak.

Atlanta 7, Philadelphia 2 -- Tim Hudson (6-3) and the rookie outfield tandem of Ryan Langerhans and Kelly Johnson helped the Braves avert a sweep at Atlanta. Langerhans hit a two-run triple in a three-run fifth inning, and Johnson made two strong defensive plays in his major league debut.

Florida 6, New York 3 -- Carlos Delgado hit a three-run homer, and Josh Beckett (7-3) gave up four hits over seven innings at Miami.

Cincinnati 11, Pittsburgh 2 -- Ken Griffey Jr. and Jason LaRue homered during a six-run second inning, and the Reds earned a split of the four-game series at Cincinnati.