Padres Win, 3-1, to Clinch Playoff Berth

The Padres are in the postseason for the second year in a row, thanks to David Wells’ first victory since he was traded to San Diego a month ago.

The 43-year-old left-hander, who missed his previous start because of gout in his right foot, threw six scoreless innings and Mike Cameron hit a two-run homer to power San Diego past the Arizona Diamondbacks, 3-1, on Saturday.

The Padres’ win clinched consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history.

Whether they advance as NL West champions or as the wild-card team won’t be decided until today’s regular-season finales.

The San Diego victory eliminated Philadelphia from postseason contention, and the Padres and the Dodgers remained tied for the NL West lead after the Dodgers won at San Francisco, 4-2.

If the two are still even after today’s games, the Padres get the division title because they won the season series against the Dodgers.

The playoff berth is San Diego’s fifth.

Trevor Hoffman pitched the ninth inning for his NL-leading 45th save.

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ROUNDUP

at St. Louis 3, Milwaukee 2: Scott Spiezio hit a bases-loaded triple with two out in the eighth inning, and the Cardinals cut their magic number for clinching the NL Central to one.

Houston 5, at Atlanta 4: Pinch-hitter Orlando Palmeiro’s single drove in the tiebreaking run as the Astros scored three times in the ninth inning and preserved their playoff hopes. Houston is 1 1/2 games behind St. Louis. If Houston wins and St. Louis loses today, the Cardinals would be forced to play a makeup game against San Francisco on Monday. A St. Louis loss in that game would force a one-game playoff between the Astros and Cardinals for the division title.

Philadelphia 4, at Florida 3: Ryan Howard’s run-scoring single put the Phillies ahead to stay in the third inning, but they were eliminated from playoff contention.

at Pittsburgh 3, Cincinnati 0: Marty McLeary (2-0), a journeyman minor leaguer most of his career, pitched seven shutout innings in only his second major league start.

Colorado 11, at Chicago 9: Jeff Baker singled in two runs with two out in the 14th inning, and the Rockies won after seeing an eight-run lead disappear.

New York 13, at Washington 0: Julio Franco tied a career high with five RBIs, and Tom Glavine won his 290th game.