San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - Tim Stauffer and three relievers combined on a three-hit shutout, putting the San Diego Padres back in sole possession of first place with a 1-0 victory over the San Francisco Giants.
Stauffer (4-3) went a season-high six innings for the Padres, who won for the first time in this critical four-game series to take a one-game lead over San Francisco in the division. Making his second consecutive start after serving a bullpen role for most of the season, Stauffer allowed just three hits and two walks while fanning five.
Yorvit Torrealba's home run provided the game's only offense, and Luke Gregerson, Mike Adams and Heath Bell each pitched a scoreless inning of relief to notch the crucial victory. Bell earned his 40th save.
Madison Bumgarner (5-5) nearly matched Stauffer pitch-for-pitch, allowing just the one run on three hits with four strikeouts and no walks in seven sterling innings for the Giants, who recorded a 1-0 victory in Friday's contest.
San Francisco fell 1 1/2 games behind Atlanta in the wild card race. The Braves are currently in action against St. Louis.