The bat of Marlon Byrd and the arm of A.J. Burnett were too much for the Padres on a soggy Tuesday night in Philadelphia.
Byrd drove in four runs including a three-run blast off losing pitcher Ian Kennedy (5-7) in the Phillies four-run 4th inning. Burnett was sharp on the mound. The veteran pitched into the 8th inning and allowed just one run on three hits. The lone run came off the bat of Will Venable, who hit a two-out bomb in the 3rd to give the Padres an early 1-0 lead.
The Padres made it interesting late. They actually had the go-ahead run at the plate in the top of the 9th. But with the bases loaded Tommy Medica grounded into a fielder's choice to end the game. Closer Jason Papelbon, who almost blew the save, did just enough to get the save and a 5-2 win for the Phillies.
Game two of the three game series is Wednesday. First pitch is set for 4:05 PM PST.
