The Padres let one slip away Tuesday night, and in the process prevented starter James Shields from winning his eighth straight decision.
Shields gave up a five-run lead as the Atlanta Braves rallied for a 6-5 win at Turner Field.
He was sharp early, striking out six. But a nightmare five-run sixth inning did the Padres (30-30) in.
Will Venable had three hits, including a home run in the third, finishing a triple shy of the cycle. Derek Norris added an RBI double to make it 5-0 in the top of the sixth.
Then it all came crashing down. Andrelton Simmons hit a two-run double and Jonny Gomes knocked him in with a single to tie it.
Padres reliever Joaquin Benoit gave up a game-winning homer to pinch-hitter Joey Terdoslavich in the eighth.
The teams play again Wednesday at 4:10 p.m.
