LOS ANGELES — Colin Rea walked the opposing pitcher, Ross Stripling, putting the leadoff batter on. Then he fell behind, 3-and-1, to the Los Angeles Dodgers' actual leadoff batter, Chase Utley. Everyone inside Dodger Stadium knew what was coming.
A fastball sped toward the plate. Utley turned on it with a resounding thwack. A drive landed in the right-field stands, suddenly alive with jubilant fans. Rea had squandered a two-run lead.
The Padres right-hander would learn from that lesson.
San Diego won its second straight contest against Los Angeles, 5-2 on Saturday, again in large part because of timely hitting and precise relief.