When the Padres defeated the visiting Houston Astros 4-3 Friday night at Petco Park in San Diego, the identity of the "hottest" team in the major leagues might have changed.
The Astros had won eight straight games before the loss. And now the Padres have won five in a row while climbing back into second place in the National League West.
"These two teams are overcoming some problems and playing good baseball," Astros manager Dusty Baker said.
For the Astros, the problem is injuries. They were without four regulars Friday night, although center fielder Michael Brantley (calf) is eligible to come off the injured list Saturday before the Padres and Astros meet in the second game of a three-game series.