PHOENIX, May 24 (UPI) -- Danny Bautista hit a tie-breaking three-run homer, his first in more than a year, in the bottom of the eighth inning Friday night to power the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 5-3 victory over the San Diego Padres, who have lost nine straight.
A key member of the Diamondbacks' 2001 World Series winning team, Bautista missed much of last season with a shoulder injury and entered this contest batting just .245 with eight RBI in 30 games.
But with one out in the bottom of the eighth, Bautista sent an 0-1 pitch from Mike Matthews (1-2) the opposite way over the right field wall, giving the Diamondbacks a 5-2 lead. It was his first homer since May 3, 2002 against Montreal.
Bautista's hit made a winner out of Mike Koplove (2-0), who retired the side in order in the top of the eighth. Matt Mantei gave up a leadoff homer to rookie Jason Bay in the ninth but picked up his seventh save.
