MLB: San Diego 8, Houston 6

HOUSTON, April 17 (UPI) -- Will Venable's two-run single in the eight inning Sunday helped the San Diego Padres rally for an 8-6 victory over Houston.

The Padres scored four runs in the frame, erasing a 6-3 deficit and earning a split in a four-game series at Minute Maid Park.

The comeback off Mark Melancon (1-1) began when Nick Hundley singled, Ryan Ludwick reached on an error and Cameron Maybin grounded into a fielder's choice. Jason Bartlett then smacked an RBI single to right.

Melancon walked pinch-hitter Brad Hawpe and yielded the decisive hit to Venable, which put the Padres ahead 7-6.

Jeff Fulchino came in to pitch and issued a bases-loaded walked Jorge Cantu (homer, three RBI) to force in San Diego's final run.

The victory went to Ernest Frieri (1-1) for 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Heath Bell worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth for his fourth save.

Carlos Lee had two RBI for the Astros.