MILWAUKEE, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Scott Hairston had three RBI and the San Diego Padres took advantage of five Milwaukee errors Thursday night to down the Brewers, 9-5.
In a game loaded with playoff implications, the Padres maintained a one-game lead over Philadelphia and the New York Mets in the National League wild-card race, and stayed within a game of Arizona in the chase for the Western Division crown.
The Brewers, meanwhile, failed to take advantage of a loss by Chicago earlier in the evening and stayed two games behind the Cubs in the Central Division.
Hairston produced a bases-loaded double to highlight a four-run third, and San Diego eventually built a 9-2 lead -- four of the Padres' runs being unearned.
Jack Cassel gave up two runs in 4 2/3 innings and Joe Thatcher (2-1) picked up the win with 1 1/3 hitless innings of relief.
Three of Milwaukee's errors were committed by rookie third baseman Ryan Braun, who also hit his 35th homer of the year.
The loss went to Yovani Gallardo (9-5), who was touched for five hits and five runs in five innings.
