ST. LOUIS, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Ryan Ludwick smashed a three-run homer in the ninth inning Saturday, propelling the San Diego Padres to a crucial 8-4 win over St. Louis.
With the score tied 4-4, David Eckstein led off with a single off Kyle McClellen (1-4) and after Adrian Gonzalez was intentionally walked, Ludwick made his former team pay by cranking one over the left-field wall.
Matt Stairs added a solo shot later in the inning and the Padres put up a key victory in their battle with the San Francisco Giants for first place in the National League West.
San Diego came into the contest trailing the Giants by a half-game and remained 1 1/2 games behind the Braves in the NL wild-card race with the win.
Mike Adams (4-1) picked up the victory despite allowing the Cards to tie the game on a seventh-inning Pedro Feliz RBI single.
Colby Rasmus added a run-scoring single for St. Louis.
