Webb wins Cy Young duel over Peavy, helps D'backs top Padres

[April 28, 2008]  SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Brandon Webb outpitched Jake Peavy in a battle of the last two NL Cy Young Award winners, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 2-1 victory over the San Diego Padres on Sunday.

Webb (6-0), the 2006 Cy Young winner, allowed just one unearned run and twice escaped bases-loaded jams before leaving after six innings. He became the first six-game winner in the majors and lowered his ERA to 1.98.

Chris Snyder, who was pulled from the starting lineup Saturday because of the flu, hit a two-out home run in the second after Peavy walked Stephen Drew. It was Snyder's first home run since Sept. 16.

Peavy (3-1) gave up four hits in seven innings, losing at home for the first time in 10 starts since July. Peavy had gone 6-0 with a 0.68 ERA in that span.

Webb became the first Diamondbacks pitcher to win his first six decisions since Randy Johnson in 2002. Johnson holds the franchise mark by winning seven consecutive decisions to start the 2000 season.

Peavy, whose ERA rose to 2.09, allowed more earned runs Sunday than he had in his first three home starts this season when he gave up just one earned run in 24 innings.

Webb combined with three relievers on a five-hitter. Brandon Lyon pitched the ninth for his seventh save in nine chances.

Peavy and two relievers held the Diamondbacks to four hits.

Arizona raised its record to a major league-best 18-7. San Diego lost for the 10th time in 12 games.

The Padres cut Arizona's lead to 2-1 in the fourth. Adrian Gonzalez walked and reached third on second baseman Orlando Hudson's error, allowing Kevin Kouzmanoff to reach. Jim Edmonds followed with a sacrifice fly.

Webb struck out Kevin Kouzmanoff with the bases loaded to end the fifth.

Khalil Greene and Tadahito Iguchi hit consecutive singles with one out in the sixth before Webb walked Josh Bard to load the bases. Webb struck out Peavy and first baseman Conor Jackson made a diving stop of a grounder by Brian Giles before throwing to Webb for the last out.

Notes: San Diego stranded 10 base runners. ... Webb raised his career mark in March/April to 18-2 in 29 starts.

[Associated Press]

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