Larkin, Reds Dazzle in Beating Padres

CINCINNATI — Barry Larkin had a season-high three hits, including a bases-loaded single, and got a standing ovation for rally-killing defensive plays that helped the Cincinnati Reds defeat the San Diego Padres, 5-0, on Sunday.

Dave Burba (4-4) gave up seven hits in six innings as the Reds pitched their first shutout of the season. Three relievers held the Padres to two hits in the final three innings.

Cincinnati stole seven bases, one by Larkin, and won for the second time in eight games. The Reds have the worst record in the major leagues at 13-28 and are off to their worst start in 47 years.

The Padres lost for the fifth time in six games because they couldn’t overcome Fernando Valenzuela’s shortest outing of the season. Valenzuela (1-6) gave up three runs--two earned--on five hits and three walks in only three innings.

The left-hander has lost his last five decisions, failing to win since April 16.

“He was off. His control was not there,” Manager Bruce Bochy said. “We were out there a long time in those first few innings. It seemed like that took its toll on us, being out there so long. We were lucky to be in that game.”

Cincinnati, last in the National League in hitting, left the bases loaded in the first inning but broke through with the bases loaded and two outs in the second. Valenzuela fell behind Larkin, 2-0, then threw a belt-high pitch that Larkin lined to center for two runs.

Larkin’s defense was a big reason the Padres could not score even though they had at least one hit in each of the first seven innings.

His finest play came in the second inning, when he dove to get Chris Gomez’ grounder in the hole at shortstop and threw to second on one knee to get a forceout. The crowd gave him a standing ovation.

San Diego’s Greg Vaughn pinch hit in the third inning and struck out. Vaughn has been out of the starting lineup the last three games because of a strained right calf.

Craig Shipley, who slightly strained his left hamstring Saturday, was out of the lineup but is listed as day to day.

Tony Gwynn had a second consecutive three-hit game.

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NEXT SERIES FOR DODGERS

WHO: San Diego Padres

WHERE: at San Diego

WHEN:

Tuesday 7 p.m.

Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Thursday 2 p.m.