Owens, Rookies Lead the Padres

SAN DIEGO — Eric Owens hit a two-run single in the eighth inning and the San Diego Padres got key contributions from two rookies Tuesday night in a 5-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics.

After the Padres loaded the bases against Buddy Groom (2-1) with a single and two walks, Owens hit the first pitch from reliever Doug Jones to left-center to drive in David Newhan and Damian Jackson.

Newhan went three for four and drove in a run--the first hits and run batted in of his career. Fellow rookie Mike Darr hit his first major league homer for the Padres.

Oakland right-hander Tim Hudson made an impressive big league debut, striking out 11 in five innings and also getting a single in a matchup of the two worst-hitting teams in the majors.

Oakland rookie Eric Chavez had a pinch-hit double in the eighth and scored on Mike Macfarlane’s sacrifice fly to tie the score, 3-3.

Hudson gave up seven hits, walked four and left trailing, 3-1. His 11 strikeouts were one short of the American League record for a pitcher in his major league debut.

Donne Wall (4-0) pitched one inning for the victory. Trevor Hoffman worked the ninth for his 11th save.