As the Padres' closer, Heath Bell has been reserved for save situations. But with the team losing six straight and 12 of its last 14, there has been just one save situation for Bell since he picked up three saves in three days from April 16-18.
So with the score tied 1-1 in the ninth inning Tuesday at Petco Park, Padres manager Bud Black summoned Bell from the bullpen for his first appearance in seven games and only his third over the last 15 games since April 18. After Bell pitched two scoreless innings -- he has yet to allow a run in 10 2/3 innings this season -- the Padres broke through to win in the bottom of the 10th.
In Los Angeles over the weekend, Bell never got into what turned out to be a pair of one-run Dodgers wins, as Black kept Bell ready for the save situation that never came. Of course, it is easier to use a closer at home in a non-save situation in the ninth and beyond.
"I do better if I pitch every third or fourth day," Bell said. "The more I pitch, the better I get."
PADRES 2, ROCKIES 1 (10 innings): Two hitters batting under .200 conspired to defeat the Rockies and end the Padres' six-game losing streak. PH Edgar Gonzalez (.194) drew a one-out walk, and RF Brian Giles (.168) doubled him home with a drive to deep right-center off Rockies reliever Matt Daley.
