The longest winless streak in Greg Maddux's career ended Monday night with the future Hall of Famer picking up his 351st win.
Maddux had gone 14 straight starts without a win (0-5 with nine no-decisions) since he defeated Colorado on May 10 to become the ninth pitcher in major league history to win 350 games. Now the question becomes whether win No. 351 will be his last as a Padre. Maddux was given a standing ovation as he departed the mound after giving up singles to the first two Diamondbacks he faced in the sixth. He responded by waving his cap at the crowd.
Was he saying goodbye as well as thanks?
"I don't know what is going to happen," said Maddux. "I just wanted people to know I appreciate them. I want to do what is best for the organization and not leave as well. It's a great place. People are lucky to live here. I don't know what is going to happen. I hope I stay. You'd rather stay if you are welcome. The losing part stinks, but baseball is baseball."
Maddux is 4-8 this season with a 4.29 ERA over 23 starts.
PADRES 8, DIAMONDBACKS 5: The Padres scored all eight runs in two innings in two rallies against Arizona starter Micah Owings that started with two out and no one on. And both started with the only walks issued by Owings. Khalil Greene opened the Padres' scoring Monday with a two-run homer in the second, and the Padres scored six in the third after Arizona had taken a 3-2 lead. Rookie catcher Nick Hundley capped the scoring with a three-run homer.
