Maddux powers Padres

PHOENIX -- Greg Maddux no longer has to explain his drought in the desert.

The future Hall of Famer won for the first time in Phoenix and extended his streak without a walk to 49 1/3 innings over seven starts in leading the San Diego Padres over the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-2 on Monday.

Maddux has long downplayed his struggles at Chase Field. And he didn't make a big deal of his first win in 11 career starts in the domed downtown ballpark.

"It's nice to win, especially this time of the year," said Maddux, a former Valley High star. "Personally, yeah, I'm glad I won. I hope I win again next time."

Brian Giles hit two of the Padres' five home runs, and San Diego took a one-game lead over slumping Arizona in the National League West.

Geoff Blum, Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Kouzmanoff also homered for the Padres, who have beaten the Diamondbacks four times in five games over the last eight days. San Diego trailed Arizona by five games on Aug. 18.

"It's a sprint now to the end," said Giles, who has 10 homers. "We still want to continue to try to win series, and the first game of a series is always big."

Eric Byrnes homered and tripled for the Diamondbacks, who have lost 10 of 15.

With first place on the line, the Padres sent Maddux to the mound in his 702nd start. Arizona countered with Micah Owings, who made his 24th.

The difference in experience was telling.

"We have guys who have been into Septembers before," San Diego manager Bud Black said. "Obviously, it's a real nice feeling to have a guy like Greg Maddux starting a game for you."

Showing pinpoint control, Maddux (11-9) kept the free-swinging Diamondbacks off balance all day. He gave up two runs on six hits in 6 1/3 innings, striking out five. Maddux hasn't issued a base on balls to 191 batters, since walking Houston pitcher Roy Oswalt in the second inning July 28 at Houston.