Astros Put Up a Fight Before Losing to Padres

SAN DIEGO — Tony Gwynn singled home the go-ahead run in the eighth inning and the San Diego Padres defeated the Houston Astros, 4-1, Sunday, handing Jose Lima his ninth consecutive loss.

With one out in the eighth and the score 1-1, Al Martin doubled to chase Lima (1-9) and start a three-run inning. Marc Valdes came in to face Gwynn, who hit a 1-1 pitch to right. Martin scored ahead of Richard Hidalgo’s one-hop throw home. Gwynn took second on the throw.

Before the game, Astro rookie catcher Mitch Meluskey punched teammate Matt Mieske in an altercation at the batting cage. Mieske, an outfielder, was cut over his left eye.

According to witnesses, Meluskey was late for his turn in the batting cage and he jumped in ahead of Mieske. The two exchanged words and Meluskey hit Mieske when the two were outside the cage. Meluskey was taken away and Mieske was treated on the ground.

“It’s something I feel bad about,” Meluskey said after the game. “There’s nothing I can do about it. I’m going to sit down and talk to him about it. It’s between teammates.”

Meluskey struck out as a pinch-hitter to end the game. Mieske did not play.