By Jeremy Kahn

With a chance to gain a game on the first place Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West, the San Francisco Giants failed to take advantage.

Andrew Cashner pitched into the ninth inning, and came within three outs of his second consecutive shutout; however Hunter Pence spoiled the shutout with a home run.

Following the Pence home run, Joe Panik ended Cashner’s night with a single; however Cashner got help from his bullpen and the San Diego Padres defeated the Giants 3-2 at Petco Park.

Despite the loss, the Giants remain three and a half games behind the rival Dodgers in the fight for the National League Western Division championship.

The Giants were also able to keep their slim one-game lead on the Pittsburgh Pirates for the top spot in the National League Wild Card race.

Cashner went eight innings, allowing allowing two runs, walking just and striking out seven on the evening.

Yusmeiro Petit gave three runs on four hits, striking out seven and walking three in five and one-thirds innings of work.

After the Panik single sent Cashner to the showers, Padres closer Kevin Quackenbush was able to get Buster Posey to fly out, then Pablo Sandoval singled Panik to second base, after a Brandon Belt strikeout, Gregor Blanco singled in Panik to narrow the lead down to just one at 3-2; however Quackenbush was able to get Brandon Crawford to line out to left field to end the game.