The San Diego Padres Jake Cronenworth slides in after scoring on a two run single by Jurickson Profar as San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey is late with the tag in the sixth inning at Petco Park in San Diego on Fri Apr 30, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Jeremy Kahn

On a night where the San Francisco Giants could have lengthened their lead in the National League West, the San Diego Padres put a stop to that.

The Padres, who are predicted to contend in the National League West with the reigning World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to take game one of the three-game series with a 3-2 victory over the Giants at Petco Park.

Despite the loss, the Giants remained in first place by a half-game, as the Dodgers lost to the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.

Jurickson Profar singled to center field off of Logan Webb to score Eric Hosmer and Jake Cronenworth and the Padres move within 1.5 games of the Giants in the NL West.

Hosmer got the inning started, as he singled to left field off of Webb and then Cronenworth hit a double to right field that sent Hosmer to third base. After Wil Myers grounded out for the first out of the inning, and then Profar singled to give the Padres the lead for good.

It looked like the Giants took the lead in the top of the seventh inning, as Darin Ruf hit an opposite field pinch-hit grand slam off of Tim Hill; however, the umpires got together and ruled the ball foul and then Ruf struck out against Hill.

With a chance to take the lead in the top of the eighth inning, the Giants loaded the bases, as Buster Posey singled to left field off of former teammate Drew Pomeranz and advanced to second, when Profar was unable to field the ball for a fielding error. Both Brandon Belt and Austin Slater walked to load the bases. Evan Longoria then grounded into a double play that scored Posey from third base, and send Belt to third base; however, Mauricio Dubon was not able to be the hero, as he grounded out to end the threat and the inning.

Former Giants closer Mark Melancon was retired the Giants in order to pick-up his ninth save of the season.

Webb went six innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, walking one and striking out four, as he saw his record fall to 1-2 on the season.

On the side of the diamond, newcomer Yu Darvish won for the third time in four decisions, as he went 6.1 innings, allowing one run, scattering four hits, walking three and striking out a season-high 12.

The Giants jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning, as with two outs, Posey hit his sixth home run of the season, an opposite field home run off of Darvish. Posey went 2-for-4 on the night, and scored both Giants runs.

Hosmer tied up the game in the bottom of the first inning, as he hit an infield single that scored Trent Grisham, who doubled to left field with one out in the frame.

Zach Littell made his season debut for the Giants in the bottom of the seventh inning, as he went one inning, walking one and striking out one.

NOTES: Prior to the game, the Giants made several different transactions to the roster, as Stephen Duggar was recalled from the Alternate Training Site, Littell was added to the Major-League roster. Jason Vosler was sent to the Alternate Training Site and Skye Bolt was optioned on Wednesday to the Alternate Training Site and was designated for assignment today.

Brandon Crawford was forced to leave the game early due to a left calf contusion and will be reevaluated tomorrow.

It was 60 years ago today that Willie Mays hit four home runs in a 14-4 victory over the Milwaukee Braves at County Stadium. Mays, who turns 90 on Thursday became the ninth player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game.

UP NEXT: Anthony DeSclafani looks to improve to 3-0 on the season, as he takes the mound on Saturday night, while the Padres will send Blake Snell to the mound, as he looks for his first win as a member of the Padres.