SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Homer Bailey threw 5 2/3 solid innings in his first start this season, pitching the Cincinnati Reds past the San Diego Padres 3-2 on Sunday.
Bailey (1-0) returned from forearm and elbow surgeries and allowed two runs, four hits and three walks. He retired 14 consecutive batters during one stretch and had six strikeouts. Injuries limited Bailey to just two starts last season.
The Reds took the three-game series and completed their first winning road trip (4-2) since 2014.
Tony Cingrani worked the ninth for his 13th save in 18 chances.
Paul Clemens (1-2) made his second start with the Padres but was forced to exit after 4 2/3 innings because of a sore back. Clemens, a June waiver pickup from the Marlins, was charged with two runs on four hits and a walk. He tied a career high with five strikeouts.
The Padres loaded the bases with one out in the eighth, but reliever Michael Lorenzen fanned Jabari Blash and Christian Bethancourt flied out.
The Padres closed the gap to 3-2 in the sixth, Bailey's most stressful inning, when Alexi Amarista's one-out single preceded three straight walks. Amarista was thrown out trying to score on a wild pitch.
After the third walk to Blash, a disappointed Bailey turned his back to the plate and Wil Myers swiped home without a throw. Bailey was then lifted after 89 pitches.
Blake Wood relieved Bailey and retired Bethancourt looking to end the threat.
The Reds took a 2-1 edge in the second, thanks to some power from an unlikely source.
Eugenio Suarez singled and Jose Peraza followed with a home run into the second deck of the Western Metal Supply Co., building. The 424-foot shot was Peraza's first of his career.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Padres: RHP Erik Johnson (right elbow) is expected to miss the rest of the season. While hoping to avoid surgery, his rehabilitation will linger into the offseason.
UP NEXT
Reds: RHP Dan Straily (6-6, 3.84) will make his first career start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday. Straily has produced quality starts in each of his last five appearances. He leads the Reds in innings pitched (122), strikeouts (97) and quality starts (12).
Padres: RHP Jarred Cosart (0-1, 5.95) will make his debut with the Padres against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers. Cosart, who was part of the deal which sent Andrew Cashner and Colin Rea to the Marlins, is making his fifth start of the season.
