VandenHurk’s 6 solid innings helps Florida Marlins beat San Diego Padres 3-2

VandenHurk helps Marlins beat Padres

SAN DIEGO — Rick VandenHurk pitched six strong innings to earn his first win in more than a year, leading the Florida Marlins to a 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres on Monday night.

VandenHurk, making his first start since last July, allowed two runs and five hits, struck out four and walked two. He picked up his first victory since he pitched five innings in a 4-0 victory over Atlanta on June 22, 2008.

Hanley Ramirez homered for the Marlins, who put together a two-run rally in the seventh to snap a three-game skid. Leo Nunez pitched the ninth for his fifth save in eight chances to complete the combined five-hitter.

San Diego has lost 15 of 19 and has the majors’ worst record since June 1 at 12-31.

VandenHurk (1-0) limited the Padres to just three hits before he allowed back-to-back homers to Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Kouzmanoff in the sixth, giving San Diego a 2-1 lead. Chase Headley then walked but Will Venable flied out to end the inning.

VandenHurk was recalled from Triple-A New Orleans on Monday after making eight starts there following a stint on the disabled list.

Gonzalez’s drive was his 25th of the season and first in 24 games. The All-Star first baseman has hit only three homers since June 2.

The Marlins loaded the bases with no outs in the seventh against Greg Burke (2-2). John Baker’s groundout tied it and Burke issued an intentional walk to pinch-hitter Ross Gload to load the bases again.

Rookie Luke Gregerson relieved Burke and struck out Chris Coghlan before Emilio Bonifacio walked to give Florida a 3-2 lead. Ramirez then struck out to end the inning.

Ramirez hit his 15th homer in the first inning off Tim Stauffer, who was making his second start since being called up from the minors on July 11. He gave up three hits over six innings.

NOTES: VandenHurk became the 26th pitcher and the 41st player overall used by the Marlins this season. … Padres 2B David Eckstein (strained right hamstring) is running at 75 percent, according to manager Bud Black. Eckstein, eligible to come off the 15-day DL on Tuesday, likely will not be ready to play until later this week.