MLB: San Diego 3, Los Angeles Dodgers 1

San Diego, Sept. 30: The Los Angeles Dodgers came up short in their effort to clinch the National League West title Tuesday by losing to San Diego 3-1.

Six Padres pitchers combined to hold the Dodgers to four hits, including Ryan Webb (2-0), who picked up the win in relief, and Heath Bell, who struck out the side in the bottom of the ninth for his 41st save.

Tony Gwynn had a solo home run to lead the Padres' offense, which also mustered only four hits. Kevin Kouzmanoff singled in the go-ahead run in the sixth inning.

Kevin Billingsley (12-11) took the loss after giving up two runs on two hits in six innings. Billingsley walked five and struck out five.

Andre Ethier drove in the only Los Angeles run.

The Dodgers' magic number remained at one. They could have clinched Tuesday with a Colorado loss; however the Rockies beat Milwaukee 7-5 in 11 innings.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.

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