Rushing's homer on a full-count slider from Jeremiah Estrada was only his fourth hit off a breaking ball in 34 at-bats.

Better approach and better results may turn out to be more significant than merely moving back into a tie for first.

Nestor Cortes took a perfect game into the sixth inning and combined with three relievers on a two-hitter as the San Diego Padres reclaimed the NL West lead with a 5-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Saturday night.