Segura gets 3 more hits for D-backs against Padres

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Jean Segura had three hits, drove in two runs and made the top defensive play for an Arizona Diamondbacks split squad in an 8-8, nine-inning tie with the San Diego Padres on Tuesday.

Segura, acquired in a January trade with Milwaukee, hit a two-run double and Peter O’Brien added a two-run home run off Padres rotation candidate Brandon Mauer in a six-run second inning.

Segura added two singles and made a diving stop up the middle before throwing out Melvin Upton Jr. The second baseman is 9 for 13 in four games.

“He’s excited about the way he’s swinging it and we’re excited about it,” Arizona manager Chip Hale said.

Mauer gave up five runs on two hits and three walks while getting eight outs.

Backup catcher Austin Hedges hit two homers and drove in five for the Padres.

There were smiles and banter when Hale and Padres manager Andy Green exchanged lineup cards before their first meeting. Green was Hale’s third base coach in Arizona last season.

“It’s not going to be easy all year,” Hale said. “Those are not fun times to play against people that you have a lot of love for.”

The second inning included Paul Goldschmidt’s sacrifice fly and San Diego’s Matt Kemp being unable track down Nick Ahmed’s bloop to right.

Jake Lamb added a two-run homer for Arizona in a game that had 25 hits.

STARTING TIME

Diamondbacks: Rotation candidate Zack Godley gave up Hedges’ first homer and an RBI single to Yangervis Solarte over three innings. He made six starts and three relief appearances with Arizona last season.

“If I had a choice, I probably would choose to start,” Godley said.

Padres: O’Brien sent Mauer’s 0-2 pitch off the center field batter’s eye.

Mauer, a reliever last year, is being stretched out because of what Green calls his four-pitch “starting repertoire.”

“I landed a curveball, which has been a new pitch for me,” Mauer said, “and I threw a couple sinkers in there, which is new as well.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Diamondbacks: LF Yasmany Tomas sat out for the second straight day with a sore left knee.

Padres: RHPs Fernando Rodney and Kevin Quackenbush threw their second live batting practices in their recovery from hamstring injuries. .. OF Alex Dickerson (hamstring) was held out of outfield drills in the morning workout.

HEDGES’ BIG DAY

Hedges also threw out two runners stealing second to continue quality play by San Diego’s catchers.

Starter Derek Norris had the day off after erasing three runners stealing second in two days __ all from his knees.

“He’s looking like an old Benito Santiago right now,” Green said of Norris. “We still want to see the feet engaged and active, but he’s done a great job.”

MARGOT SHINES

Green likens 21-year-old Manuel Margot’s athleticism to a young Jose Reyes. Margot prefers Carlos Gomez comparisons.

Either way, the key prospect acquired from Boston in the Craig Kimbrel trade is impressing. He’s 3 for 9 with a double and triple while showing off his speed in the outfield.

“I pride myself on being able to pick things up quickly,” Margot said through an interpreter.

The Dominican finished last season in Double-A.

UP NEXT

Diamondbacks: New ace Zack Greinke makes his second start when the teams meet again Wednesday.

Padres: Rotation candidate Colin Rea starts in the rematch.