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Padres spoil Giants home opener

SAN FRANCISCO
Mon Apr 7, 2008 11:38pm EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The San Diego Padres spoiled San Francisco's 50th anniversary home opener, their first without Barry Bonds in 15 years, by downing the Giants 8-4 on Monday.

Sports

In a pre-game ceremony, former Giants Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda and Felipe Alou joined other members of the 1958 team that was the first to play in San Francisco after moving from New York.

There was no mention of Bonds, however, who broke Hank Aaron's career home run record last season but was not re-signed by the Giants in the off-season.

The veteran slugger has said he has no intention of retiring but allegations of performance-enhancing drug use still hang over his head.

San Diego's Greg Maddux pitched seven innings for career win No. 348 as the Padres improved to 5-3. The Giants are struggling at 1-6.

"It's too early to say we're not good enough, we can't get it done," Giants manager Bruce Bochy told reporters. "It will take a little time for this team to believe it can win."

Maddux, who survived a shaky first inning before retiring 19 of the last 20 batters he faced, said it was strange not have faced Bonds.

"It's different," Maddux said. "He's probably the best player I've ever had a chance to face."

Matt Cain (0-1) took the loss for San Francisco, who managed just six hits.

"It's disappointing, we wanted to give the fans something to cheer," Bengie Molina said.

"Especially with all of the former players here, it was disappointing for everybody."

(Writing by Roger Lajoie in San Antonio; Editing by Peter Rutherford)



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