Astro Ace Makes a Good Case

HOUSTON — If Jose Lima wants to start in the All-Star game next month, he made a good case for himself Saturday in front of the National League’s manager.

Lima tied for the major league lead with 11 victories, giving up two runs in eight innings to help the Houston Astros to a 3-2 victory over the San Diego Padres.

“[Lima] is having a good year and I’m not putting much thought into that now, we still have a month to go, but he’s definitely having a very fine year,” said Padre Manager Bruce Bochy, who will select the National League staff.

Lima (11-2) struck out a season-high 10 and gave up six hits and three walks to match the victory total of Pedro Martinez of the Boston Red Sox.

“You could certainly justify starting him in the All-Star game,” Astro Manager Larry Dierker said.

Billy Wagner pitched the ninth for his 16th save in 17 chances.

Paul Bako had two hits, including a seventh-inning home run against Donne Wall (4-1) that broke a 2-2 tie.

Lima has averaged eight innings pitched over his last eight starts. During that span he has a 2.25 earned-run average with nine walks and 44 strikeouts.

“I wasn’t thinking about impressing Bochy,” Lima said. “I’ll let my numbers do the talking and let him make the decision.”

Tony Gwynn returned to the Padre lineup for the first time since May 22, when he suffered a strained right calf. He went one for three with a run scored and a run batted in before leaving the game as planned after five innings.