Rupp’s four RBIs back strong start from Hellickson

SAN DIEGO — Cameron Rupp homered in his third straight game Friday night at Petco Park, leading the Phillies to a 5-4 win over the Padres in the first game of a three-game series. Rupp hit his 13th homer of the season 427 feet to straightaway center field against San Diego starter Christian Friedrich in the fourth inning, before tacking on an RBI double in the sixth.

Rupp’s offensive efforts backed yet another solid start from Jeremy Hellickson, who tossed 6 2/3 innings and allowed three runs. The 29-year-old righty struck out just three Padres hitters, but put together a stretch of 13 straight batters retired before pinch-hitter Alexei Ramirez homered in the seventh and ended his outing.

Friedrich threw seven innings for just the second time this season, and pitched well, aside from the two times he faced Rupp, who was responsible for driving in all the runs he allowed. Friedrich struck out four batters while walking none, and managed four 1-2-3 innings.

MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDRupp stays hot:. Rupp’s impressive season continues. He entered the night with an .813 OPS, which ranked fourth among 20 qualified catchers. His numbers improved with his homer and double Saturday. Rupp has three homers and eight RBIs in three games this month. He also became the first Phillies catcher to homer in three consecutive games since Mike Lieberthal in July 1999.

Everyday, Jose: Rookie shortstop Jose Rondon started the scoring for the Padres in the bottom of the second with an RBI single up the middle, just a …

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