The sellout crowd at Petco Park saw more than just a strong pitching performance. The victory pushed San Diego into the top spot in the NL West, a sign that their aggressive trade deadline moves are already paying off. Cortes was acquired from Milwaukee on July 31, giving the Padres another dependable arm in a rotation that needed stability.

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.

TOP PERFORMERS: Fernando Tatis Jr. has 25 doubles, two triples, 17 home runs and 52 RBIs while hitting .266 for the Padres. Ramon Laureano is 14 for 36 with a double and three home runs over the past 10 games.

The Dodgers' woes on offense continue, with the team unable to pick up their first hit until the sixth inning of a 5-1 loss to the San Diego Padres.