Padres play opener with Giants under protest

The San Diego Padres are playing their series opener at San Francisco under protest.

In the fourth inning Friday, with the scored tied at 2, San Francisco second baseman Freddy Sanchez hustled to field Chris Denorfia's grounder that hit off pitcher Jonathan Sanchez. Hairston ran in front of Freddy Sanchez and caused the infielder to stop his motion. First base umpire Marvin Hudson first ruled Hairston out for interference, then the crew met about the play.

Padres manager Bud Black came out to argue. After a discussion that lasted several minutes the Padres decided to play the game under protest. Hairston tossed his helmet in frustration and had to be held back by coaches.

San Diego began the night with a 2 1/2-game division lead over the Giants in the NL West.