New, improved slider paying off for Street

DENVER -- Closer Huston Street got the last four outs of Tuesday's 7-5 victory over the Rockies, earning his 23rd save in 24 appearances and running his scoreless-innings streak to 12 1/3 innings.

Street has converted eight consecutive save opportunities and has not allowed a run since June 23, when he gave up two against the Dodgers.

He has come a long way since a vexing start saw him allow 10 home runs in his first 27 games. He had a 4.78 ERA at that point and was 0-4. It was at that point he focused more on improving his slider. The results -- no runs in 12 games -- speak for themselves.

"I've noticed his hand speed and arm speed has increased," said Padres manager Bud Black adding, "so with that, the [increased] hand speed has allowed him to create a tighter rotation. The velocity is up a tick. The stuff is better. And when your stuff is better, your confidence goes up.

"He's throwing more first-pitch strikes. He's in better counts; he's putting guys away. When you're going well, your confidence soars, you attack. When it's the other way around, pitchers have a tendency to be a little defensive."

With the Padres leading, 7-5, Black called on Street to get the final out of the eighth inning with a runner on third base. Street got Dexter Fowler to ground out, and then worked a 1-2-3 ninth inning, throwing some good sliders and changeups, to retire the Rockies.