Multi-HR game just latest from streaking Solarte

MILWAUKEE -- With apologies to some of the more prominent hitters in the Padres' lineup, the hottest bat these days belongs to third baseman Yangervis Solarte.

Solarte continued his recent torrid stretch at the plate on Monday when he hit two home runs, driving in four runs as the Padres defeated the Brewers, 13-5, at Miller Park.

"It's just beautiful," said Padres interim manager Pat Murphy, of Solarte. "I'm just really happy he's come into his own."

Solarte extended his hitting streak to a career-best nine games with a first-inning home run to right-center field. Then in the seventh inning, Solarte sent a pitch into the upper deck in right field for a two-run home run.

"He's seeing it pretty good," said Padres second baseman Jedd Gyorko, who also had a home run Monday. "Him up there at the top of the order ... He's been a table setter for us with Matty [Matt Kemp] and J-Up [Justin Upton] coming up. He's been great for us."

This was the first two-homer game of Solarte's career. The four RBIs matched his career high, but his recent run of strong at-bats hardly merits a surprise.

Since June 25, Solarte is hitting .327. But since July 20, his average is .370. Better still, he's hitting .421 since July 25.

Solarte took the third base job from Will Middlebrooks last month and appears to want it for good.

"He can play here. The home run will be part of his game here and there, but he's also a good hitter," Murphy said. "He can give us good at-bats throughout a game. He wants to do this full-time.

"I don't think he's interested in going in the tank. He brings it every day."