Padres' Hoffman becomes first to reach 500 saves

There is a new milestone in baseball -- 500 saves.

Trevor Hoffman became the first big leaguer to reach that mark when he got a save in the San Diego Padres' 5-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night.

Hoffman set the career record with his 479th save on Sept. 28 against Pittsburgh, breaking Lee Smith's old mark of 478. Hoffman finished the 2006 season with 482.

Hoffman was able to sneak an 87 mph fastball -- rather than his trademark changeup -- past Russell Martin for the final out. His teammates surrounded him and patted him on the head before David Wells and Heath Bell lifted the bullpen ace onto their shoulders and carried him off the field.

Once inside the clubhouse, the Padres toasted their popular closer with champagne.

"It's a special moment from an individual standpoint to be at a number that looks a little bit different than some of the other guys that have accrued a lot of saves," said Hoffman, who's always downplayed his accomplishments. "But our focus is definitely on winning a division and moving deep into the postseason and winning a championship."

He's only blown 58 saves in his entire career, converting 90 percent of his chances.

Schilling loses no-hitter

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Curt Schilling came within one out of his first career no-hitter Thursday, losing his bid when Shannon Stewart lined a clean single to right field in Boston's 1-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics.

Schilling looked on his way to making history when he retired Mark Kotsay and Jason Kendall on grounders to shortstop for the first two outs of the ninth.

With a strong contingent of a Red Sox fans cheering on at the Coliseum, Stewart lined the first pitch through the hole between first and second for Oakland's only hit.

Schilling's teammates in the dugout and many of the fans gave him a standing ovation after the hit.

The 40-year old Schilling (6-2) retired Mark Ellis on a foul popout to end the third one-hitter of his career.

-- The Associated Press