HOFFMAN MILESTONE POLISHES OFF A WIN

AC/DC’S “Hells Bells” became synonymous with a Trevor Hoffman save in the summer of 1998 as the Padres stalked the second NL championship in franchise history. Those bells, however, did not toll for Hoffman when he became the third closer to reach 400 saves on this date — May 6 — in 2005.

Midwestern hospitality only goes so far if you’re a visitor at Busch Stadium.

The clubhouse, of course, was rocking Hoffman’s entrance song after he finished off a 6-5 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

A 1-2-3 ninth inning allowed the future Hall of Famer to join Lee Smith (478) and John Franco (424) as the only pitchers to tally 400 saves since the statistic was created in 1969.

“I had goosebumps in the dugout,” Padres manager Bruce Bochy told the Uniontribune after the game. “I had goosebumps, reflecting on all the times this guy has saved games for us. This guy is so special to me and the fans of San Diego. What he’s done is remarkable.”

Added Hoffman, who struck out So Taguchi looking on an 88 mph fastball for No. 400: “… Consistency is what allows you to have some longevity in this thing.”

The 37-year-old Hoffman wasn’t done.

Not by a long shot. He went on to save 43 games as the Padres won their first NL West title since their 1998 pennant. Hoffman backed that effort with an Nl-leading 46 saves for another division-winner the following year.

He passed Smith to become the all-time saves leader in 2006, recorded No. 500 in 2007 and hit 600 in 2010 while in a Brewers uniform after signing there before the 2009 season.

The Yankees’ Mariano Rivera (652) ultimately passed Hoffman (601) in 2011 and followed him into the Hall of Fame as the only pitchers to save more than 500 games.

“Four hundred saves is like getting 3,000 hits or 500 home runs,” Padres pitching coach Darren Balsley told the Union-tribune in May 2005. “It’s a fairly new statistic, but I don’t think there’s going to be a ton of guys who get 400 saves. I just feel privileged to be here and to be able to watch Trevor.”

Also on this date

1980: LHP Randy Jones threw the first of three straight shutouts in a 4-0 win over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Over that stretch, Jones struck out 12, didn’t walk a batter and allowed 14 hits in 27 innings. The three straight shutouts is tied for a franchise record. The stretch is also part of Jones’ franchise-record-setting 30 straight scoreless innings by a starting pitcher.

2001: Bochy celebrated his 500th victory as a manager with an 8-2 win over the Reds in Cincinnati.

2006: C Rob Bowen hit the first walk-off homer of his career in the 10th inning of a 2-1 win over the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park.

2011: 3B Chase Headley’s fourth walk, this time with the bases loaded, provided a 4-3 win in 11 innings over the Arizona Diamondbacks at Petco Park.

2019: RHP Chris Paddack struck out a career-high 11 over 72⁄3 shutout innings to win a much-hyped duel with Mets Cy Young Award winner Jacob de Grom at Petco Park. RF Hunter Renfroe homered for the second straight day as the Padres won 4-0.

jeff.sanders@sduniontribune.com

What to watch

With almost no live sports programming outside of horse racing (Trackside Live, 11 a.m., and Korean baseball (2:30 a.m. Thursday,

the Union-tribune takes a daily look at what else is on that’s sportsrelated:

FSW: 2014 Stanley Cup Finals, Rangers at Kings (Game 2), 6 a.m. and 11 a.m.; 2014 Stanley Cup Finals, Kings at Rangers (Game 3), 7 p.m.

NBA: 2005 Eastern Conference Finals, Pistons at Pacers (Game 6), 7 a.m.; 2006 Western Conference second round, Suns at Clippers (Game 6), 9 a.m.

CBSSN: PGA Tour Classic, 2009 Northern Trust Open, “Phil Mickelson wins,” 8 a.m. MLB: Reds at Diamondbacks (2001), “Randy Johnson strikes out 20 batters,” 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.; Astros at Cubs (1998), “Kerry Wood strikes out 20 batters,” 12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.

ESPN2: Korean baseball, LG Twins at Doosan Bears (replay), 11 a.m.

NBCSN: NHL, Sabres at Rangers (2007), 2:30 p.m. ESPN: 2006 NBA Finals, Mavericks at Heat (Game 3), 4 p.m.; 2011 NBA Finals, Mavericks at Heat (Game 2), 6:30 p.m.

FSSD: MLB, 1985 All-star Game at Metrodome, 4:30 p.m.; Giants at Padres (1993), “Tony Gwynn records six hits,” 7 p.m.

SPECSN: NBA, Supersonics at Lakers (2003), “Kobe hits 12 3s,” 8 p.m. and 11 p.m.