"Chris Carpenter has convincingly played all the roles: innings monster, ERA leader, staff ace, Cy Young Award winner.

Now he has become that guy.

From 2004 to 2010, the Cardinals were 109-52 (.677) behind Carpenter, who picked up the 2005 National League Cy Young Award along the way.

During the run, Carpenter crafted an individual 84-33 record, making him the game's highest percentage pitcher (.718).

This season, including Wednesday afternoon at Petco Park, has represented payback.

Carpenter (1-5) paid more for the sins of a halting offense, at least one missed sign and strange eighth-inning flurry as the offensively dormant San Diego Padres stymied the Cardinals 3-1 before a crowd of 23,088.

The loss prevented the Cardinals from completing a three-game sweep of a team that had scored eight runs in its previous nine games. The Padres snapped a five-game losing streak by reaching Carpenter for a two-run, two-out rally in their last at-bat. Third baseman Chase Headley provided the game-breaker with an RBI double.

Carpenter finished with a complete game as compensation for losing his second quality start on the Cardinals' 4-2 road trip.

"If we win four out of every five and I have to be the guy who pitches the fifth game, I'll be that guy," Carpenter said stoically at his locker. "I've been on the other side of this. Now I guess it's my turn."

The Cardinals (30-21) lost for the ninth time in their opening day starter's 11 appearances. They are 28-12 in all other games. Carpenter has started his team's three losses since May 15."