Maddux shuts down Giants for No. 340

SAN FRANCISCO —  Greg Maddux was more interested in discussing the upcoming NBA draft and the great golf courses in San Francisco than his own success.

“When’s the draft?” Maddux asked after another strong outing.

Back in the same ballpark where he won his 300th game in 2004, Maddux earned his 340th victory, outpitching someone nearly half his age to lead the San Diego Padres past the San Francisco Giants, 4-2, Wednesday.

Maddux (7-4) won for the fourth time in five decisions, getting help from Jose Cruz Jr.’s go-ahead single in the eighth inning against his former team. That followed a two-out double by Marcus Giles.

“It’ll always be kind of cool,” he said of pitching in San Francisco. “I like the city. It’s a nice park.”

Maddux, 41, gave up one run and five hits in seven innings. He won an intriguing duel against one of the majors’ top up-and-coming power pitchers in 22-year-old Matt Cain (2-9).

Bud Black, a longtime pitching coach for the Angels before getting his shot as San Diego’s manager this season, enjoys watching Maddux’s preparation between starts as much as anything else.

“I think there’s really no secret for his success,” Black said. “Not only is he talented as an athlete, but he has a great instinct to compete.”