SAN DIEGO — After sweeping aside the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates, the San Diego Padres can turn their attention to a showdown with the San Francisco Giants in the NL West.

But the Padres refuse to be baited by Jonathan Sanchez's guarantee of a Giants sweep.

Ryan Ludwick hit a two-run homer while Jon Garland and three relievers combined on a four-hitter to lead the Padres to a 3-0 victory Thursday that completed a three-game sweep of the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Padres protected their 2½ -game lead over the Giants in the NL West. Giants lefty Jonathan Sanchez, who has guaranteed a sweep against the Padres, will start Friday night's series opener against lefty Clayton Richard. San Diego is 7-1 against the Giants this year.

The Padres, who've been in first place for all but three days since April 20, weren't about to make any bold predictions.

"For us to go out and sweep Pittsburgh is a good feeling and we're going to have a a happy flight tonight to San Francisco," said Heath Bell, who pitched the ninth for his major league-leading 34th save in 37 chances. "Tomorrow we'll get ready for San Francisco."

Sanchez made his prediction on Sunday after losing to the Atlanta Braves.

"If he said it tonight then it might mean a little bit more," Bell said. "I think he'll have more pressure on himself now pitching against us tomorrow, just because he predicted something that he can only handle for one game out of three."

Sanchez no-hit the Padres in San Francisco on July 10, 2009. On April 20, he held the Padres to one hit in seven innings but lost 1-0 at Petco Park.

The Padres earned their first-ever season sweep of the Pirates (39-75), who have the worst record in the NL. The Padres (67-46) have the best record.

"We're feeling good about ourselves. We're confident," Garland said. "We can't get a little overexcited."