PITTSBURGH -- Despite being among the top National League rookies last season in extra-base hits, RBIs and batting average, Kevin Kouzmanoff admits he was still a little uncomfortable in his first Major League season.

Gradual steps were taken in September 2007, when the Padres third baseman raised his average from .248 to .275 by the end of the year.

"He had a great September," manager Bud Black said. "I think Kouz will continue to improve incrementally as he gains experience."

That time is now.

Kouzmanoff is settling in during the 2008 season and is becoming one of Black's locks in the middle of the order.

Kouzmanoff came into Friday's game against the Pirates having hit safely in nine of his last 10 games. His batting average (.279) and slugging percentage (.447) are at their highest since April, and he has also compiled eight multihit games this month.

"I've just been getting good pitches to hit and just been hitting them, instead of fouling them off," Kouzmanoff said. "I think that's been the biggest difference. I've been a little more patient at the plate."

But most important, as Black pointed out, is Kouzmanoff's comfort level and confidence in the batter's box. Black said his third baseman was putting too much pressure on himself early this season, evidenced by a .259 average in April.

In comparison, Kouzmanoff is hitting .311 in July.

"He wasn't quite hitting," Black said. "He probably wasn't as productive as he thought he should be and that weighed on him in the first couple months of the season. I think now he's just sort of taking a step back and realizing he can't share the entire responsibility for run production like a lot of young players do."

Kouzmanoff echoed his managers' sentiments.

"I'm not thinking about the past or the future," he said. "I'm just thinking about today. It's definitely a little bit easier this year. Last year, I was the new guy. I felt, maybe, a little pressure to perform last year. But I think the second time around in the league makes things easier. You know what to expect and have seen pitchers."

While Kouzmanoff continues to hit, he's also being hit. His 12 HBP puts him one away from tying Gene Tenace's franchise single-season record in 1977. Philadelphia's Chase Utley leads the Major Leagues with 13.

"But I haven't been hit in a while," Kouzmanoff said with a smirk.