Nelson helps Crew down Padres, snap skid
MILWAUKEE -- Jimmy Nelson scattered three singles over 6 2/3 strong innings and the Brewers snapped a six-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Padres on Tuesday at Miller Park.
Nelson threw a career-high 112 pitches and allowed only one unearned run in his fifth consecutive quality start. Brewers left fielder Khris Davis had two RBIs, and third baseman Elian Herrera provided the winning margin when he punched an RBI single through a drawn-in infield in the fourth inning, atoning for a throwing error in the top of the frame that contributed to a Padres run.
Video: SD@MIL: Herrera slaps an RBI single to the left side
"I actually felt like today the command wasn't as good as it has been," Nelson said. "I fell behind a lot of guys, but we had pretty solid defense all around and that helped me out a lot."
The loss went to Padres right-hander Andrew Cashner, who saw his record fall to 4-11. He surrendered eight hits and four walks over six innings but limited the Brewers to only two runs.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Upon review: The Brewers padded their lead with a two-run seventh inning that included a close play at the plate. Adam Lind, already out at home once in the game, scored on Jean Segura's two-out single for a 4-1 lead, but Padres interim manager Pat Murphy requested a review to examine whether catcher Derek Norris' swipe tag caught Lind's jersey. The call stood, and Segura was credited with his 30th RBI.
Video: SD@MIL: Lind avoids tag at the plate, call stands
About that arm: Melvin Upton Jr.'s throw home on the Segura single was high, but it was a different story back in the third inning. Davis singled with runners at second and third to break a scoreless tie, but Lind, trying to score from second base on the hit, was out by a step or two because of Upton's on-target throw. Lind, who missed games with a stiff back during the Brewers' last road trip, ignored Ryan Braun's signal to slide.
Video: SD@MIL: Upton makes a great throw to nab Lind at home
"It was huge. That was a big play in the game, holding them to one run," Cashner said.
Going streaking: A two-base error charged to Herrera and Nelson's wild pitch put Matt Kemp at third base in the fourth inning for Yonder Alonso's tying sacrifice fly. The run was unearned, but it snapped Nelson's scoreless streak at 17 innings spanning parts of three starts. He still hasn't allowed an earned run in his last 20 2/3 innings, a streak Nelson will carry into his next scheduled outing against the Cardinals.
"I think we have to get past saying it is just a mini run," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said of Nelson. "He's having a good season. He just continues to take the next step when he goes out there."
Quality and quantity: Cashner's outing Tuesday gave the Padres their 12th quality start -- six or more innings, three or fewer earned runs -- in their last 13 games. He pitched in and out of trouble, stranding eight baserunners in his six innings. He was still going strong in the sixth inning, getting Scooter Gennett to ground out on a 96-mph fastball to end the inning. More >
Video: SD@MIL: Cashner whiffs Davis to escape jam in 1st
"It was probably some of the better fastballs I've featured this season. I had a lot of close misses. But the main thing is I need to work ahead," Cashner said.
QUOTABLE
"It changes our guys. You're missing one of your pieces. I think it affects us. We're just scrapping every way we can, man, and try to stay close, which we did," -- Murphy, on left fielder Justin Upton, who didn't play because of a bruised right thumb
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
Alexi Amarista, the Padres' 5-foot-6 shortstop, isn't known for his pop. After all, he went 22 consecutive games without an extra-base hit. But he's got five in his last three games, including a double in the eighth inning on Tuesday.
WHAT'S NEXT
Padres: Ian Kennedy (6-9, 4.44) will make his first start since returning from paternity leave on Wednesday at 5:10 p.m. PT. In his last nine starts, Kennedy has a 2.53 ERA. He allowed one run over six innings in his only start against the Brewers a year ago.
Brewers: Right-hander Taylor Jungmann owns a 1.99 ERA in his four starts at Miller Park, but is 1-2 in those games because the Brewers have mustered only seven runs. They'll try to provide better support when the series continues Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. CT.
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