Sean Newcomb records first MLB win as Atlanta Braves blank Padres

After tumbling down prospect lists last season, Sean Newcomb has taken the majors by storm.

Winners of four series in a row, the Atlanta Braves looked to continue that streak as they traveled to Petco Park in San Diego to face the Padres. Hard-throwing lefty Sean Newcomb got the start for Atlanta. Reclamation project-turned-Opening Day starter Jhoulys Chacin took the hill for San Diego.

In the bottom of the first, it looked for a moment as though the Padres would jump ahead to a 1-0 lead. Wil Myers launched a ball to right center, which bounced off the top of the wall then back onto the field of play. Thinking it was a home run, he began his trot. Meanwhile, Ender Inciarte raced to the ball and fired it into second.

Myers was able to safely make it to second. The play was reviewed and the double was upheld.

Newcomb would strikeout Hunter Renfroe swinging to retire the side and strand Myers on second.

In the top of the third, with the game still scoreless, Atlanta came close to taking the lead. With two outs and no one on, Brandon Phillips laced a single to right. Nick Markakis followed with a high-arcing double to the right-center gap. Padres center fielder Manny Margot came close to making a highlight reel grab but the ball managed to find the ground and bounce over the wall for a double.

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The ball clearing the fence likely saved a run for San Diego. Even at age 35 (and 364 days, Happy 36th Birthday DatDudeBP!), Phillips can still run. With Margot on the ground after the sliding attempt, Phillips would’ve had time to race around and score.

Instead, Matt Kemp grounded out to end the threat and strand runners on second and third.

In the fourth, Atlanta finally did push across the first runs of the game. Matt Adams began the inning with a hard-hit double to the right-center gap. Tyler Flowers followed with a line drive single up the middle to put runners on the corners. Dansby Swanson then struck out to bring Johan Camargo to the plate with two-on, one-out.

On the first pitch he saw, Camargo unloaded on the ball. Chacin immediately hung his head thinking it was a three-run bomb. Instead, it bounced high off the wall in left-center for a two-run double.

That would prove to be more than enough insurance for Newcomb who went on to throw six-plus innings of scoreless baseball. He allowed six hits (two doubles), but didn’t issue a walk and struck out eight.

After the game, manager Brian Snitker gushed about Newcomb’s excellent performance.

“He was really good again. He threw a lot of strikes and was on the attack. His breaking ball was good. It was just a really impressive outing.”

Jason Motte, Jose Ramirez, and Jim Johnson all pitched scoreless innings to finish the game.

Markakis added a sac-fly in the eighth to make the final 3-0.

Notes:

Sean Newcomb

Newcomb was making the first road start of his brief career. Despite just now recording his first career win, Newcomb has delivered a quality start in all four of his big league outings. Also, his eight strikeouts on Tuesday mark a new personal best.

Jason Motte

With one scoreless inning of relief work, Motte has lowered his ERA to 1.88. Given his alarming peripherals (6.38 K/9, 1.5 HR/9, 100% Strand Rate), it may be time for Atlanta to deal the veteran hurler while his surface numbers are still pristine.

Johan Camargo

Realistically, Camargo is a fringe big leaguer at best. His low walk, no power offensive profile is typically reserved for defensive specialists or speed demons. Camargo is neither. However, despite his nebulous MLB future, the Panamanian rookie has continued to exceed expectations during Adonis Garcia’s absence. He’s now batting .294/.319/.426 on the season.

Next: It's Always Sonny in Atlanta?

The series will continue on Wednesday with Bartolo Colon making his first start in over a month. Luis Perdomo will get the start for San Diego. First pitch is 10:10 PM EST.