Upton, Shields help Padres win third straight game
MILWAUKEE -- Melvin Upton Jr. had three hits, including his fourth home run of the season, while James Shields worked seven shutout innings as the San Diego Padres extended their winning streak to three games with a 3-0 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday night at Miller Park.
Shields (2-5) allowed seven hits and a walk over his seven innings of work. The Brewers put the leadoff batter aboard in four different innings, but went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.
The lackluster offensive showing came at an unfortunate moment for the Brewers, who got their best starting pitching performance of the season by way of an eight-inning, five-strikeout effort from right-hander Jimmy Nelson.
At only 93 pitches, Nelson (4-3) likely would have stayed in the game, but the Brewers went with a pinch-hitter to lead off the eighth. They had put two on against Brandon Maurer, but couldn't cash in as Ryan Braun grounded out to third, ending the threat.
Upton added an insurance run the very next inning, leading off the ninth with a solo home run off right-hander Tyler Thornburg.
Upton finished a triple short of the cycle while driving in a pair of runs.
Ryan Buchter's perfect ninth earned him his first save of the season.
Shields avoided trouble in the first, allowing back-to-back singles to Domingo Santana and Scooter Gennett, but Gennett got stuck in a rundown trying to advance to second. Shields retired the next two to leave Santana stranded, and set down seven of his next eight batters.
The Padres got on the board in the fourth. Wil Meyers led off with a single and scored on a two-out base hit by Upton.
NOTES: 2B Scooter Gennett returned to the Brewers' roster and starting lineup Thursday, completing a stint on the 15-day disabled list for a strained right oblique that included a short minor league rehab assignment with Class A Brevard County. ... To make room for Gennett on the active roster, Milwaukee optioned INF Yadiel Rivera to Triple-A Colorado Springs, where manager Craig Counsell said he'll play primarily at second base and get regular at-bats that wouldn't be available with the Brewers. ... C Hector Sanchez, acquired off waivers Wednesday from the White Sox, will join the Padres on Friday in Milwaukee. San Diego optioned LHP Keith Hessler to Triple-A El Paso, clearing a spot for Sanchez on the active roster, and transferred LHP Robbie Erlin -- expected to undergo Tommy John surgery next week -- to the 60-day DL, opening a spot on the team's 40-man roster.