Jimmy Nelson continued his dominance of the Pittsburgh Pirates, leading the Milwaukee Brewers to a 7-4 win a t Miller Park last night.
Nelson (11-10, 3.70 ERA) held the Pirates to a run on four hits in seven innings and improved to 4-1 with a 1.72 ERA against the Pirates this season. The Brewers improved to 5-2 against the Pirates at Miller Park this season and 59-17 at home since 2007.
It was a big turn-around for Nelson, who walked eight in just 3 1/3 innings against the Cleveland Indians last time out. Last night, Nelson issued just one walk. He pounded the strike zone, throwing 72 of 101 pitches for strikes.
Nelson was comforted with the Brewers offensive support. They scored four runs in the first inning and added another run in the second to give Nelson a five-run cushion.
The Pirates kept the Brewers in check until the 8th when Jean Segura singled in two insurance runs. Pittsburgh then went to work in the 9th, getting home runs from Aramis Ramirez and Jung Ho Kang. Neil Walker followed with a double when Manager Craig Counsell went to the bullpen.
Francisco Rodriguez came on with two outs in the ninth, in a save situation. He threw one pitch, a fly ball out, to lock down his 32nd save in 33 opportunities.
AUDIO: Craig Counsell says Nelson pounded the strike zone :14
AUDIO: Scooter Gennett says it’s fun playing behind Jimmy Nelson :16
