The Atlanta Braves’ Charlie Culberson is greeted at the dugout by hitting coach Kevin Seitzer, left, and manager Brian Snitker, center, after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of Saturday’s home win against the San Diego Padres.ATLANTA – Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Sean Newcomb is maturing quickly in his second full season in the majors.
“I think I’m doing a better job of just managing everything in general,” the 25-year-old left-hander said. “Looking back at old starts and taking all the positives from it rather than beating myself up about it or trying to overdo something the next start.”
Newcomb pitched six scoreless innings and Charlie Culberson homered as the Atlanta Braves beat the San Diego Padres 1-0 Saturday.
The NL East leaders improved to 25-7 when their starter pitches at least six innings, and Newcomb has been a big reason for the success. A winner in eight of his past nine decisions, Newcomb (8-2) allowed two hits, walked one and struck out seven. He retired the last 13 batters he faced.
Dan Winkler faced four batters in the seventh, A.J. Minter faced the minimum in the eighth and closer Arodys Vizcaino earned his 14th save in 16 chances this season by working through a shaky ninth. Hunter Renfroe doubled with one out, and pinch-hitter Cory Spangenburg got plunked in the right side before Vizcaino struck out Franmil Reyes and retired Freddy Galvis on a grounder.