Nelson whiffs 10 in 1st CG as Brewers nip Padres 2-1

MILWAUKEE (AP) — With a tired Brewers bullpen in dire need of a break, Jimmy Nelson carried the load all by himself Sunday.

Nelson struck out 10 in his first career complete game and Milwaukee got home runs from Hernan Perez and Manny Pina in a 2-1 victory over the San Diego Padres.

"This is a guy picking everybody up and giving those guys a day off," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. "That's what you need some days. That's what big-time performance does — not only wins you the game, but gives guys rest."

Counsell said closer Corey Knebel and relievers Oliver Drake and Jared Hughes were not available because they needed a breather.

Nelson (5-3) allowed six hits and two walks while throwing 118 pitches in his 89th major league start. He gave up only an unearned run and lowered his ERA to 3.28.