Milwaukee Brewers’ Recap: Jimmy Nelson Rolls to First Victory

The Milwaukee Brewers needed a spark in the biggest way and they got it tonight. As the last team looking for their first victory, the Brewers rolled to a 6-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Here are some takeaways from the first Brewers’ victory of the season.

1. Jimmy Nelson‘s Career Best Start

The biggest question mark in the entire rotation was Nelson. After a difficult spring, many wondered if the Brewers had made the right move in dealing Yovani Gallardo.

Tonight Nelson helped to silence doubters. With every pitch working, including his new look curveball, Nelson cruised through seven innings allowing just two hits while throwing only 88-pitches. He also set a new career high with nine strikeouts. Though he is unproven at the major league level, I have full confidence that this is the Jimmy Nelson that we will get used to seeing for a long time.

2. Jean Segura is Returning to Form

Remember 2013 when Segura came out of nowhere and became an all-star? Well he is returning to form early on this season. After a nightmare 2014, he drove the ball with authority to the opposite field this spring and is putting together quality at-bats this year similar to early 2013. Today he launched his first home run of the season and with a .400 batting average, he could be very dangerous at the bottom of the order all year long.

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3. There is Little Confidence in Logan Schafer

Logan Schafer was a player that I felt should not have made the 25-man roster out of camp and with tonight’s sacrifice attempt, Ron Roenicke showed he little confidence in his talent. With Hector Gomez already on second base and a 5-0 lead, Schafer pinch hit for Nelson and bunted Gomez over. Though he has been an option to pinch hit lately in games, the defensive specialist outfielder’s days in Milwaukee are numbered.

4. Hector Gomez Shines in First Start at Second Base

Hector Gomez had never started a major league game at second base but it didn’t look like it today. Not only was he able to turn several double plays in the field, but he shined at the plate. Gomez doubled to plate two in the second inning and later added another double. The organization is high on his talent and he showed a glimpse tonight that he could be a very utility infielder.

5. Luis Jimenez Could be a Late Defensive Replacement

Jimenez’s defensive skills have been raved about. In tonight’s game he was a late innings replacement in the field for Ramirez. With a great glove this should become common place as the season goes on.

Next: Milwaukee Brewers Poor Start: Don't Panic, R-E-L-A-X