Rookie Newcomb picks up 1st victory

SAN DIEGO — Rookie Sean Newcomb is making believers of his Atlanta Braves teammates and manager.

“Nasty,” Ender Inciarte said following the lefthander’s latest gem.

Newcomb struck out eight over six innings for his first major league victory, lifting Atlanta over the San Diego Padres 3-0 on Tuesday night.

“Just a real impressive outing,” Braves manager Brian Snitker.

Newcomb (1-2) issued one walk and lowered his ERA to 1.48 in four starts since he was promoted to replace injured Bartolo Colon, 44, in the rotation.

The 24-year-old called the victory for him a relief.

“I think I felt the same in my other starts,” he said.

Newcomb was a touted minor leaguer when Atlanta acquired him from the Los Angeles Angels in 2015 for Gold Glove shortstop Andrelton Simmons.

He said he is walking fewer hitters than he did in the minors because he is “competing on every single pitch.”

Newcomb completed the escape by striking out Erick Aybar following an eight-pitch walk to Cory Spangenberg.

Snitker said Newcomb has shown poise under duress in several outings dating back to spring training.

“It’s been refreshing to see from the get go,” the manager said. Alex Gallardo / The Associated Press

Atlanta’s Sean Newcomb watches a throw during Tuesday’s game against the San Diego Padres.