SAN DIEGO (AP) _ Adam Eaton had three baseballs waiting in his locker after his big league debut _ representing his first win, first strikeout and first hit and RBI.

The right-hander pretty much did it all in his memorable first start Tuesday night, getting the decision and a double that started a string of four straight RBI hits in the fifth inning as the San Diego Padres beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-3.

``I was a little disappointed how I pitched but very happy with the outcome,'' said the 22-year-old Eaton, who struggled some with his control and didn't have his good curveball. ``I was able to battle and I didn't have my best stuff, but I got enough guys out to give my team a chance to win.''

Eaton, whose contract was purchased from Double-A Mobile earlier in the day, became the Padres' fifth starter for the time being due to a rash of injuries. He pitched just long enough to get the decision, going 5 1-3 innings and allowing three runs and five hits. He struck out four and walked two.

Eaton was the clincher in the deal that sent Andy Ashby to Philadelphia in exchange for three pitchers on Nov. 10. It turned out that Eaton was the first of the three to pitch for the Padres because the other two, Carlton Loewer and Steve Montgomery, have been on the disabled list since the start of the season.

Eaton was Philadelphia's first-round pick in the 1996 draft.

``I never saw myself as anything but a Phillie,'' said Eaton, who added that the trade was bittersweet. ``But the way things happened, I wouldn't change it one bit. To be here in this situation is incredible. I'm not positive it would be happening if I was with the Phillies.''

Not only haven't Loewer or Montgomery pitched yet for the Padres, but Ashby lost his start for the Phillies Tuesday night.

Eaton, who was 4-1 with a 2.68 ERA at Mobile, became the first Padres pitcher to start and win his major league debut since Stan Spencer on Aug. 27, 1998, at Philadelphia.

Trevor Hoffman pitched the ninth for his 12th save in 13 opportunities. Hoffman loaded the bases with no outs but got a popup and two strikeouts to end the game.

``You have some hope when you load the bases with no outs,'' said Charlie Hayes, who hit a leadoff single off Hoffman. ``But he just gets tougher.''

Eaton held the Brewers hitless until Ron Belliard got a two-out single in the third, followed by Mark Loretta's homer to left field, his fifth, for a 2-0 lead.

The Padres sent nine batters to the plate in taking a 4-2 lead in the fifth. Eaton came up with one out and runners on first and second, and hit a double down the left field line that went into the Padres' bullpen, scoring Carlos Hernandez. Eric Owens and Al Martin followed with RBI singles _ Martin's hit scored Eaton _ and Ryan Klesko an RBI double.

``I'm glad we held on to get him the win,'' manager Bruce Bochy said. ``Tonight he won the game for himself. His hit is the one that really got us going.''

Eaton has gotten a hit in his first starts at Double-A, Triple-A and in the big leagues.

``In your first start, you picture pitching well and getting the win,'' Eaton said. ``I never even thought about hitting. I'm glad it happened. It takes a lot of pressure off me.''

Kory DeHaan hit a two-run double in the eighth, giving the Padres a 6-3 lead.

Eaton allowed Jeromy Burnitz's one-out double in the sixth and was chased by Geoff Jenkins' RBI triple. Carlos Almanzar came on and got the last two outs, including fielding Charlie Hayes' grounder to catch Jenkins in a rundown.

Brewers starter Jeff D'Amico (2-3) allowed four runs on eight hits in 5 2-3 innings, struck out five and walked five.

``That's the second straight start I've given up an RBI hit to a pitcher,'' D'Amico said. ``It kind of drives you a little crazy.''

Notes: Tony Gwynn had been on a schedule of playing two games and then sitting out one to try to help his bum left knee, but said it's now one on, one off. That's because he slid into second base on Monday night and there was a little more fluid in the knee than what the trainers wanted to see. The Padres' first six interleague games begin Friday at Seattle, and Gwynn is scheduled to be the designated hitter. ... Gwynn was hitting .186 when he went on the disabled list April 29 but has raised his average to .273. ... Loewer was transferred from Triple-A Las Vegas to Single-A Rancho Cucamonga to continue his rehab assignment. Montgomery started his rehab assignment Tuesday night at Rancho, allowing one hit in two scoreless innings and striking out one. ... Brewers C Henry Blanco has thrown out 11 of 21 baserunners, including Bret Boone in the fourth and Owens in the eighth. Opposing teams have attempted only nine stolen bases against Milwaukee since May 5.