The Milwaukee Brewers were cruising towards their first Cactus League victory until a late bullpen meltdown turned the tide, leaving them still in search of that elusive win. But as any seasoned fan knows, Cactus League outcomes aren't the main event-it's all about the performances.
Milwaukee started strong, jumping to an early lead. Joey Ortiz set the tone with a blistering single, clocked at 109.1 mph by Statcast, followed by Andrew Vaughn's impressive two-run homer, putting the Brewers up 2-0.
The Brewers kept the pressure on San Diego's starter, JP Sears. After Gary Sánchez took a pitch to the body and Brandon Lockridge added a single, David Hamilton's fielder's choice recorded the second out. But Jett Williams, one of Milwaukee's fresh faces, showcased his speed with a thrilling two-run triple.
Pitchers Easton McGee and Abner Uribe shined early, with Uribe allowing just a bloop single to Ty France while both racked up two strikeouts. Craig Yoho also contributed a scoreless third inning, though without any strikeouts.
The fourth inning featured some drama with ABS challenges. The Padres successfully overturned a call on Williams, and Luis Lara's challenge on a third strike didn't go the Brewers' way.
San Diego got on the board in the fourth when Miguel Andujar launched a two-out solo homer off Drew Rom. Milwaukee responded in the seventh, with Lockridge smashing his second homer of the spring, extending the lead to 5-1.
But the eighth inning saw things unravel. Bjorn Johnson struggled, giving up a mix of walks and hits, leading to a bases-loaded double and a quick exit. Joshua Quezada replaced him but couldn't stop the bleeding, allowing six runs before a double play ended the inning, putting the Padres ahead 7-5.
In the ninth, Milwaukee showed some fight. Dylan O’Rae singled, and Jesús Made walked, both stealing their way into scoring position. However, a strikeout ended the rally, sealing the Brewers' fate.
Ortiz was a standout, notching a powerful double and showcasing his defensive skills. Jackson Chourio, showing improved plate discipline, drew two walks.
Among the prospects, Lara and Brock Wilken added singles. Besides McGee, Uribe, and Yoho, the Brewers saw scoreless frames from Jacob Waguespack, Ethan Dorchies, and Wande Torres, with Waguespack delivering a perfect inning.
The Brewers, now 0-4, will look to break their winless streak tomorrow afternoon against the Athletics. Keep an eye on those emerging talents as they continue to find their rhythm this spring.