Brewers Stumble Against Reds: Spring Training Recap
Spring training is all about finding rhythm, and the Brewers are still working on theirs. They dropped their second straight game, falling to the Reds 6-3, bringing their record to 8-9.
The Reds wasted no time, jumping on starter Robert Gasser early. After Sal Frelick struck out, Andrew Vaughn drew a walk, setting the stage for Gary Sánchez, who launched a two-run homer to give Cincinnati an early 2-0 lead. The Brewers showed some life with singles from Luis Rengifo and David Hamilton, but Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott shut the door with a couple of strikeouts to escape the inning unscathed.
Gasser, trying to settle in, struck out his first batter in the bottom of the inning, but Matt McLain answered with his fifth homer of the spring, slicing the lead to 2-1. Tyler Stephenson doubled but was left stranded, keeping the Brewers ahead by a thread.
Milwaukee’s young talents, Luis Lara and Jesús Made, both singled in the second, but the Reds' defense was sharp. Lara was picked off, and Frelick grounded into a double play, squandering the opportunity.
The Reds continued their power display in the second inning, with Noelvi Marte and Jose Trevino each taking Gasser deep, flipping the score to 3-2 in favor of Cincinnati.
After a quiet third inning, the Reds added to their lead in the fourth. Gasser managed two strikeouts but left with a runner on. Jesús Broca came in relief, but a walk and a two-run double extended the Reds' lead to 5-2.
Both teams tightened up defensively through the fourth and fifth innings. A highlight for the Brewers was cutting down McLain in a failed double steal attempt, showcasing some sharp defensive instincts.
Reese McGuire provided a spark in the sixth with a solo homer, his first of the spring, trimming the deficit to 5-3. But base-running woes continued as Lara was picked off for the second time.
The Reds added an insurance run in the eighth with a pair of singles and a double, sealing the game at 6-3.
Despite the loss, there were positives for the Brewers. Sánchez had a solid day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a homer.
McGuire’s homer was another encouraging sign. The Brewers managed nine hits and drew five walks, showing patience at the plate.
On the mound, Gasser struggled, giving up four runs on five hits over 2 2/3 innings, but he did notch four strikeouts. The bullpen was a bright spot, with Jared Koenig, Trevor Megill, Grant Anderson, and Craig Yoho combining for scoreless innings from the fourth through the seventh. Megill and Yoho each recorded two strikeouts, keeping the game within reach.
Looking ahead, the Brewers will try to bounce back in their first night game of the spring against the Cleveland Guardians. First pitch is set for 8:05 p.m.
CT. It's a chance for the team to reset and find some momentum as they continue to fine-tune their lineup and strategy.