Brewers pitchers are hit hard in split-squad doubleheader
PHOENIX – It was a rough day for the Milwaukee Brewers’ pitching staff Sunday.
Brewers hurlers were hit hard in both games of a split-squad doubleheader and Milwaukee lost both games as a result, 11-4 to the Oakland A’s at American Family Fields of Phoenix, and 12-6 to the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields on a chilly and windy afternoon.
Janson Junk, one of Milwaukee’s offseason acquisitions, failed to even record an out in his start against Oakland as he allowed four hits, four earned runs and a pair of walks before being pulled.
“The two walks, something that’s not normal for him,” manager Craig Counsell said. “Strike throwing is something he’s very capable of. Some bad counts and some walks, and that hurt him.”
Ten pitchers saw action against the A’s, including the first Brewers appearances for offseason acquisitions Javy Guerra and Rule 5 pick Gus Varland.
Milwaukee (1-2 in the Cactus League) banged out 10 hits but was 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position.
The only spark came in the ninth inning, when 2022 first-round draft pick Eric Brown Jr. slugged a two-run home run and Cam Devanney followed with a solo shot to center – both off former Milwaukee pitching prospect Trey Supak – to cap the scoring.
“It’s fun,” said Counsell. “It’s a home run in a spring-training game and it’s a good way to get your season kicked off.”
Ten pitchers also threw for the Brewers against the Rockies. Starter Robert Gasser, who allowed a hit and a walk with two strikeouts in his lone inning.
Milwaukee jumped out to a 3-0 lead and actually led, 4-3, before Colorado exploded for nine runs in the seventh and eighth against a bevy of minorleague arms. Owen Miller (two doubles) and Sal Frelick each had a pair of hits as the Brewers recorded 10 in all.