Murphy steamed over ‘terrible performance’

PHOENIX – If ever there was a spring training game to forget for the Milwaukee Brewers, it was Wednesday at American Family Fields of Phoenix.

Bryse Wilson allowed 10 runs over three innings in a starting role, the defense was even worse and the offense didn’t do a whole lot, either, as the Chicago White Sox steamrolled to a 15-4 win.

“It was a terrible performance, really, on all levels,” said Brewers manager Pat Murphy.

Hard contact marks Wilson’s outing

Wilson is expected to fill a variety of roles for the Brewers again this year and is being stretched out to provide length, but this was not his day.

Wilson was hurt by his defense at times but also gave up three home runs in the second inning and 12 hits overall. For a pitcher who has performed quite well this spring, it was a very rough day.

“We didn’t make some plays behind him for sure,” Murphy said. “Everything just kind of snowballed. He wasn’t as sharp as he’s been. New catcher (Gary Sanchez). Just overall a really tough day. Gave up hard contact over and over. Balls hit into center. Just wasn’t in rhythm.”

Wilson’s velocity was fine, sitting around 94-95 mph with his fastball, but the location wasn’t pristine. An error in the first also cost him a run and there were multiple plays that should have been made in the second that weren’t, which only made things worse when Rafael Ortega, Korey Lee and Andrew Vaughn took Wilson deep.

A very poor defensive showing

There were a litany of errors – both officially scored as such and not – for Milwaukee. Brewer Hicklen bobbled a ball in left and lost another in the sun. Joey Wiemer misplayed a ball in center to allow an extra base. Sanchez, catching his first game of the spring, allowed two passed balls. Tyler Black was caught out of position at first base on a grounder to the pitcher that resulted in a hit. There were more misplays, too. Even if few of the Brewers regulars were in the lineup, it was still a cacophony of yuck.

“A lot of those guys won’t be on our team, but regardless we should be good enough to make those plays,” Murphy said.

RICK SCUTERI / USA TODAY SPORTS Brewers rightfielder Luis Lara is unable to come up with a deep fly Wednesday in the first inning against the White Sox in Phoenix.