Ryan Braun hits first spring home run, but Milwaukee Brewers fall to Royals 8-5

A rough start from Jimmy Nelson led to the Brewers’ tenth spring loss.

Nelson only lasted 3 innings and gave up 5 runs in his first loss of the spring. Despite giving up his fair share of runs, Nelson managed to strike out 6 Royals batters. After the game, he told Brewers reporters that he felt good about his offspeed pitches.

While Nelson struggled, the Brewers offense had some success. Ryan Braun hit his first home run of the spring in the first inning, a 2-run shot off Royals pitcher Nathan Karns. Manny Piña continued his great offensive showing in the spring with a homer of his own, a solo shot in the seventh inning.

Although he wasn’t hitting homers, prospect Lucas Erceg continued his hot spring with a 1 for 3 game. Erceg did have a throwing error, but otherwise continues to impress the Brewers brass and fans hitting .417 with a 1.189 OPS.

Outside of home runs, the Brewer only had one other extra base hit coming off the bat of Kirk Nieuwenhuis. Captain Kirk had a good showing with his double, an RBI, a run scored and two walks in today’s contest.

While Nelson started the game poorly, fellow starter Wily Peralta had a good game in relief. Peralta finished the last 5 innings of the game, giving up 2 runs but only one earned, walking one and striking out three.

The Brewers take on the NL Central rival Cubs tomorrow at Maryvale. That game has a 3:05 p.m. CST start. and features Brewers hero Junior Guerra taking on Cubs man Jake Buchanan, a guy people will probably shrug at for being meh when compared to other Cubs players.