The Milwaukee Brewers bounced back from an early deficit to defeat the Chicago White Sox 5-2 Thursday afternoon at American Family Fields of Phoenix, powered by Luis Rengifo's two-run home run and Joey Ortiz's perfect 3-for-3 performance. The victory showcased the Brewers' offensive depth and bullpen resilience as they continue fine-tuning their roster ahead of the regular season opener.
Rengifo Powers Brewers Comeback
After falling behind 1-0 in the first inning, the Brewers answered emphatically in the third frame. Rengifo's two-run blast highlighted a two-run inning that gave Milwaukee the lead for good. The veteran infielder finished 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored, providing exactly the kind of clutch hitting manager Pat Murphy wants to see in spring preparation.
Ortiz was the story of the day offensively, collecting three hits in three at-bats while scoring twice. His perfect afternoon continues what's been an impressive spring campaign as he battles for a regular role in the Brewers' infield picture. Brice Turang added an RBI double, while Jackson Chourio and William Contreras each drove in runs to round out Milwaukee's balanced attack.
Bullpen Dominates After Rocky Start
While starter Brandon Sproat struggled through 1.1 innings, allowing three hits and a run while walking one, the Brewers' bullpen stepped up in a big way. Shane Drohan earned the victory with two scoreless innings, striking out three while allowing just one hit. The left-hander has been making a strong case for a bullpen spot with consistent outings this spring.
Easton McGee continued his solid spring with two more scoreless innings, and Blake Holub slammed the door in the ninth, striking out three batters in a perfect inning to earn the save. The bullpen's performance was exactly what the Brewers needed after using eight different pitchers to get through nine innings.
White Sox Offense Stalls
Chicago managed just six hits despite getting solid production from catcher Edgar Quero, who went 2-for-3 with two RBIs and a double. Chase Meidroth scored both White Sox runs but the offense couldn't sustain any momentum after jumping ahead early.
White Sox starter Sean Burke kept his team in the game through three innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits while striking out two. But reliever Tanner McDougal took the loss after surrendering two runs in three innings of work.
What's Next
This victory continues the Brewers' solid spring showing as they work to establish their final roster spots and build chemistry ahead of Opening Day. The offensive balance displayed today—five different players driving in runs—is exactly what this team will need come April.
The pitching staff's ability to recover after Sproat's early exit also bodes well, particularly with Drohan and Holub making strong impressions. With perfect 87-degree weather and 3,761 fans in attendance, it was an ideal day of spring baseball that should give Brewers fans plenty of optimism heading into the regular season.
