PHOENIX (AP)—Outfield prospect Brad Nelson, assigned to minor league camp earlier in the day, provided a memorable farewell for the Milwaukee Brewers.
Nelson’s three-run, pinch-hit homer off Ryan Bukvich capped a four-run rally in the fourth inning Tuesday night and propelled a Brewers split squad to a 6-4 victory over a Texas split squad at Maryvale Baseball Park.
Making his second outing of the spring after being brought along slowly following back surgery, Brewers right-hander Ben Sheets was erratic with his command, allowing five hits and three runs in 2 2/3 innings.
“I didn’t locate one fastball in three innings,” said Sheets, who surrendered a double to opposite number Pedro Astacio among the Rangers’ five hits. “I felt great. I just didn’t locate it.
“I’m not overly worried. It’s still spring training. But I better get it going.”
The Brewers were losing 3-0 when Nelson hit his homer.
Earlier in the day, Nelson was assigned to minor league camp along with right-hander Luis Pena and left-hander Jeff Housman.
Texas third baseman Hank Blalock, who doubled in a run in the third inning, singled in the tying run in the fifth inning off Jorge De La Rosa.
The Brewers went ahead to stay with two runs in the sixth.
Trent Durrington drew a bases-loaded walk off Travis Hughes and Prince Fielder followed with a sacrifice fly.
Pedro Astacio started for Texas and went 3 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and three runs, with one walk and five strikeouts. Two of the runs charged to Astacio came on Nelson’s homer off Bukvich.
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