PEORIA, Ariz. (AP)—Jesse Garcia singled home the winning run with two outs in the ninth inning, and the San Diego Padres rallied for a 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday.
Garcia, a reserve infielder who played for Atlanta last year, went 2-for-3 after getting four hits Sunday and coming within a home run of the cycle. He is batting .371 in 35 spring at-bats, but probably remains a long shot to make the opening day roster.
“He’s done everything he can do to be on this club,” manager Bruce Bochy said.
Geoff Blum, a free agent from Tampa Bay, is still the strong favorite to be the Padres’ backup at both middle infield spots.
The Padres scored two runs in the ninth off Derrick Turnbow. Michel Hernandez hit a single to right field to drive in pinch-runner Freddy Guzman. After Blum struck out, Garcia hit a bouncer past the shortstop to score Ron Merrill.
The win went to Scott Linebrink, who struck out the side in the ninth.
Brewers left-hander Chris Capuano was sharp, striking out four in five scoreless innings.
Prized second base prospect Rickie Weeks was 3-for-4 with a triple and two runs for Milwaukee.
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