Angels 6, Brewers 4: Tyler Black turns heads with an outstanding defensive day
TEMPE, Ariz. -- That mythical Cactus League title that Pat Murphy keeps mentioning -- in jest, of course -- is looking a little shaky at the moment.
After opening with a resounding victory Saturday, the Milwaukee Brewers dropped their third straight game, this one a 6-4 decision against the Los Angeles Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium on Tuesday afternoon.
Sal Frelick had the lone multi-hit game for the Brewers with a triple and also scored a run and Oliver Dunn had the only other extra-base hit with a double.
Starter Janson Junk allowed a run in his lone inning of work, Hoby Milner allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits and Bryan Hudson a run on two hits with a pair of strikeouts.
"It's fun," manager Pat Murphy said. "We're getting to learn a lot. A lot of good things today. It was encouraging. Willy Adames (1 for 3 with an RBI) is so eager to play, and that bodes well that one of your leaders, one of your pillars, wants to be in there in their first week of spring training.
"It's really cool when the other guys want to get in there, too. They're going to be in there soon."
Three observations from Brewers-Angels
Junk made his first start of the spring against his former team, which shipped him along with Elvis Peguero and Adam Seminaris to the Brewers last offseason in exchange for Hunter Renfroe.
Junk ultimately pitched in the majors just twice for the Brewers in 2023, but now has his sights set on a more permanent stay for 2024.
"I'm doing everything I can to prove myself here and fight for a spot on the staff," Junk said leading into his one-inning stint. He allowed a hit and a run.
"I did a little mechanical thing that I think worked out pretty well that has my velo up a few ticks," Junk continued. "Other than that, I'm focusing on my off-speed and what I'm really good at. That was a big adjustment from last year when I focused on adding another pitch and kind of strayed away from my strengths.
"This offseason I focused on my strengths, getting my velo up, getting healthy and stronger and preparing myself for this situation here."
Prospect Tyler Black, who's being tried at both first and third base, made three outstanding defensive plays in addition to collecting a single.
First, he made a nice play charging in on a Mike Trout squibber down the first-base line in the fifth inning, making the tag to retire the superstar.
Black moved to third in the sixth and recorded two outs, with both coming on the run -- the second on a bunt down the line -- and finishing with strong and accurate throws to first.
"He was great," Murphy said. "The fact that he made two really nice plays at third, sometimes those are the plays when you just let it happen. He struggles with the routine play."
There were also great catches made in the outfield by Frelick, who started in right, and prospect Luis Lara, who took over in center.
"Let's hang onto him," Murphy said of Lara.
Prospect Carlos Rodríguez was one of eight pitchers to throw a single inning, and he allowed a hit and struck a batter out.
Quotable
"He does it once a year, but it's going to be huge -- and in a huge situation," Murphy said of Christian Yelich, who he termed a "sneaky" good bunter.
Jackson Chourio watch
Chourio did not play.
Coming up
Cubs at Brewers, 2:10 p.m. Wednesday. Chicago LHP Jordan Wicks vs. Milwaukee LHP Rob Zastryzny. TV -- Bally Sports Wisconsin. Radio -- AM-620.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Angels 6, Brewers 4: Tyler Black turns heads with a great defensive day
