The second (and last of 2026) Spring Breakout Game saw a strong Brewers’ offense jump out to a 3-0 lead and rally late to grab an 8-7 advantage, but 4 errors and a run-scoring passed ball cost the squad in a 9-8 defeat to the Athletics.
SS Jesus Made (1-for-3) smacked the first pitch of the game 400 feet at 112.7mph for a double, with DH Luis Pena and 1B Blake Burke (2-for-3) following with RBI hits.
Starting RHP Tyson Hardin (2 IP) retired the first 3 batters he faced, but 4 hits (2 of the infield variety) and 2 walks cost him 3 earned runs as the A’s tied the game in the second frame.
The Brewers re-took the lead 4-3 in the 3rd inning on a Burke single and 3 walks, but could have gotten more (K, ground out with bases loaded).
An error, triple and homer off of RHP Brett Wichrowski and homer against LHP Jesus Broca put the good guys in a 7-4 hole in the 3rd inning, but RHP Ethan Dorchies and LHP Wande Torres combined on 4 shutout innings to allow for a comeback.
Super-subs Eric Bitonti and Darrien Miller blasted solo homers in the 7th and 8th innings, with Brady Ebel and 3B Andrew Fischer following with RBI doubles to pull ahead 8-7.
Three A’s singles and a walk tied the game against LHP Mark Manfredi in the bottom of the 8th inning. He bounced back to strike out the final 2 batters, but not before a run-scoring passed ball put the Athletics in front for good.
An 11-10 hit advantage and 7-for-7 stolen base success rate (including 3 for Burke) wasn’t enough to overcome the defensive miscues in this one. 15 Brewers’ hitters participated, along with 6 pitchers.
The Minor League seasons kick off with AAA Nashville on March 27, High-A Wisconsin on April 2 and AA Biloxi and Low-A Wilson on April 3.