Brewers drop 9-7 decision to Cleveland

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GOODYEAR, Ariz. - The Milwaukee Brewers lost to Cleveland 9-7 yesterday in an exhibition game.

Rickie Weeks hit a lead-off triple and scored on a sacrifice fly from Craig Counsell. But that was the only run the Brewers scored in five innings off Indians’ starter Mitch Talbot. Mike Rivera and Eric Ferris homered later on. Chris Narveson went four-and-two-thirds innings for Milwaukee and gave up a pair of two-run blasts to Carlos Santana and Chad Huffman. Ex-Brewer Matt LaPorta hit a two-run shot off Kameron Loe. Closer John Axford took the loss, giving up three runs, three hits, and two walks without getting a batter out.

Brewers’ infielder Mat Gamel returned from an injury and drew a walk. But shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt and outfielder Carlos Gomez still sat out – Gomez with back tightness and Betancourt with a strained quad muscle. Both could play tonight when the Brewers play Seattle. It’s their only night game at spring training.

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Brewers’ manager Ron Roenicke says Mark Rogers could be ready for a start on April 16th. But he won’t be ready before then, as he gets over tightness in his throwing shoulder. Yesterday, the Brewers sent the right-handed Rogers to Triple-“A” Nashville, and he was told be ready in case the Brewers need a temporary fifth-starter on April 16th. They’ll also need a Number-five starter on April sixth, but Roenicke says Rogers won’t be ready for that. Roenicke has yet to decide on a fifth starter. Chris Narveson was supposed to fill that spot, but he moved up temporarily after Zack Greinke was injured. Greinke is due back in late April from his injured left ribs.

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