Camp report: Jimmy Nelson sharp against Reds
On the field: Right-hander Jimmy Nelson pitched three strong innings in a 4-1 loss to Cincinnati, allowing one hit and no runs. Nelson issued no walks and struck out four.
"He threw the ball very well," manager Craig Counsell. "He struck out four guys, all on off-speed (pitches). So, the off-speed stuff was really sharp. He was getting ahead in the count. It was a very good outing."
On an otherwise quiet day for the offense, prospects Lewis Brinson and Isan Diaz knocked in the runs with a double and home run, respectively. Diaz's shot in the ninth was an opposite-field drive to left, displaying his power the other way.
"When the bases were loaded with (Brett) Phillips (in the eighth), I said, 'If I get up this inning, I'm hitting one out,' " Diaz said. "I came back in the dugout (from the on-deck circle) and I said, 'Next inning, I'm just looking for one pitch, and I'm doing some damage.' I was very fortunate. That felt really good."
BOX SCORE: Reds 4, Brewers 2
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Cactus juice: When Brewers prospect Lucas Erceg crushed a grand slam on the roof of the right-field pavilion at Goodyear Ballpark last Monday in a game against Cleveland, club officials were told there was no way to retrieve it. The ball was still sitting on the roof when the Brewers returned to play Cincinnati on Sunday, so afterward city employee Rafael Laguan was asked by media relations director Mike Vassallo if there were any way to get the ball.
Laguan said no problem, went to scrounge up a ladder with Vassallo and the pair climbed up onto the roof to retrieve the ball, which will be presented Monday to Erceg. The adventure was captured on video and photographs by both Vassallo and reporters, and Laguan was congratulated for his can-do attitude.
Weather: Sunny, 82 degrees.
Scoreboard: Reds 4, Brewers 2. Record: 9-8. Monday: Brewers vs. Mariners, 3:05 p.m. Milwaukee RHP Junior Guerra (1-0, 1.50) vs. Seattle RHP Hisashi Iwakuma (0-0, 2.25). Webcast: Brewers.com.
Countdown: 21 days until opening day, April 3, against Colorado at Miller Park.