Brad Nelson hit a three-run homer in the first inning, and the Milwaukee Brewers went on to beat the Texas Rangers 7-4 on Friday night.
The Brewers managed just eight hits off Kevin Millwood and three relievers, but took advantage of four walks and two errors to score five unearned runs.
"What we did is show some patience at the plate," Brewers manager Ken Macha said. "We took advantage of some walks and had some plate discipline."
Right-hander Dave Bush, scheduled to be Milwaukee's fifth starter, scattered nine hits and allowed four runs -- two earned -- over 6 2-3 innings. He struck out two and ran his spring record to 3-0 with a 2.70 ERA.
Millwood allowed only four hits and struck out six, but also walked three. The right-hander gave up six runs, only one of which was earned.
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"I walked too many guys, but still I think my fastball location was better than it was last time," said Millwood, the Rangers' scheduled opening day starter. "I'm ready to go."
Nelson's home run, his third of the spring, put Milwaukee out front early. Michael Young homered in the bottom of the first and Elvis Andrus hit an RBI double in the second to get the Ranges within 3-2, but the Brewers scored three more runs in the fourth, two coming on Hernan Iribarren's triple down the left-field line.
"They got six runs on two mistakes," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We threw 133 pitches for nine innings. That's pretty good."
Chris Davis homered in the sixth and finished 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Catcher Taylor Teagarden was 3-for-3 with a double and a triple.
The Rangers open the season, Monday April 6, at home against the Cleveland Indians.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
