Brewers open Cactus League 0-3 after split-squad losses to White Sox and Royals Sunday
Milwaukee drops to 0-3 after two games in one day
The Milwaukee Brewers’ spring training record moved to 0-3 after a split-squad Sunday in Arizona ended with two losses: 5-2 to the Chicago White Sox in Glendale and 7-3 to the Kansas City Royals in Phoenix on February 22, 2026. The results came one day after Milwaukee’s exhibition opener, a 9-6 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on February 21.
At Glendale, early advantage fades late
Against the White Sox, the Brewers built a 2-1 lead behind a first-inning run and a solo home run by Akil Baddoo in the third. Milwaukee’s run in the opening frame scored on a hit-by-pitch with the bases loaded, after Joey Ortiz reached and stole second to set the table.
Chicago tied the game in the sixth and pulled away with a three-run inning, then added a solo home run in the eighth to reach the final 5-2 margin. On the pitching side, several Milwaukee arms delivered scoreless frames early before the late inning swing.
In Phoenix, Brewers carry a lead into the late innings
In the home portion of the split squad against Kansas City, Milwaukee played in front for much of the afternoon. William Contreras drove in a run with a double in the third inning to put the Brewers up 1-0 after a scoreless start from multiple pitchers.
Kansas City tied it in the seventh and moved in front in the eighth with extra-base hits. The Royals then broke the game open in the ninth with a three-run home run as part of a four-run inning.
Milwaukee added late offense when Brock Wilken hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth, but the rally ended there in a 7-3 defeat. Jake Bauers reached base three times, while Jett Williams scored the club’s first run after getting on via a walk and later advancing into scoring position.
What the early games indicate—and what they don’t
Spring training outcomes are shaped by split-squad rosters, frequent pitching changes, and an emphasis on evaluation. Even so, the Brewers’ first three contests have featured a recurring theme: early opportunities and stretches of effective pitching, followed by late scoring by opponents once younger pitchers and reserve defenders enter the game.
- Feb. 21: Brewers 6, Guardians 9
- Feb. 22: Brewers 2, White Sox 5
- Feb. 22: Brewers 3, Royals 7
Across the first weekend, Milwaukee produced early runs in multiple games but absorbed decisive damage in the later innings of each loss.
The Brewers’ spring schedule continues Monday, February 23, with another Cactus League matchup as the club keeps building innings for pitchers and plate appearances for both regulars and prospects.