Rivera, Nottingham homer in 9th, Brewers rally past Angels
PHOENIX (AP) -- Yadiel Rivera hit his third ninth-inning homer of the spring and Jacob Nottingham followed with a game-winning drive, lifting a split squad of Milwaukee Brewers over the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 Monday.
The Brewers were upbeat after teammate Rymer Liriano, who was hit in the face with a pitch and suffered facial fractures Sunday, was released from the hospital and visited the clubhouse just before gametime.
Rivera had two hits, raising his batting average to .375, as he makes his case for the starting shortstop job. He hit his two-run homer off Deolis Guerra.
Nottingham was optioned to the minor leagues last Monday.
Mike Trout raised his Cactus League average to .394 (13 for 33) with two singles for the Angels. Kole Calhoun had a pair of RBI singles.
Brewers starter Matt Garza allowed eight hits over five innings, but three double plays allowed him to limit the damage to three runs.