Brewers lose close game to Giants, Braun gets first hit of spring

PHOENIX (AP) -- Ryan Vogelsong allowed two hits in 4 2/3 scoreless innings, and Joe Panik and Brandon Belt homered to help the San Francisco Giants beat the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 Thursday.
The first hit Vogelsong gave up was a single to Ryan Braun leading off the fourth. It was Braun's first hit of the spring, ending an 0-for-13 drought extended by a flyout in the first.
"All great streaks must come to an end," Braun said with a smile. "I just wanted to make sure they save the ball for me.
"I'm just preparing myself for April 6, and as long as I put my work in I'll be ready."
Vogelsong entered with a 9.39 ERA this spring, but shook off a hard shot off his right shin on a ball hit by Scooter Gennett in the first inning. The ball caromed right to Belt at first base for an out.
Afterward, the right-hander had an ice bag on his shin to match those on his elbow and shoulder.
"I'll live," Vogelsong said.
Panik hit a solo homer off Tyler Thornburg, a replacement for scratched starter Mike Fiers (shoulder). Belt hit his third homer of the spring to the opposite field in the seventh.
Matt Long homered for Milwaukee.
Sergio Romo, rebounding from shoulder soreness, pitched out of a ninth-inning jam to get the save as the Giants won for only the third time in the past 14 Cactus League games.
San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said he talked to his team about playing crisper and felt Thursday was a positive step.
"We have to get ready and we're not even close," Bochy said. "We have to turn up the volume on how we do things. We can't go through every game giving up 10 and scoring a couple. That's not going to work.
"Today was better. Vogey was good and he set a tone, and Sergio got tested in the ninth."
Starting time: Thornburg pitched out of a bases-loaded jam with one out in the first inning, striking out Hector Sanchez looking and getting Gregor Blanco to pop out. Thornburg ran into trouble in the third, however, allowing the homer to Panik and an RBI single to Blanco.
"I ended warming up a little early and sat around for 10-12 minutes and I wasn't loose when I got out there," Thornburg said. "But I got out of it and I was happy with the outing."
Trainer's room: Fiers was scratched from his scheduled start with shoulder weakness, according to manager Ron Roenicke. Fiers did throw a bullpen session instead and is hoping to take his next turn in five days. Even if he needs some extra time, the Brewers can adjust their rotation. They don't need a fifth starter in the regular season until April 20 because of early off days.
Roster moves: The Brewers reduced their spring training roster to 41 players, optioning RHP Taylor Jungmann and RHP Corey Knebel to Triple-A Colorado Springs, and returning C Adam Weisenberger to minor league camp.
Up next: RHP Jimmy Nelson starts against Arizona on Friday.