Joe Inglett helps case for roster spot with ninth-inning HR to lift Brewers over Cubs 5-3

Inglett’s HR in 9th lifts Brewers over Cubs 5-3

MESA, Ariz. — Joe Inglett, trying to win the final spot on Milwaukee’s 25-man roster, hit a two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning Tuesday, lifting the Brewers to a 5-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

Randy Wells pitched three innings of one-hit ball for the Cubs. He picked off the only man who reached base, meaning he and fellow starters Carlos Zambrano and Ryan Dempster have combined to pitch to the minimum 27 batters in their four outings.

Jeff Suppan, who had pitched two perfect innings his first time out, gave up three runs on five hits in three innings — the first runs allowed by any of Milwaukee’s five starters this spring. Derrek Lee hit a solo homer off Suppan in the third for a 3-0 Chicago lead.

Cubs closer Carlos Marmol allowed two fourth-inning runs, one unearned because of catcher Geovany Soto’s throwing error, and the Brewers tied it on Jody Gerut’s double in the sixth.

In the ninth, Adam Heether drew a leadoff walk and scored on Inglett’s homer off Blake Parker. Inglett, battling Heether, Luis Cruz and Mat Gamel for a backup infielder job, is the only candidate who is out of minor league options.