In a 7-1 loss to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday, offense was hard to come by for the Milwaukee Brewers.  

For most of the game, the Brewers were unable to generate anything at the plate, and it looked as if the Giants would pull off a no-hitter. However, in the top of the ninth inning, first baseman Blake Burke broke through. 

Burke shot a double to right field which ended up getting second baseman Cooper Pratt across home plate after the latter ended up walking in his at-bat. Burke not only ended San Francisco’s chances at a no-hitter, but a shutout win as well.  

After the game, Burke talked about the magnitude of denying the Giants and his former coach at Tennessee, Tony Vitello, the chance at a no-hitter. 

“That was the first time I've been nervous at the plate for a while,” Burke said. "I felt like I couldn't even feel my legs, but I mean, kind of just going in there, got a good report from Bogey, tried to put my best swing on it, and that's what happened.” 

For Burke, this was a first-time experience.  

“I think it was the first time I've ever been part of being no hit or something like that, that deep into a game,” Burke said. “But it was fun to be a part of and have the chance to get that at bat. Cuz Cooper, if he got out there, wasn't gonna get up. So, he worked a good count, got a walk, and was able to hit.” 

Burke was a pivotal part in helping Tennessee win its first National Championship in 2024. Afterward, he was selected by the Brewers with the 34th pick in the Competitive Balance-A round of the 2024 MLB Draft. 

Though it was only a Spring Training game, Burke still relished the height of the competition.  

“I mean, big crowd too, ton of people here,” he said. “Towards the end, they started to get fired up. And I mean, being up at the plate right there, facing a no hitter, I mean, it's kind of why you play. 

“You kind of get the energy and a little bit nervous," Burke said. "And it's good to get reps like that, because you don't get much of that before the season starts. So, it was cool to get up there.” 

By the end of the game, the Brewers had gone just 1-for-28 at the plate and had struck out 11 times.

It was also the first time Burke had the opportunity to face his former coach in a live game setting.  

“I mean, if false scrimmages count, then no. But yeah, that was my first time playing against him,” Burke said.

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