The Milwaukee Brewers dropped their first game of Spring Training with a 9-6 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday, but Brewers outfielder Brandon Lockridge opened the third year of his Major League Baseball career with a bang. 

Lockridge kicked off the bottom of the second inning with a 440-foot solo shot to left field to give Milwaukee an early 2-0 lead. The blast was the big highlight of his day in which he went 2-for-3 at the plate.  

Before Sunday’s game against the Chicago White Sox, Lockridge reflected on the deep shot. 

“You know it's something I haven't really showed much of the last few years,” Lockridge said. “I think when I was drafted, where I was drafted, it's like a speed power threat. 

"You know as I've worked my way up the upper levels of minor leagues, I kind of sacrificed that to put the ball in play and try to get on base to steal bases and stuff," Lockridge said. 

“So, you know I think I came into the offseason with like a you know idea behind trying to maybe maximize that a little bit more this year and see how it goes,” he added. 

For Lockridge, who is a .226 hitter through 79 career MLB games, the process comes down to choosing when to go for power or contact. 

“You know, picking your spots and stuff on when to let it let it fly instead of just kind of always trying to punch the ball the other way and just try to single my way on,” Lockridge said. “So, you know, it's just kind of something that I wanted to try to implement a little bit, and we'll kind of see how it goes going forward.” 

Lockridge has made an effort to ensure he is not chasing pitches, which keeps him intact mentally. 

“I think a lot of it for me is approach-based,” he said. “You know the ability to not chase was kind of always in the forefront of my mind, so when you're trying to not chase you're kind of overthinking it and you stay through the middle of field a little bit more and you don't really get the bat head out as much. 

“So, trying to work on that approach, shifting it around and being a little bit more of a thread is something that you know is worth a try.” 

Lockridge is in a situation in Milwaukee where the outfield depth is plentiful. Players like Christian Yelich, Sal Frelick, and Jackson Chourio are proven players, meaning that the chance for Lockridge to see the field is less likely. However, he is just trying to do the best he can to create an opportunity. 

“Yeah, I mean I've every organization I've been with has had some pretty good outfield depth,” Lockridge said. “[It’s] something I'm kind of used to now. It's obvious that we've got a very good outfield with a lot of depth and you know all I can do is play well and try to help contribute at some point whenever it’s my time. 

“That's kind of the way I'm looking at it — go out and enjoy myself, play good baseball and then, you know, hope for the best when that time comes.” 

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