All-Star Lucroy plays in rehab game with Manatees

VIERA With the help of Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy, the Brevard County Manatees were able to snap a four-game losing streak.

A trio of Manatee pitchers combined on the shutout as Brevard County posted the 2-0 win in front of 1,270 fans at Space Coast Stadium.

Lucroy, who started a rehab assignment with the team Thursday, went 1-for-3 and was solid behind the plate in the win.

"Big win, just enough runs to win," Manatees manager Joe Ayrault said. "Having a guy like Lucroy come in on a rehab assignment was a big spark for the guys. He is going to be a big influence."

The Manatees finished with 12 hits and got on the board early as Chris McFarland led off with a walk. Lucroy singled and the next two batters flew out, leaving it up to Taylor Brennan. The third baseman responded with a two-out single to score McFarland.

It was all starter Javier Salas would need as he went six shutout innings, allowing just six hits and struck out five. It is the third time this season that Salas has struck out five.

"He has a good sinker ball, keeps the ball down," Lucroy said. "He threw really well and I was happy with what I saw."

It was Salas' fourth win of the season. Tristan Archer and Trevor Seidenberger finished off the shutout.

Lucroy, whose parents are in town from Eustis, which is north of Orlando, will be with the Manatees throughout the weekend and will be the designated hitter tonight against Charlotte in Game 3 of the series with first pitch set for 6:35 p.m.

"I felt fine, just a little rusty," Lucroy said. "I missed some pitches I should have hit, but that is part of getting your timing back and seeing the ball again, seeing velocity."