White Sox pitcher Ivan Nova struggles in second start

Brewers 8, White Sox 5

Rough start

It was a tough day for Sox pitchers, starting with right-hander Ivan Nova.

Nova, whom the Sox acquired in a trade with the Pirates in December, got worse as his outing progressed. After being charged with a balk in the second inning and giving up a two-run home run in the third, Nova allowed a three-run homer in the fourth, then hit a batter with a pitch.

Nova finished his day on a positive note, striking out his final batter before being replaced by left-hander Caleb Frare. He allowed five earned runs and nine hits in 3⅓ innings.

‘‘Obviously not good,’’ said Nova, who struck out four. ‘‘You want to do good. You want [to use spring training] to get ready, get ready the right way. Giving up runs isn’t fun, even in spring training.’’

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Things got wild

Right-hander Juan Minaya threw back-to-back wild pitches, allowing the Brewers two free runs in the seventh. Minaya, who has made five appearances this spring, finished with two walks and three strikeouts in one inning.

Robert’s return

Outfielder Luis Robert, the Sox’ third-ranked prospect who had been out with a jammed thumb, played in his first game in eight days. He went 1-for-3 with a strikeout.

Engel goes yard

On a positive note, outfielder Adam Engel hit his second homer of the Cactus League. It was a solo shot to left.

On deck

Split-squad Tuesday: Mariners at Sox, Glendale, 3:05 p.m., Yusei Kikuchi vs. Carlos Rodon; Sox at Royals, Surprise, 3:05 p.m., Evan Marshall vs. Brad Keller.