The Phillies donned familiar red pinstripes for the first time since September today as the Yankees came over from Tampa to open Grapefruit League action Tuesday afternoon. With a lineup full of regulars (minus the ailing Chase Utley), the Phillies looked to do better than the game against Tampa's collegiate Team, the University of Tampa.
Ryan Howard led the offense Tuesday afternoon. Howard went 2 for 2 with one run batted in. Aaron Altherr drove in a run with one hit in one at bat. Cesar Hernandez went 1 for 3, as did Freddy Galvis. Cody Asche also drove in a run, without a hit. One of the Phillies runs scored on an error; an additional run scored on a balk.
Jerome Williams was a but under the weather and did not start the game. David Buchanan did, and went two innings, allowing five hits and one earned run. Williams did enter the game and pitched like he was healthy; after ditching his Phillies hooded sweatshirt in the 80 degree Florida weather Williams pitched two scoreless innings. Also getting work: Joely Rodriguez and Jeanmar Gomez, both of whom threw two scoreless innings.
Mario Hollands entered the ninth inning up 5-1. After Mason Williams doubled, he moved up to third base on a groundout. The run scored on a small infield tapper off the bat of Jake Cave that was close to being the final out of the game. Slade Heathcock followed with a single, putting two runners on for top Yankees prospect Aaron Judge. Judge took Hollands deep to tie the game in the ninth inning at five.
Hollands was not done getting knocked around. Hollands finally retired the next batter to end the damage. With the score tied, the Phillies would get to bat again.
Cord Phelps opened the bottom of the ninth inning with a single to right field. Phelps is a minor league invitee, as is the following hitter, Darin Mastroianni, who batted for catcher Koyie Hill. Mastroianni struck out, bringing up Odubel Herrera. Herrera got drilled with a pitch in his right elbow, putting a runner in scoring position. Andres Blanco popped out and Aaron Altherr struck out looking to end the ninth inning.
Being the first game of Grapefruit League action, the two teams decided to end the day's game in a tie, rather than warm up additional pitchers, or in the case of the Phillies, find someone to catch.
