With just a week left until the start of the 2014 season, the Spring Training games become less and less important, and the anticipation of the regular season has reached its high point. However, they still have to (I assume) finish out the remainder of the practice games. Today, the team came up against the Toronto Blue Jays. David Buchanan was set to square off against Brandon Morrow in Dunedin, Florida.
The Game: Scoring began in the top of the second inning with singles by both Ryan Howard and Domonic Brown. John Mayberry Jr., now possible trade bait, walked to load the bases. A Cody Asche ground ball led to Mayberry being thrown out at second, but allowed Howard to score and move Asche to first, while Brown advanced to third. Cameron Rupp grounded out as well, scoring the second and final run of the inning for the Phillies.
With one out in the fourth inning, Mayberry and Asche each singled, and Rupp walked to load the bases much like the team did in the second. Tony Gwynn Jr. flew out to center field, which allowed Mayberry to tag up and score. Asche would score on a single by Ben Revere to move the Phillies lead to 4-0.
Toronto would get their scoring started in the bottom of the sixth inning, when Greg Smith came in to pitch for Philadelphia. With two outs, Brett Lawrie singled into center field. Colby Rasmus followed by doubling to bring home Lawrie and the Blue Jays first run. They would go on to score two more runs in the seventh. Gabe Jacobo and Josh Thole both singled to start the frame. Brett Carroll doubled out to Tony Gwynn to bring in both runners, but was thrown out by Gwynn at third.
As rain moved into the area in the eighth inning, the Phillies scored their final two runs. Mayberry singled in the team's first at bat. Cameron Rupp and Tony Gwynn Jr. each doubled to score those two runs when the rain became too much of a burden. After a bit of a delay, the game was called in the eighth, handing the Phillies a 6-3 victory.
Impact: John Mayberry Jr. and Cody Asche each had impressive games. Mayberry finished by going 2-3 with two runs scored and a walk. Asche also went 2-3, earning an RBI and a run scored. In total, the team recorded 11 hits and have somewhat improved the outlook of the squad, with the offense picking things up in a few areas. David Buchanan, Mario Hollands, and Phillippe Aumont all had scoreless outings to boot.
Up Next: Jeff Manship will head to the mound tomorrow night for the Phillies. They will be at George M. Steinbrenner Field to battle the New York Yankees, who have not named a starter yet, at 7:05.
