Photo Courtesy Frank Berlingis
The Phillies continued a tradition on Thursday afternoon. The day before Grapefruit League action begins, the Phillies play the University of Tampa Spartan. The two teams squared off at Spectrum Field in Clearwater. The Phillies used many of their major league players and defeated the Spartans 6-0.
The Phillies sent eight different pitchers to the mound, beginning with starter Jerad Eickhoff. Eickhoff pitched two scoreless, hitless innings before turning things over to the bullpen. Behind Eickhoff were Jose Taveras, Tom Eshelman, Franklyn Kilome, Enyel De Los Santos, Seranthony Dominguez, Cole Irvin and Ranger Suarez. The bullpen scattered seven singles and allowed no runs.
On the Phillies offensive side, Danny Ortiz and Andrew Pullin each drove in two runs, while Heiker Meneses drove in one. The Phillies offense featured a Tommy Joseph double, the only extra base hit by the Phillies. The Phillies had seven hits total, while they went without a walk.
After the game had ended, play continued for another inning not reflected in the box score. In the unofficial part of the game, Andrew Pullin hit a two-run home run and Zach Green added a solo shot.
Grapefruit League action begins tomorrow at 1:07 p.m. in Dunedin, Florida, as the Phillies take on the Toronto Blue Jays.
