Jeff Francoeur’s RBI single off ended a two-run sixth and helped lift the Phillies to a 3-2 win over the Pirates.
Mercer struck first and had given the Pirates a 2-0 lead with a two-run homer against talk of the town Cole Hamels.
With the Phillies trying to rebuild for the future, Hamels has been the subject to much speculation surrounding his future. Today was his second start this spring and he allowed two hits, two runs, two walks and struck out one in three innings.
Overall though it was a strong day for Phillies pitching as Jonathan Papelbon tossed a clean fourth in relief of Hamels which was succeeded by two scoreless innings from Andy Oliver, who struck out two and walked one. Elvis Araujo, Mario Hollands and Jeanmar Gomez also all tossed shutout innings.
The Phillies will next be in action on Friday as they play the Tigers.
