The Philadelphia Phillies held their Spring Training home opener Sunday afternoon, taking on the New York Yankees at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida. Philly played a few more of their regulars in this, their second spring contest, against a split Yankee squad.
Phillies beat the Yankees 4-0 after a solid outing
Aaron Nola started the game for the Phillies, his first appearance after signing a 7-year, $172 million extension this offseason. He was followed by Matt Strahm, Jeff Hoffman, Jose Alvarado, Mick Abel, Seranthony Dominguez, Gregory Soto, and non-roster invitee Austin Brice. Nola looked sharp, keeping a steady pace through his two innings. He spoke to the broadcast team after his appearance to discuss his focus for this outing and the spring, overall.
Mick Abel got additional work in the bullpen in an effort to keep him stretched out, and Brice impressed to close things out, striking out the side on 18 pitches.
Phillies make a Sunday shuffle
Sunday’s lineup looked a little different than fans were used to from last season – with Trea Turner and Bryson Stott at the top of the lineup, and Kyle Schwarber hitting behind Nick Castellanos from the 4 spot. After Schwarber was removed from the game, he also joined the broadcast to discuss his approach and what his “number one priority” is for the spring:
“Being able to make an adjustment to where, ya know, hitting the ball pretty much, it’s easier said than done, but hitting it where it’s pitched. The pull rate was at an all-time high last year and I want to be able to make that adjustment to where I’m pitched to where I’m able to drive the ball into left center – using the whole field pretty much…I knew (it was a career high) going into the offseason, where I knew that was one things I’m gonna have to adjust. Getting a feel back to where I’m able to stay behind the baseball and use the whole field again.
Kyle Schwarber on NBC Sports telecast, Sunday, February 25
Underdogs shine bright in Clearwater
Despite the four mainstays of the lineup starting things off, the damage came from players fighting for the few remaining roster spots. The star of the lineup was a man who many fans think may be on the outside looking in when it comes to the 26-man roster – Cristian Pache. He went 2-2 with a solo home run, 2 RBIs and 2 runs scored.
Weston Wilson got the start at 3B today, going 1-3 with a run scored. Backup catcher/clubhouse DJ Garrett Stubbs added an RBI with 2-outs, and first baseman Darick Hall worked a walk and scored a run, as well. All of these players are worth paying close attention to this spring, as they fight for what could be one of only 3 spots still available on the Phillies roster.
After eeking out a victory in a high-scoring affair against the Blue Jays, the Fightin’ Phils won in a very different fashion – on the back of strong pitching and some hopefuls cashing in on their early opportunities. For a team in position to compete for the World Series, they will need help and strength from 26 men, and beyond.
AP Photo/Chris Szagola
