Side Bullpens : Efrain Contreras and Jordi Martinez
The three scheduled contests against the Tigers were cancelled due to rain in the forecast - instead the Phillies played a 15 inning intra-squad marathon on Roberts Field in order to get all the pitchers work covered. I was there to watch twelve innings of the contest. It was a very windy day on the backfields. The starting lineups played the first seven innings and then every spot was replaced by a new player who then played the final seven and one half innings. Pitchers went in according to schedule.
At the Plate :
Troy Schreffler went 3 for 4 (two singles & a triple - two runs scored, two RBIs) and Hendry Mendez also continued his hot hitting going 3 for 4 (three singles) with two RBIs and two runs scored. Aidan Miller and Cade Fergus each went 2 for 3 - Fergus doubled twice with three RBIs, he also walked once. Miller posted two singles, two RBIs, two runs scored and a walk. Junior Marin was also 2 for 3 with two doubles and three RBIs. Bryson Ware was 2 for 4 (singles) with two RBIs and a run scored. Devin Saltiban was 2 for 5 (single & triple), the young man can turn on pitches quickly. Gabriel Rincones Jr, Nikau Pouaka-Grego, Leonardo Rondon and Raylin Heredia each had doubles. Erick Brito tripled and walked in three plate appearances.
Gabriel Rincones Jr, Emaarion Boyd (2), Troy Schreffler, Jordan Viars, William Bergolla, Aidan Miller, Devin Saltiban, Bryson Ware, Chad Castillo and Cade Fergus each had stolen bases.
Pitching Notes :
Mick Abel (3 1/3 IP), Beau Burrows (1 IP), Gunner Mayer (1 IP), Jean Cabrera (4 IP), Jake Eddington (4 IP), Jonathan Petit (1 IP), Andrew Baker (2/3 IP), Christian McGowan (2 IP), Ricardo Pinto (3 2/3 IP), Jaydenn Estanista (1/3 IP), Sam Aldegheri (3 IP), Mavis Graves (4 IP) and Tommy McCollum (1 IP) all pitched for the final time in spring camp.
Ricardo Pinto stood out - scoreless work allowing just one hit and no walks while striking out four batters. Used his veteran moxy and split finger changeup to keep batters off balance. Tommy McCollum threw very well also - as I consistently state the ball gets on hitters quickly from a smooth delivery and when he uses the split finger it’s just not fair - he struck out two in his inning of work.
Other Notes :
Players chosen to be on opening day rosters for the affiliates will travel on Saturday to their destinations. The Reading squad will play Jersey Shore’s squad in an exhibition tune-up on Wednesday (4/3) in Lakewood. Reading, Jersey Shore and Clearwater open their seasons on April 5th.
Today there will be two more scrimmage tune-ups before camp breaks tomorrow.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
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