Went early to BayCare Ballpark this morning ( 9 AM ) and saw the buses departing for Lakeland for the game with the Tigers. There were three buses traveling in tandem while the fourth bus pulled out a bit later. Also noticed that a few players went to the parking lot and were driving to the game on their own, that’s a normal thing for Spring Training road games.
We saw four pitchers throw bullpen sessions on the mounds by Bowa Field. Glad to report that Ranger Suarez, Francisco Morales and Mauricio Llovera are all present in camp, they had been delayed due to visa issues. Each threw about 20 pitches this morning. Francisco is a big dude, he’s also a hard tosser and that was on display this morning ... I posted a video earlier that I took.
Aaron Nola was the fourth pitcher in the group, he obviously threw more pitches as he’s far ahead in the practice regimen as compared to the new arrivals. After they all completed their bullpens they practiced pickoff moves to first base on Bowa Field under the watchful eye of coach Rob Thomson who also instructed the younger pitchers on how to work in tandem with the catcher’s position to have a more effective pickoff ... very fitting since he’s an ex catcher himself 🧐. The little tidbits that only we can offer from our observances 🤫.
Game Summary : Phillies 4 Tigers 2 - Seven Innings
Travis Jankowski led off the third inning with a triple. After walks to Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura loaded the bases Didi Gregorius reached on a fielder’s choice groundout that scored Jankowski. Brad Miller then singled to score McCutchen. Andrew Knapp smoked a double over the head of Tigers right fielder Riley Greene to score both Gregorius and Miller 💪.
Detroit scored a run in the fifth inning as Jhailyn Ortiz had trouble with the wind and sun in left field - misplayed a fly ball into a double for Niko Goodrum. Niko advanced to third base and scored on a couple groundouts.
The Tigers scored a run in the seventh on three hits.
On The Hill :
Zach Eflin was dominant in two innings pitched. He yielded just a single against the seven batters he faced, fastball was in the 92-95 range, he also threw his slider, change up and curve ball - 26 pitches - 18 strikes.
Ivan Nova had a much better second outing this time around in Lakeland. He threw two scoreless innings which included two double play grounders. Ivan walked two and struck out two batters, his fastball sat at 93-94, also threw curveball and changeup.
Hector Rondon pitched one inning, fastball sat 93-94 ... also threw a slider. Gave up a misplayed double which eventually scored on groundouts.
David Hale threw a scoreless sixth inning allowing just one walk. Fastball was in the 92-94 range, also used his curveball. Allowed one walk and struck out one batter.
David Parkinson made his 2021 Grapefruit League debut in the seventh inning. Fastball sat in the 89-91 range ... showed good secondaries using his big breaking curve for two strikeouts. David yielded 1 run on 3 hits.
At The Plate :
Travis Jankowski had a two hit day, long triple in the third inning and a sharply hit single down the left field line in the fourth inning. Andrew Knapp was on base twice - double and a walk.
Extra Bases :
Double : Andrew Knapp - 2 RBIs
Triple : Travis Jankowski
Good Defense :
Nick Maton made a nice play at third base on a soft ground ball in the seventh inning, Darick Hall scooped his low throw at first for a defensive gem all around. Luis Garcia showed his range at second base with a diving stop on a ball up the middle but couldn’t make the throw, the young man can pick it 👍.
Phil-Ins :
Mini Camp players on the bus today included pitchers Tyler Carr, Enyel De Los Santos, David Parkinson, JD Hammer and Jonathan Hennigan. Catcher Logan O’Hoppe, Infielders Darick Hall, Luis Garcia, Luke Williams and Bryson Stott and Outfielders Jhailyn Ortiz and Johan Rojas also made the trip.
Ortiz subbed into left field, also got an AB ( ground out), Garcia played second base and got an AB -K’d. Stott played shortstop with one AB -K’d. Darick Hall played first base. Johan Rojas pinch ran for Andrew Knapp in the sixth inning and stole second base. Johan stayed in the game to play RF. Logan O’Hoppe pinch hit and flied out to center field.
Next :
Phillies are back at home in BayCare Ballpark tomorrow against the Yankees.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️