Intra squad Games :
The Tigers sent two squads from Lakeland to face the Phillies today in Clearwater. The High A group played at BayCare Ballpark and the Rookie group played on Ashburn Field. Conversely the Phillies sent their AA and Low A groups to Lakeland to play their Tigers counterparts there.
We watched the contest at BayCare Ballpark.
Summary :
The Tigers won the game by a count of 3-2 ... five of the first six defensive innings for the Phillies were rolled while the Tigers rolled the bottom of the first against the Phillies.
McCarthy Tatum gave the Phillies an early lead with a two run home run in the bottom of the first inning.
The Tigers Andre Lipcius tied the game in the fourth inning with a two run home run. They scored the game winning run in the fifth inning on a RBI single from Reynaldo Rivera.
On The Hill : Looked like a Max Pitch Count of 35 to 40 pitches each ... 17-20 per inning
LHP Jhordany Mezquita started and pitched two frames - both rolled - faced 7 batters - two outs recorded in the first inning and one in the second inning. No runs, one hit allowed and three walks with two strikeouts. Jhordany had good velocity but battled command. The one hit allowed was a double to lead off the game.
RHP Tyler McKay went two frames - both rolled. One out recorded first frame, two in the second - faced 8 batters. 2 R, 3 H, 1 BB ... Tyler also looked to have good velo but struggled with location.
LHP Josh Hendrickson pitched two frames with one rolled. Faced seven batters - one out recorded in fifth inning, full second inning. 1 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K’s. The initial batter he faced hit a pop up to shortstop but Luis Garcia lost it in the sun, he then threw the ball away trying to get the runner at first base who had rounded the bag. A single by the second hitter Josh faced scored the run.
RHP Adam Leverett tossed a scoreless seventh inning allowing just one walk. He got two fly outs and a groundout. First time I’ve seen him throw ... showed decent pop, threw strikes and produced outs - that’s good for me 🤓👍.
RHP Tom Sutera threw a scoreless eighth inning ... walked one but runner was caught stealing and then he got two groundouts. Very efficient and quick work today ... always impresses with his pitch-ability each time we watch him.
RHP Billy Sullivan faced four batters in a scoreless ninth. He was impressive with the velo ... high octane 🔥and also had a very effective secondary delivery. Hit one batter but got three ground ball outs. Got us excited to see more 💪.
At The Plate : Four hits total
First Baseman Rudy Rott had a good day ... single, double and walk in four plate appearances ... even his out was a hard hit ground ball.
Left Fielder McCarthy Tatum hit a two run home run.
Second Baseman Jonathan Guzman singled in three AB’s.
Defensive Gems :
Jonathan Guzman made a strong throw to home plate in the fifth inning to nail the runner from third base attempting a double steal. He had cut off the throw to second on the throw from the catcher there and fired home to end the inning.
We were impressed with the arm strength and quick release of catcher Herbert Iser as well.
Notes :
Former Phillies minor league coach Joel McKeithan was on hand today as part of the Tigers coaching contingent. He’s now the Tigers minor league hitting coordinator.
That’s a wrap ... we are taking a day off tomorrow and will be back at it on Monday.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Steve Potter is the co-author with Larry Shenk of “Life In The Minors, 5th annual Phillies Minor League Digest” now available on amazon.com. He can be followed on www.PhilliesBaseballFan.com).
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