Sunday, March 8, 2009

Saturday-Grapefruit League

In Clearwater, the Phillies topped Detroit, 8-2. J.A. Happ had a fine outing! Happ threw 3 scoreless innings, allowing just 2 hits, no walks, and struck out 7 of the 9 men he retired. He has logged the most innings so far of any Phillies pitcher, 8, allowing just 2 runs on 6 hits, 1 walk, and 8 Ks. He appears to have a leg up on Kyle Kendrick, at this point, for the 5th starter spot. There is, however, a lot of spring training remaining.

On offense, Ryan Howard hit a 3-run homer, and appears to be rounding into shape in an effort to get off to a stronger start this year. Ryan is 4 for 15 (.267), with 3 of the 4 hits being home runs. Jason Donald was 1 for 3 and scored a run, Lou Marson was 0 for 3, but did score a run and drive one in, before being relieved by Tuffy Gosewisch, who did not get to bat.

Joe Blanton will get the start for Philadelphia against Atlanta Sunday, with Carlos Carrasco due to be the first one in from the bullpen.

In Dunedin, the Jays beat the Reds, 7-2. Randy Ruiz struck out in his only 2 at bats for Toronto, but is still hitting .375 this spring.

In Fort Myers, the Pirates smacked the Twins, 10-1. Jason Jaramillo was 1 for 3 for Pittsburgh and is hitting .300 so far for his new team.

In Kissimmee, the Cards beat the Astros, 5-1. Michael Bourn did not play, but the good news for Michael is his primary competitors for the center field job are Jason Michaels, who is hitting .143 and Reggie Abercrombie, who broke a toe in his foot and will be sidelined about a week.

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