Wednesday's action

Because of the WBC teams adding to the mix, there were a lot of games Wednesday, so lets get to them.

First, to Florida, where the Phillies beat Canada, 9-2. SI cover boy Cole Hamels made his spring debut for Philadelphia, throwing 2 scoreless innings, allowing 2 hits and a walk, no runs. Ryan Howard was 2 for 2 with an RBI, and Jeremy Slayden belted a 3-run home run in his only at bat. Slayden looks to be a lock for Lehigh Valley, if not the 5th outfielder on the big club. Personally, I think he should go to AAA, and get 4 at bats a day. Then, if the injury bug hits the Phils, he could be the first call-up. Jason Donald continues to struggle, going 0 for 3 again, and Lou Marson got a walk in his only plate appearance. Andrew Carpenter had another tough outing, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits and 4 walks in 2 innings of work.

Pittsburgh beat Minnesota, 2-1, Jason Jaramillo received a walk in his only at bat for the Pirates.

Carlos Ruiz had a single, scored a run, and drove in another run with a sacrifice fly to help Panama top Detroit, 9-3.

Toronto defeated Team USA, 6-5, by scoring 3 in the bottom of the 9th inning. Randy Ruiz had a pinch hit single in the 8th inning for the Blue Jays.

Venezuela and Houston played to a 4-4 draw. Yoel Hernandez pitched a scoreless inning for Venezuela, and Michael Bourn entered the game in the 7th inning as a pinch runner, promptly stole second base and scored what was at the time to go ahead run. Bourn has stolen 5 bases now this spring.

The Reds beat the Netherlands, 4-3. Matt Maloney pitched 3 innings in relief, giving up 2 runs (on a home run to Yurendell de Caster, a third baseman in the National's system) on 3 hits and 1 walk, striking out 3.

Over in Arizona, the A's topped the White Sox, 7-2. Adrian Cardenas was 0 for 3 for Oakland.

Team Mexico pounded the Diamondbacks, 19-4. Chris Roberson had a single and a walk and scored a run for Arizona.

In a game seen on MLB Network, Team Australia outscored the Seattle Mariners, 11-9. Brad Harman was 0 for 3, but he did have 2 walks, playing the whole game at shortstop. He made a great running catch of a wind blown pop up in the second inning. Joel Naughton came into the game late and picked up a single in 2 at bats, and Drew Naylor recorded 4 outs. Naylor gave up 1 run on 2 hits and 2 walks, but was the winning pitcher!!

One more note, Joe Bisenius has been added to the Team USA roster!!