In keeping with Spring Training strangeness, it was Dane Sardinha whose 2-RBI double off Eric Wordekemper that won the first preseason game of the year against a major league opponent. Then, Jason Grilli, who doesn’t even have a number yet, came in to record the final three outs for the save.
Brian Schlitter, who was notoriously traded to the Cubs for lefty Scott Eyre and is now back with the organization, got the win despite allowing two runs in his inning of work. Cole Hamels looked pretty decent for his first outing, the only blemish being a Francisco Cervelli double and unearned run in the 2nd. Vance Worley, a candidate for the 5th starter spot should the unlikely event of Joe Blanton being traded actually happen, hit 96 on the gun and went two scoreless innings. Ryan Feierabend and Mike Zagurski also got some work in on the day.
Without Chase Utley, Jimmy Rollins, and Placido Polanco, the infield took a bit of patchworking but it came together rather nicely. Josh Barfield went 2-2 in his first appearance as a Phillie. He’s certainly a candidate for utility infield spot behind (or in front of) Wilson Valdez. Round 1 between Ben Francisco and Domonic Brown goes to Ben-Fran, who walked and tripled in his two times up.
It’s always good to get a win against the Yanks, even in the Spring. And since it’s baseball, we get to do it again tomorrow.