Ben Francisco was responsible for all three Phillies runs as they were defeated by the Yankees 7-3 in spring training action. Francisco finished the day with a home run, double and three RBIs while boosting his claim on the starting right field job. Francisco is locked in a battle with rookie Domonic Brown for the spot. Brown was hitless in three at bats today with three strikeouts.
Joe Blanton got the start for the Phils and looked very strong. He walked the leadoff batter, but didn’t allow a hit or a run from that point over three innings of work. Justin De Fratus and Michael Schwimmer followed Blanton and both were roughed up to the tune of 6 total runs. Ryan Madson and J.C. Romero both threw scoreless innings in their first work of the spring, while Brad Lidge came on in the 9th and surrendered a run.
As with all these early spring training games the individual performances is what matters. Blanton’s strong outing is good news for the Phils whether it means he drums up interest around the league or just has a good year as the 5th starter. Plus, the Francisco vs Brown battle for RF is getting interesting with Francisco taking the early lead.