Ryan Howard singled in a run in the first and hit a solo HR in the sixth as the Phillies beat the Pirates in spring training action this afternoon.The Phillies got out to a quick lead with Jimmy Rollins, Placido Polanco, Raul Ibanez & Ryan Howard all hitting singles before the Pirates even managed an out.
Phils starter Joe Blanton allowed two runs on four hits in a 3 2/3 innings. Blanton was shaky early giveing up four straight hits in the first inning, but he would settle down and retire the next eight batters he’d face. Lefty Antonio Bastardo made his spring debut pitching a scoreless ninth with two Ks to get the save. Jimmy Rollins also had two hits today.
Funny aside from this game, the Phillies scored the winning runs in the seventh inning Michael Dubee, who happens to be the son of Phillies pitching coach Rich Dubee.
The Phillies face the Pirates again tomorrow at Brighthouse Field at 1pm.