The Yankees got spring training revenge on the Phils as they avenged last week's loss to the Fightin's with a 7-5 victory earlier today. Javier Vasquez took to the mound against Kyle Kendrick and "Crazy K", as his Phils teammates call him, made a statement in his running for the five spot in the rotation. Also, some of the Phillies bats showed some life today which was refreshing to see...for me at least.
Pitching...It seemed like last year, Phils fans were shunning the idea the Kyle Kendrick could ever be a successful major league pictcher. So far this spring, he has shown many signs of improvement to better his chance for a spot in the rotation. Kyle pitched three scoreless innings today and gave up only one hit. He also struck out one batter. He just shows a lot more poise and fire in his eyes than I have seen in previous years. While Kendrick showed some of his best stuff today, Jose Contreras did quite the opposite. He walked three batters and gave up six runs on six hits in only 1 2/3 innings. Chad Durbin had an impressive day, pitching 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball. He struck out two and gave up one hit. Scott Mathieson is still trying to make his come back after Tommy John surgery as he threw a scoreless inning. Jose Contreras picked up the loss and the blown save.
Hitting...Well I have been saying it in my past few posts and it finally came to be. Ryan Howard got his first spring hits and Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins both had great days at the plate. J-Roll led the game off with a homer, his second in as many games, which was part of a 2-for-4 day at the plate. He picked up a run and an RBI too. Utley and Howard were a combined 4-for-7 at the dish. It was nice to Ryan finally get that first spring hit...hopefully the first of many. Outfield reserve, Ben Francisco was 1-for-3 on the day and he had an RBI double. Bubble prospect John Mayberry Jr. had a very good day, 2-for-4, including a homer, scored one run, and had two RBI's.
On the paths...John Mayberry and Dewayne Wise both picked up stolen bases.
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Well, another impressive outing for Kyle Kendrick and I hope his success continues because he has done everything to prove his worth...going down to AAA after pitching a semi-successful season with the Phils. He worked on his mechanics and came back with that fire he needs to be comfident out there. Howard and Utley both had two hits and Rollins hit his second homer. Hopefully the hits keep coming and maybe some wins too...even though they don't matter. Phils are 1-3-1.
Up Next...The Phils take on the Braves tomorrow night at 7:05pm. Roy Halladay is on the slate to make his second start of the spring. Ryan Madson, Andy Carpenter and Danys Baez are also scheduled to pitch. Kenshin Kawakami and new closer Billy Wagner are scheduled to pitch for the Braves.
Notes...According to Phillies.com, Shane Victorino is expected to make his debut tomorrow against Atlanta.
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