It was a day to forget for left-hander Cole Hamels. He was hit around in a 7-6 Phillies win against the Houston Astros.
Hamels had a very rocky start in which he gave up five runs on seven hits with four strikeouts and a walk in 3.2 innings. He also gave up home runs to Carlos Lee, Chris Johnson, and former Phillie Jason Michaels.
Hamels seemed to have problems with his command. This was the first spring start that he looked less than stellar.
John Mayberry, Jr. continued his hot spring going 2-for-3 with a walk. Infielder Josh Barfield went 1-for-2 with a pair of RBIs.
Barfield is making a strong case to make the 25-man roster and his chances could increase depending on what happens with Chase Utley. Barfield is batting .476 with three RBIs in 21 at-bats so far this spring.
Shane Victorino, Raul Ibanez, and Ryan Howard each had an RBI in the win. Michael Martinez scored the winning run off a Fernando Rodriguez wild pitch.
The Phillies will face the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday at 1:05 PM with Joe Blanton getting the start.
2B: Victorino (5), Howard (2), Mayberry, Jr. (4)
WP: Meyer (2-0). LP: Fe. Rodriguez (0-1). S: Brummett (1)
TTB 