One thing I like about Spring Training is no matter how much you get pummeled, you’re going to pitch until you reach your spring max.
Cole Hamels got whacked around in his 6 2/3 innings of work but he was hitting his spots. Hamels struck out six and walked none wile surrendering six runs on nine hits, two of them homers, in the Phils 7-3 loss to Minnesota.
Hamels’ arm is strong and that’s all that matters at this point to the Phils.
On the offensive side of the ball, Luis Castillo tried to erase his first impression. Well, I don’t think he accomplished what he wanted, going 0-for-4 again and striking out twice. Castillo is on pace to not even be worthy of replacing Dom Brown offensively at this point.
On a positive note, Raul Ibanez had a double and bench player Ross Gload, who is quietly putting himself in the right field mix, went 2-for-3.
The Phils also got production from behind the plate as Carlos Ruiz had a pair of hits and Dan Sardhina had a two-run double.
2B: Ibanez (2), Sardinha (2).
WP: Blackburn (3-1). LP: Hamels (1-1).
TTB 