Philadelphia Phillies: Spring Training results – MLB 2011
Philadelphia Phillies made a strong start to their Spring Training season campaign as they rallied past New York Yankees 5-4 to seal their first win on February 26. Cole Hamels was absolutely brilliant in the pitching department of the game as the guy allowed
only one unearned run over two innings in his first start to help the Phillies grab a 5-4 win over the Yankees.
"It's fun anytime games start," Hamels said. "It's a lot better than practices. Getting the hitters in there, getting the game rolling. That's something that's very hard to simulate. It was good."
Although the Phillies were outplayed in their following game against the same side, they came back strongly against Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 to record their second win of the Spring session. Roy Halladay showed great control and accuracy as he pitched two shut-out
innings against his former team to take the Phillies to victory.
"Just being in the game again is fun," said Halladay, who led the NL with 21 wins last season. "You can throw as many bullpens and you want but it's always different once you get out there. It's always fun getting back out there.
Phillies failed to live up to the expectations in a game against the Detroit Tigers. Making a large number of unforced errors during the contest, they let the opposition take complete control of the game. Tigers gave the Phillies a run for their money with
some high quality baseball.
Showing great character and skills, the Phillies hammered Boston Red Sox with a 2-0 win in their following game, improving their win-loss record to 4-3. Cole Hamels, once again, was the star of the show as he pitched over four innings and the Phillies defeated
the Boston Red Sox 2-0.
The Phillies continued their brilliance in their next game against Pittsburgh Pirates as well. Joe Blanton allowed two runs and four hits in just over three innings to help his side secure a comfortable 7-4 win over the Pirates.
Against Tampa Bay Rays, the Phillies showed amazing determination, fighting spirit and mental strength as they held their nerves to emerge victorious in a thrilling 5-4 encounter. Cliff Lee threw four shut-out innings and Ryan Howard hit his second home-run
of the Spring session and the Phillies batted past the Rays to clinch a well deserved win.
Winning eight of their nine games, the Phillies looked in supreme form and they showed why they were one of the favourites to reach the World Series. With wins over Pittsburgh Pirates, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Atlanta Braves
and Houston Astros, they ended Spring Training on a decent note.
Tags: