Philadelphia Phillies face 7-11 defeat against Minnesota Twins at Spring Training - MLB Update
Philadelphia Phillies’ starter Vance Worley gives up 11 runs as they lose 7-11 to Minnesota Twins in their Grapefruit League contest on March 28, 2012 at Lee County Sports Complex Hammond Stadium.
Worley had a rough day and for the Phillies seeing their starter going for plenty at a time when regular season is around the corner is not a great sign. His incredible career ERA of 2.86 was perhaps lost on Justin Morneau, Twins’ designated hitter, who
slammed him for two homers.
While pitching four innings, Worley conceded five earned runs and struck-out three. He was sent for hit 11 times in the game.
“Just the location today was the only thing that hurt me,” Worley said. “I would imagine it’s not going to be like that next time. If it is, we’ve got a problem and we’ll fix it. It happens.”
It was a high scoring game, with Twins looking dominant from the start. As Phillies went scoreless in first two innings, they managed one run in the third. Meanwhile, Twins added two runs in the first and second each and then going on a rampage in the fourth
by adding seven runs.
Phillies’ shortstop did a reasonably better job and as he saw three-at-bats, made two hits, scored one and added one RBI single as well. Their first baseman Hector Luna also had his part in the score as he connected three hits on five at-bats and made one
run.
Barring Worley, Phillies had four scoreless innings from their next two pitchers. Raul Valdes who followed Worley brought two strike-outs in two innings he pitched. Similarly the closer David Herndon spent two innings on the mound and did not give up any
run.
Twins starter Francisco Liriano threw four innings and while he walked one, he took three strike-outs. Despite being accorded the win at the end of the game, he was hit eight times.
The fact that the Twins had surged to a massive lead in the beginning, any resistance the Phillies put up in the end was insufficient. However their ability to turn things around at any time was visible in the game.
If they manage to contain runs in initial innings, they can easily win matches in their upcoming games.
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