Notes From Phillies’ 10-3 Loss To Houston

The Phillies fell to the Houston Astros on Wednesday 10-3. The Philadelphia pitching staff was hit early and often, allowing all 10 runs within the first six innings. The offense was unable to generate a run until the eighth inning, resulting in the third loss of the spring for Charlie Manuel’s team.

• The Phillies’ pitching woes began with starter Vance Worley. The righthander allowed two runs on five hits, and also walked a batter in two innings of work.
• Worley’s poor first outing is no reason for concern. With his spot in the rotation virtually secure, the young starter must use his starts in Spring Training to develop his technique, try out some new tricks, and refine some old ones.
• For example, it’s worth noting that Worley is altering his grip on his changeup. He’s trying to throw a splitfingered version, similar to that of  teammate Roy Halladay.
• It was a day to forget at the plate for the starters. Shane Victorino went 1-2, and was the only starter to record a hit.
• Jimmy Rollins, Jim Thome, Laynce Nix, John Mayberry, Hunter Pence, and Michael Martinez went a combined 0-13 with two walks.
• Jonathan Papelbon made his second appearance of the spring, and pitched a scoreless inning the fifth. The closer gave up a hit and walked a batter, but also struck out two.
• Dontrelle Willis had a rough outing. The veteran gave up four runs (all earned) on three hits, and also walked two batters. The lefthander couldn’t complete a full inning, and was pulled from the game after recording only two outs.
• After the game, Willis complained about soreness in his arm. He’s got to get himself healthy, and prove that he can be a viable lefthanded option from the bullpen, or he won’t be on the roster in April. Pitching coach Rich Dubee has made it clear the team won’t carry two lefthanders just for the sake of having two.
• Freddy Galvis made his only plate appearance in this game count, drawing a walk and coming around to score a run.
• Veteran Pat Misch came on in relief of Worley and didn’t fare well at all. The veteran lefthander gave up four runs on five hits. Even though just one of those runs were earned, the former Met needed a much more impressive showing to improve his slim odds to make the team.
• Veteran hitter Scott Podsednik doubled and drew a walk in two at-bats. It was the third double of the spring for the former Padre.
• Chad Qualls and Mike Stutes each had rough outings in their first appearances several days ago, but both pitchers bounced back with scoreless innings in this game.
• Unrelated to the Phillies, but noteworthy…Jamie Moyer pitched two scoreless innings for the Colorado Rockies in his debut yesterday. The 49-year old got off to a good start in his effort to rejoin the major leagues.