Another pretty encouraging game.
It started with another really encouraging performance from Max Scherzer. He shrugged off some gamesmanship from his friend and former teammate Trea Turner, who challenged a clear strike call on the first pitch of the game to rib Scherzer for his complaints about the ABS system. Max took it in stride (and popped Turner out before K’ing him in the third). Ultimately, he went 3.2 innings on 47 pitches, allowing just one run on one hit (a squeaker over the left field wall by Kody Clemens), while recording four Ks. It’s only barely March, but thus far this is what they hoped he’d look like.
The bad news was that co-starter Bowden Francis didn’t have it today. His stuff looked about normal, but his control was off and he allowed the Phillies other three runs on three hits and two walks in two innings.
The bullpen did a good job. Tommy Nance, Alex Amalfi, Yimi Garcia and Chad Green combined to scatter two hits and a walk across 3.1 innings while striking out five.
The offence had a solid game. Daulton Varsho continued his red hot start to his spring with another home run and a walk. Bo Bichette and Steward each had a single and a long ball of their own. Overall the team combined for nine hits including the three bombs, and benefited from Philly’s bullpen struggles by walking eight times. If you’re a glass half empty person (aren’t we all around here?) you could point out that it’s kind of hard to only score 5 with 17 total base runners and three home runs. The team went 0-8 with runners in scoring position. That’s nitpicking, though, they got lots of production and the win. The guys we need to look good mostly did. It’s a successful spring game.
Ben Nicholson-Smith had a roundup of some notes after the game that’s worth a read. Two highlights:
- Francis will move back into a full rotation slot for his next appearance, which will be as one half of a split squad game on Saturday, with Scherzer taking the other half.
- Vlad will get a start at third on Wednesday, and part time reps there seems to be part of the plan this season.
Tomorrow the Jays travel to Joker Marchant stadium to take on the Tigers. Jose Berrios will face off against Tarik Skubal. First pitch goes at 1:05pm ET.