So Far So Good: Phillies Trample Florida State
By: Mike Reisman
Today, the Phillies kicked off what is sure to be an exciting 2011 campaign, with the league's first exhibition game against the Florida State Seminoles. The game has been played annually for a while now, and the Phillies did not disappoint, despite only starting six of the projected starters, and removing most of them after their second at-bats. Even more impressive was the fact that seven different pitchers combined to throw a four-hit shutout.
The Phillies scored four runs in the first inning, aided by a Ryan Howard two-run double. Drew Naylor started the game for the Phillies, allowing only a single base-runner, and striking out two. The only Phillies starter who was kept in longer than two at-bats was Dominic Brown, who went a solid 1-3, before being pulled in the 6th.
Today's game meant only two things. The first is that baseball season is finally here, and the second being that everyone entered in at least decent shape. It was good to see some rookies get the opportunity to pitch and pitch well, as no pitcher gave up more than one hit. Obviously, a decisive win was expected, and a decisive win it was. The Phillies will start their major league spring training games Saturday, starting a two game series with the Yankees. Happy (unofficial) spring everyone.