Spring training: Pirates @ Phillies review

I'm working today from the Washington Nationals' Virtual Waiting Room, where I have been attempting for two hours to purchase tickets to the July 30 Phillies/Nationals game at brand-new Nationals Park. In case you want to slow down my transaction any further, go to Nationals.com to get your tickets, which went on sale at 9:00 this morning.

The Phillies pulled out a 3-1 victory Monday over the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Phils showcased their young arms -- and got good results -- against a mixture of Pirates regulars, backups, and hopefuls.


The Good

Young left-handed pitchers Joe Savery and Josh Outman rebounded from their awful debuts last week by pitching a shutout over the first five innings. Savery allowed only two baserunners -- both walks -- in his two innings. He also struck out one. Outman allowed three hits and two walks over three innings, but got help behind him from left fielder Pat Burrell, who gunned down Nyjer Morgan at the plate in the third inning to keep the scoreboard clear. Outman struck out two.

Two more prospects, righties Zack Segovia and Joe Bisenius, did not allow a run. Segovia threw two perfect innings against the heart of the Pittsburgh order: Freddy Sanchez, Adam LaRoche, Jose Bautista, and Xavier Nady. Segovia also put down Ronny Paulino and Kevin Thompson. Bisenius allowed only two singles in the ninth.

Backup infielder Eric Bruntlett was the offensive MVP of the game with a 3-for-4 effort, all singles, that knocked in two of the Phillies' three runs. Unfortunately, Bruntlett was less spectacular on the base paths, where he was caught twice -- once trying to steal second and once trying to stretch a single into a double.

Center fielder Shane Victorino had the other RBI on a fifth-inning groundout. Victorino was 1-for-3 on the day.

DH-for-the-day Ryan Howard turned in another solid performance, reaching base with a double and a single. Howard also struck out looking on a borderline pitch to end the first frame.

Backup outfielder So Taguchi doubled a couple of innings after replacing Burrell as a pinch runner and then in left field. Burrell was 0-for-2 at the plate, but got on base with a walk, and his outfield assist moves his performance into the "Good" category.

Nonroster invitee catcher Tim Gradoville was also 1-for-1. After singling, Gradoville stole second and then scored on Bruntlett's third single.


The Bad

There wasn't much to complain about for the Phillies on Monday.

Second baseman Chase Utley went 0-for-3 including grounding into a double play in his first at-bat.

Left-handed reliever J.C. Romero pitched a characteristically shaky-but-effective inning, surrendering three hits but only allowing one run across. He also struck out one.


The Average

The rest of the Phillies turned in mediocre performances. Wes Helms got the start at first base and collected his first hit of the spring, moving his average to .111 after a 1-for-3 game. Right fielder Geoff Jenkins was also 1-for-3, and third baseman Pedro Feliz had one hit in four trips to the plate. Helms and Feliz each scored one run.

Right fielder Jayson Werth worked a walk in his one plate appearance. Outfielders Greg Golson and Chris Snelling and infielder Ray Olmedo each was o-for-1 in the late innings. Olmedo struck out swinging.


"B" Game

Again, little news on the "B" game front. Phillies.com offers us this tidbit about Monday's early-morning game:

[Right-hander Jamie] Moyer had little trouble handcuffing the Pirates in an early morning "B" game at Bright House Field.

The veteran worked four scoreless innings, allowing three hits and striking out three. Moyer said he threw 54 pitches, including curveballs, fastballs and changeups. He will mix in his cut fastball in his fourth outing.


Today's Game

The Phillies are going to Disney World today, where they will play the Atlanta Braves at 1:05 p.m. Gameday Audio has the game, as righty Kyle Kendrick makes his second spring start.