Behind Smith, Golson, Phils Finally Get A Win
Finally, the Phillies put one in the win column, a 10-7 win over the Reds Thursday night.
Give game balls to the offense, namely Casey Smith. The infielder went 2-for-4 with a home run and RBI single off Jeremy Affeldt. Joining him in the onslaught were Greg Golson — 2-for-4 — and Wes Helms — 2-for-3 with a triple.
Jamie Moyer had a rough third inning, giving up four runs and letting 10 come to the plate. He shook it off and pitched two more scoreless innings. From the bullpen, Josh Outman gave up two runs off three hits and two walks in two innings and Vic Darensbourg surrendered a run off two hits and two walks in one frame. Tom Gordon recorded a scoreless eighth inning.
Smith has really proven himself to be a fine offensive player, and he should be the first infielder called up to Philadelphia. The 29-year-old won’t be winning any jobs with the Phillies (Eric Bruntlett has been an asset and Greg Dobbs is more versatile and carries pop), but he’s a nice insurance plan. Golson continues to rake this spring, which will only help his ascension. While he’s still not considered a bona-fide future Major Leaguer, there’s hope he could be playing in Philadelphia for good starting in 2009. I can’t rule it out.
What we got out of this game:
- Casey Smith is a worthwhile addition to the system’s infield depth.
- Greg Golson’s spring gives us hope yet for the kid.
- At least Tom Gordon had a scoreless inning.
The Phillies now have the Braves to tangle with. The game is at 1:05 p.m. Francisco Rosario gets the start — an important start for the Dominican. If he can get four innings of solid baseball out of this, you may be looking at the Opening Day roster’s No. 5 starter for the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies.
Game update: Hold the telephones. Francisco Rosario, meet the fate of everyone else. Rosario exploded in the second inning, giving up a grand slam to Yunel Escobar. It’s 6-0 Braves. Yip-ee. Live box score.
