Myers Shuts Down Jays; Durbin Gophered By Tigers

Split squad, split outcomes.

Brett Myers was fabulous in four innings against the Blue Jays. The Phils won 6-1. Myers gave up three hits in the four innings, walking none and striking out one. He threw 31 strikes out of his 43 pitches against the full Opening Day Blue Jays lineup. Shane Youman continued the parade with three scoreless innings, giving up just one hit and improving from a rough first outing. Ryan Madson finished up, giving up one run in two innings work.

Chase Utley and Carlos Ruiz both notched RBI doubles, while Valentino Pascucci knocked a solo home run. He’ll be fine in AAA Lehigh Valley. Wes Helms, meanwhile, had a 2-for-3 day with a double. He’ll need all the hits he can muster.

In the other game, the Phils lost to the Tigers, 6-2. JD Durbin got tagged thrice (all home runs, two by Carlos Guillen) in his four innings. JA Happ gave up one run in two frames; his Spring ERA now stands at 2.25. Clay Condrey, not helping his case whatsoever, gave up a run on three hits in one inning of work. And Lincoln Holdzkom let a walk score in his one inning of work — he also struck out a hitter.

In the mostly reserve offense, Brandon Watson stole the show with two hits (one double) and a run. Brad Harman had an RBI single. And cue the Greg Golson watch: 1-for-1 to raise his Spring average to an awesome .800.

What we got out of these games:

1. Brett Myers already seems poised for March 31.
2. Shane Youman has closed the edge between he and Travis Blackley for a left-handed relief spot.
3. Wes Helms bought himself some deep breaths.
4. JD Durbin — probably not the No. 5 starter.
5. Greg Golson is a hitting machine!

The squad will band back together for a game against the Tampa Bay Rays in what could be considered a freakin’ home game for the Rays. The 1:05 p.m. start pits Adam Eaton against the AL East basement teasers. Like I mentioned last time, every Eaton outing is a big one. He’ll need to shut down this offense; if not, the chances become greater that Blackley, Benson or Chad Durbin could creep into the No. 5 spot before Opening Day. He’ll likely get four innings to show his stuff. JC Romero and the aforementioned Durbin will also pitch.