Phils Get To Nathan Again, Still Fall To Twins

It seems the Phillies have the Twins’ closer Joe Nathan figured out.  Granted the guy is coming off elbow-reconstructive surgery aka Tommy John, the Phils have really handed it to him this Spring.  In two appearances against Philly, Nathan has pitched an inning and a third.  During that inning plus the Phillies have managed eight hits and nine runs against the Minnesota closer.  Then again, it is the Spring.

Cole Hamels was on the mound and worked into the seventh inning.  For his longest outing thus far of the Spring Hamels struck out seven guys.  However, it was another start for Hamels and the same story.  Hamels struggled once again serving up two long balls and six runs getting the loss.  He has now given up 16 runs in his last three starts; as opposed to just three runs in his first three starts this Spring.

As I’ve said many times before it is Spring Training.  Hamels got all his work in and was hitting his spots.  Ross Gload

and Carlos Ruiz each had two hits and Dane Sardinha added the offense with a two run double.

Brad Lidge pitched two-thirds of a inning and gave up two hits, including a home run, and issued a bases on balls.  Mike Zagurski inherited three runners in the ninth and did not allow any of them to score.

Next up: Phillies (17-11) vs Braves (15-9)

One week until Opening Day!