Phillies End 2014 Grapefruit League Play with a Loss
The Philadelphia Phillies will head back to Citizens Bank Park this weekend for an exhibition game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Before they return north, the Phils had one final game in Clearwater, in which they lost to the Blue Jays, 3-0.
A.J Burnett faced one of his former teams in his final tuneup before the regular season, and looked fairly strong. He pitched five innings, allowing one run. He allowed three hits, a walk, and struck out six. With Cole Hamels temporarily out with an injury, Burnett is currently slated as the Phillies’ #2 starter for the regular season.
Jonathan Pettibone made his 2014 Spring Training debut, as he is recovering from inflammation in his right shoulder. In two innings, he gave up two hits and a walk. He struck out two. Pettibone will start the season on the disabled lis, but his appearance is a good sign that he is healthier.
Jonathan Papelbon also pitched in relief, tossing a scoreless inning. He turned some heads as he wore a Carlos Ruiz jersey while he pitched.
The offense has struggled all spring, and Thursday was not any different; the Phillies only managed one hit off starter Drew Hutchinson and the Blue Jays’ bullpen.
The Phillies finished Grapefruit League play with a dismal record of 9-17. They will return to Philadelphia for two days before heading to Texas to kick off the regular season.
