News: Joseph homers, Velasquez shines vs Toronto
PHILLIES WIN: The Phils’ bats are showing life at the end of spring training, continuing that theme with a 7-1 win over Toronto on Monday. Tommy Joseph socked a two-run home run and struck four hits (.303 with a .909 OPS on the spring), while Freddy Galvis added two hits.
Vince Velasquez looked much better against Toronto, going five innings and striking out seven while walking two. Joaquin Benoit, Edubray Ramos and Pat Neshek cleaned up the game with little damage.
The Phillies have another night game against Toronto tonight; game time is 6:35 p.m. as Aaron Nola takes the hill.
WILLIAMS’ LESSONS: Tom Housenick of the Morning Call spoke with Nick Williams about learning lessons from an up and down (mostly down) 2016. Williams says he was trying far too hard to make it to Philadelphia and lost concentration of his game.
Williams this spring? He hit .286/.375/.429 with a home run and two steals, with a 7:4 K/BB ratio. And he looked good in the field. Hopefully that carries over to the IronPigs’ season.
NEW STUFF AT THE PARK: What’s new at Citizens Bank Park this year? How about a pork roll hot dog with cheese sauce? Or a hot dog with broccoli rabe, peppers and provolone?
Plus you can get quinoa bowls and falafel sandwiches, part of the new offerings the Phillies unveiled at a food and fashion event Monday at the ballpark.
PODCAST: Listen to the Phillies Nation Podcast this week, which included guest Pat Gallen, roster talk and predictions for the 2017 Phillies.
