Phillies Spring is Here

Philadelphia Phillies runner Andrew Knapp slides hard into second base as University of Tampa second baseman Laz Rivera makes the turn during Sunday’s game. (Buck Davidson photo)

The Philadelphia Phillies opened their 2016 Spring Training season with an 8-3 win over the defending NCAA Division II national champion University of Tampa Spartans Sunday at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Florida.

The Phillies struck early against Tampa starting pitcher Christopher Williams, scoring three times in the bottom of the first inning. The Spartans answered with three runs of their own in the top of the third, highlighted by catcher Michael Kleinman’s two-run double. Tampa plated its runs against veteran reliever Edward Mujica, who may be in the mix for the Phillies’ vacant closer’s job.

The Phillies roared back with another trio of runs in the bottom of the third, with the Philadelphia attack led by a two-run single off the bat of Angelys Nina. The home team tacked on an insurance run in the fifth, while six Philadelphia pitchers combined to shut out the Spartans for the game’s final six frames.

Philadelphia starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson earned the win by working a perfect first inning, while potential Opening Day starter Aaron Nola hurled a perfect second frame. Probable starting center fielder Odubel Herrera singled twice, scored once, plated an RBI and stole a base for the Phillies, while Andrew Knapp knocked in a pair of runs. Top Philadelphia prospect and likely shortstop of the future J.P. Crawford walked in his only at-bat of the game.

Kleinman’s pair of RBI was one of the few offensive highlights for Tampa, with left fielder Matt Piatt also contributing a pair of hits to the Spartans’ cause. Starting pitcher Williams allowed four earned runs and five hits in two innings of work, and he was charged with the loss. Tampa, which is ranked No. 1 in Division II, continues its 2016 season Thursday, March 3 at home against Seton Hall University.

The Phillies will host the Jays at Bright House Field on Tuesday, March 1.