NORTH PORT (SNN-TV) – With 10 days to go prior to MLB’s Opening Day, Spring Training may be winding down in terms of calendar days remaining, but it’s hitting high gear in terms of product on the field.
Toronto Blue Jays at Atlanta Braves:
Over in North Port, the Braves played host to the Toronto Blue Jays, and the Braves bat came to play.
All-Star 2B Ozzie Albies would launch a solo-HR into the Jays bullpen in the bottom of the 5th, extending Atlanta’s lead to 2-0.
Braves top pitching prospect Spencer Strider got the starting nod today, he went two innings, allowed no hits and struck out two.
Another home-run from catcher William Contreras would also prove pivotal down the stretch as Atlanta came out on top in this one, 5-4.
Baltimore Orioles at Philadelphia Phillies:
To Clearwater now, where the Philadelphia Phillies welcomed the Baltimore Orioles to BayCare Ballpark for some afternoon baseball.
The newest Phillies additions would stake their claim in this one, beginning in the bottom of the 1st inning. Nick Castellanos with two outs and a runner on, would unload an a first pitch fastball, for a solo-homerun to left field. Philadelphia would take a 2-0 lead early.
Then it was the other big bopper signing, Kyle Schwarber who would launch his own home-run, a solo shot in the 3rd. Schwarber with the first of many Schwar-bombs, giving Philly the 3-0 lead.
The hot bats would lead to a Phillies win over Baltimore, 7-1.
Spring Training Scoreboard:
Final: Astros 2, Cardinals 1
Final: Marlins 8, Nationals 1
Final: Yankees 11, Tigers 7
Pittsburgh Pirates – OFF
Tampa Bay Rays – OFF