By Regina Gonzalez
The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the University of Tampa Spartans 8-3 today in a spring training game at Brighthouse Field in Clearwater,Fla.
The Spartans had a quiet start after the Phillies got on the board quickly with three runs in the first inning. Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera began the charge with a single, then advanced to third from a single to left field by Phillies right fielder Aaron Altherr. First baseman Darin Ruf was hit by a pitch to load the bases, setting up a perfect situation for DH Andrew Knapp. Knapp slammed a hit to the right side where it bounced off UT first baseman Adrian Chacon’s foot, allowing Bourjas and Altherr to run home. Catcher Jorge Alfaro then hit a single sending Knapp home. The Phillies also added another run in the bottom of the second to come out with a quick 4-0 lead.
The Spartans got hot in the third inning when third baseman Cody DeNoyelles slammed a single to center field and DH Zion Bell followed with a single. At bat after the base hits, catcher Mike Kleinman knocked a double down the left field line, bringing DeNoyelles and Bell home putting the Spartans on the board 4-2. Kleinman later came home on an RBI ground out to put the score at 4-3.
The Phillies retaliated, putting another three runs up in the bottom of the third and a final run in the bottom of the fifth on an RBI single up center field.
Junior RHP Christopher William started on the mound for the Spartans, going two innings allowing four total runs.
Junior Chris McCormick pitched in relief in the third inning allowing three runs. Senior Conner Andrews followed McCormick in the fourth going three complete innings recording three strikeouts and allowing only one run and two hits. Sophomore Cody Martin threw in the eighth inning and recorded one strikeout.
UT allowed just nine hits in total.
The game marked the second time the Phillies have played UT in an MLB exhibition game after losing to the Spartans last season. The Spartans will be back to regular conference play at their home field on Thursday, March 3rd, to take on Seton Hill University.