The Phillies minor league spring training season kicked off a 13-game schedule with the AA team downing their Pirates counterparts 2-1 in an interesting game on Ashburn Field at the Carpenter Complex. Strong pitching and timely hitting were the keys to the Phillies win.
David Parkinson warming up
Starter David Parkinson was strong in his debut. He struck out two and had excellent control and command to kick off the spring training game season. Watch HERE. The Pirates did push the first across a run in the fourth inning off Alejandro Requena.
One of the most impressive hitter in the Phillies lineup was outfielder Ben Aklinski . He lined a homer over the left-center field fence to tie up the game 1-1 in the sixth inning. The Phillies went ahead 2-1 in the seventh. Also watch shortstop Nick Maton base hit, HERE.
Addison Russ
Still, the key in the game was the shutdown pitching protecting a one run lead by Addison Russ and Zach Warren. Watch a Russ strikeout HERE and three Warren strikeouts HERE.
Zach Warren
Most of these players will end up either at AA Reading or high A Clearwater this season. Aklinski ended 2018 season with Williamsport. Russ and Parkinson finished up with Clearwater while Maton and Warren played the entire season with Lakewood.
Baseball Ross 