On a rainy day in the north, the Phillies entered the field in Lakeland, Florida. Sunday afternoon for their first spring training game in 2021. In front of a crowd of about a thousand fans, the Phils lost to the Tigers by 10-2.
It was a game of seven entries. If the managers of both teams agree, the spring training games can be shortened to seven or five entries. You will see many cases of seven entries in the next month.
Ivan Nova, an unscheduled guest fighting for the fifth starter’s job, started for the Phillies and lasted a third of an inning. He gave up on an estimated home run of 458 feet to pass Willi Castro before loading the bases and running. After 27 shots, Nova’s afternoon is over. The Tigers made six runs in the round.
“He was a little off, he wasn’t attacking the zone,” said coach Joe Girardi, who has had Nova in the Bronx for seven seasons. “I don’t really do that much. First exit. He is continually getting his strength and the sharpness of his pitches. “
Adam Haseley started on the central court and led the game with a home run on the opposite court. He also walked and lined up on three plate presentations.
Scott Kingery, another competitor for central fieldwork, hit second and went 0-3. The Phillies had only four hits: Haseley’s homer, one Mickey Moniak double and single shortstop CJ Chatham and catcher Jeff Mathis.
“(Haseley) had good strokes today,” said Girardi. “Right now, for me, you can’t do much to hurt your chances, but you can help them. I give guys the benefit of the doubt in the first few weeks. He had some good strokes, Moniak had good strokes today, which was nice to see. “
The Phillies most effective pitcher of the afternoon was the right-handed Bryan Mitchell, a 29-year-old swingman who has played 48 games (nine matches) for the 2014-17 Girardi Yankees. He hit three and put a man at the base in two innings.
“He played the ball really well today,” said Girardi.
The Tigers were allowed approximately 2,200 fans at the Joker Marchant Stadium and the announced audience was 2,000, although there didn’t seem to be that many. Girardi was sad not to see or hear any salespeople, but it was a step in the right direction and the players and coaches enjoyed being around some fans again.
The Phillies are expected to have a similar number of fans making their home debut on Monday afternoon at the newly renamed BayCare Ballpark. Aaron Nola will start. The game will be broadcast on NBC Sports Philadelphia + at 1:05 pm
Things are also going in the right direction at home. As of March 1, there will be a limit of 2,500 people at outdoor sporting events in the city of Philadelphia. This includes stadium staff.
“It feels much better,” said Girardi. “I think the players really appreciate that. I thought the atmosphere was good today and it was encouraging. “
Check out the full schedule of the Phillies spring training on TV
Subscribe to the Phillies Talk podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher | Art19 | Watch on youtube