Saturday, March 12, 2016

2015 Topps Archives #45 Ryan Howard

Phillies 9Braves 2
Spring Training Game 13 - Friday Afternoon, March 11th in Lake Buena Vista
Record - 8-3-2

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies went to Disney World and teed off against former teammate Kyle Kendrick, defeating the Braves 9-2.

What It Means:  In an achievement that will be quickly forgotten once the regular season starts, the Phillies are one of only three teams in baseball with eight wins so far this spring.  The Astros have also won eight while the Blue Jays have won nine.

What Happened:  Kendrick, who is a long-shot to make the Braves rotation, retired only 5 of the 16 batters he faced.  Darin Ruf led the way with two doubles off Kendrick, while Ryan Howard and Peter Bourjos both added doubles of their own.

Reliever Bobby LaFromboise threw two more scoreless innings.  He hasn't allowed a hit or a run in his six innings so far this spring and he's making a strong case for a job in the team's bullpen.

Featured Card:  Howard's two-run double in the first was his first hit of the spring, and the former slugger is now hitting .083 (1 for 12).  Howard had missed time this spring due to the flu bug that continues to spread through the Phillies clubhouse.  There weren't a whole lot of opportunities last season to feature many of Howard's cards, and this is his 1957 Topps-inspired card from last year's Topps Archives set.

Camp Head Count:  63

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