Grapefruit Game 15 - 2017 Topps Heritage Minor League #191 Home Run Leaders

Pirates 5, Phillies 4
Spring Training Game 15 - Friday Afternoon, March 9th in Clearwater
Record - 6-9

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies couldn't overcome an early deficit as the Pirates won the game, 5-4.

What It Means:  We're getting closer to meaningful baseball.

What Happened:  Rhys Hoskins had a single and double with two RBIs.  Cesar Hernandez and Odubel Herrera both enjoyed multi-hit games.  Jerad Eickhoff was touched for four runs in his 3 1/3 inning start, allowing five hits while striking out three.  Jake Thompson looked good in his three scoreless innings of work.

Featured Card:  Top prospect Dylan Cozens, optioned to minor league camp following the game (see below), had a rough spring (.174 in 10 games) but he'll get some much-needed playing time with the IronPigs.  The Phillies are hoping Cozens follows the path of fellow top prospect Rhys Hoskins in the coming months, eventually joining Hoskins in the heart of the Phillies line-up.

Camp Head Count:  60 - 5 = 55.  Prior to the game, pitchers Franklyn Kilome, Ranger Suarez and Jose Taveras were optioned to minor league camp.  After the game, infielder Eliezer Alvarez and outfielder Cozens were also optioned to minor league camp.