Sunday, March 21, 2021

Spring Training Game 19 - 2019 Topps Heritage High Numbers #639 Jose Alvarado

Blue Jays 3
, Phillies 1
Spring Training Game 19 - Saturday Afternoon, March 20th in Clearwater
Record - 9-9-1

One Sentence Summary:  On a spring-like day back north, the Blue Jays defeated the Phillies in Grapefruit League action, 3-1.

What It Means:  With regular play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy covering the NCAA Tournament, this televised game was broadcast by the unlikely crew of Ricky Bottalico, Ben Davis and Ruben Amaro, Jr.  It was the second time this broadcasting trio had worked a game and . . . it wasn't bad?  Bottalico was a little too amped up at times for me, but I didn't have to mute the broadcast so I consider that a win.

What Happened:  Starting pitcher Matt Moore looked a little off in this start, and he ended up allowing a pair of runs on five hits.  Reliever Connor Brogdon also struggled, walking three in just a third of an inning.  The Phillies lone run came in the fourth when Roman Quinn reached on a perfect bunt single up the first base line and then Bryce Harper doubled him home.

Featured Card:  Phillies reliever (and potential closer) Jose Alvarado hit 101 on the radar gun in this game, while striking out the side in the seventh inning.  As Sarah Langs pointed out in this Tweet, Phillies pitchers have thrown one pitch at least that fast since the start of the 2016 season.  Seranthony Dominguez hit 100.9 mph on August 22, 2018 with Bryce Harper batting.  Alvarado is going to be fun to watch this season.

Camp Head Count:  63

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