Monday, March 6, 2023

Spring Training Game 10 - Phils Lose Convincingly to Jays

2023 Topps #178
Blue Jays 16
, Phillies 4
Spring Training Game 10 - Sunday Afternoon, March 5th in Dunedin
Record - 5-4-1

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler was shelled in this 16-4 loss to the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  The Phillies pitchers appear to be working out some things as the spring exhibition schedule marches onward.

What Happened:  After the game, Wheeler said he was focused on getting used to the new pitch clock and also his not being familiar with catcher John Hicks didn't help either.  His spring ERA shot up to 18.90 after allowing seven runs on seven hits and a walk in 1 1/3 innings.  Non-roster invitee Jake Jewell was also hit hard, being tagged with six runs on four hits and two walks in his 2/3 of an inning.

Kyle Schwarber hit his first spring home run, on his 30th birthday to boot, and went 2 for 2 on the day.  Kody Clemens added a two-run single in the sixth in a largely forgettable exhibition game for the Phillies.

Featured Card:  I added this card to my just started 2023 Phillies binder this afternoon, featuring Schwarber atop the National League home run leaders for 2022.  I like the look of the league leaders cards in this year's Topps flagship set, but I'd like them even more if they were grouped together at the start of the set, as nature intended.

And another nitpicky thing . . . There's no need for HR to be plural in the middle panel.  Reading the card out loud, this is "National League home runs leaders."  Topps probably had enough room to go ahead and spell out Home Run here.

Camp Head Count:  65

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