What is this, soccer!?!?!
When I go to a baseball game, I am relieved that I will see a winner. However long it takes, no matter the time the game started or the possibility of when it will end, someone will emerge victorious. It’s one of the charms of the game. Having a game end in a tie leaves one feeling like they have lost something. Time, money, something has been lost and will not be recovered because no one won.
It’s also spring training, so who really cares?
The Phillies and Tigers played their game today and finished in a draw. Both teams scored two runs, both teams were encouraged by their starting pitchers and both teams saw their starting lineup last well into the game. A few notes about the game:
- The starting pitching matchup of Tarik Skubal and Zack Wheeler would make great theater in the regular season, no matter the time of year. In spring training, there is a little less zip to it, but it is something to see when two Aces face off against each other. Wheeler was a little off in the first inning, admitting on the telecast he didn’t know where the ball was going. Eventually, he settled into his usual Wheeler self and turned in a big performance. Skubal lived up to his Cy Young status as well, a treat for those that don’t regularly watch his games.
- Bryce Harper continued hitting well this spring, collecting two hits off of Skubal. There hasn’t been the power yet, but seeing him on time this close to Opening Day has to be encouraging for him and the team.
- Jose Alvarado and Jordan Romano looked like they are ready to be a lethal tandem in a bullpen that needs it. Alvarado has looked great all spring long, but today, he touched 102 at least twice during his outing. Romano looked just as good even without triple digit heat. If both are in this form the who season, the bullpen might be better than we think.
- Was…was that…was that situational hitting I saw in the fifth inning to get a run in?!?!?!? I’m not sure I would have believed it had I not seen it.
It’s still a tie though. Blech.