Phillies celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in home matinee against Estrada, Blue Jays

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Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Freddy Galvis preparing for a Grapefruit League game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at Spectrum Field. (Matt Rappa/Sports Talk Philly)

By Matt Rappa, Sports Talk Philly editor

CLEARWATER, Fla. — After coming just two outs shy of a combined no-hitter in their 2-2 tie Thursday in Sarasota, the Philadelphia Phillies (9-9-3) return to Spectrum Field Friday afternoon to take on the Toronto Blue Jays (5-12-1).

In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, the Phillies will wear their iconic green uniforms as RHP Aaron Nola makes his fourth spring start. In 7 1/3 innings, Nola has allowed five runs on 11 hits and one walk while striking out nine batters.

The Blue Jays — who have the worst spring training record among all teams — have lost four of their last five games, including an 8-2 defeat to the Phillies on Saturday.


Starting Pitching Matchup:

Toronto Blue Jays (5-12-1) Philadelphia Phillies (9-9-3)
RHP Marco Estrada RHP Aaron Nola
(2016: 9-9, 3.48 ERA) (2016: 6-9, 4.78 ERA)


 Starting Lineups:

Toronto Blue Jays (5-12-1) Philadelphia Phillies (9-9-3)
  Position Player Bats   Position Player Bats
1 CF Kevin Pillar R 1 2B Cesar Hernandez S
2 DH Russell Martin R 2 LF Howie Kendrick R
3 SS Troy Tulowitzki R 3 DH Maikel Franco R
4 1B Kendrys Morales S 4 RF Michael Saunders L
5 C Jarrod Saltalamacchia^ S 5 C Cameron Rupp R
6 LF Ezequiel Carrera L 6 1B Brock Stassi^ L
7 RF Darrell Ceciliani L 7 SS Freddy Galvis S
8 3B Darwin Barney R 8 CF Aaron Altherr R
9 2B Ryan Goins L 9 3B  Hector Gomez^ R

^ non-roster invitee


Broadcast Information:

  • First pitch: 1:05 p.m.
  • TV: TCN
  • Radio: MLB.com

Game Notes:

  • Scheduled Phillies relievers: right-handers Ben Lively, Luis Garcia and Joely Rodriguez.
  • Prior to the game, top prospects shortstop J. P. Crawford, outfielders Cameron Perkins and Nick Williams, along with catcher Jorge Alfaro were all reassigned to minor-league camp. Right-hander Pedro Beato and infielder Taylor Featherston were also sent down, according to Todd Zolecki. As Meghan Montemurro notes, 45 players remain in big league camp.
  • Estrada, 33, suffered his first losing decision of the season to the Phillies on Saturday. In 2 1/3 innings, he yielded two runs on a walk and two hits — back-to-back doubles to right fielder Williams and second baseman Cesar Hernandez.
  • Thursday Recap: The Phillies led 2-0 behind a RBI single and home run by non-roster invitee catcher Ryan Hanigan and first baseman Andrew Knapp, respectively, before non-roster invitee RHP Michael Mariot surrendered a game-tying home run to second baseman Sean Coyle in the bottom of the ninth. Phillies right-handed starter Vince Velasquez threw 3 2/3 shutout innings with four walks, six strikeouts and zero hits allowed.

What’s Next:

  • Saturday, March 18, 2017: vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 1:05 p.m.
    • Spectrum Field (Clearwater)
    • RHP Tyler Glasnow (2016: 0-2, 4.24 ERA) vs. RHP Jeremy Hellickson (2016: 12-10, 3.71 ERA)
    • TV: CSN; Radio: SportsRadio 94 WIP
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