Phillies Power Past Red Sox in High-Scoring Spring Training Clash
In a lively spring training matchup on Tuesday afternoon, the Philadelphia Phillies overpowered the Boston Red Sox in an impressive 18-8 victory in Fort Myers, Florida. Buddy Kennedy led the charge for the Phillies, delivering a powerful home run and driving in three crucial runs to fuel the offensive explosion.
Josh Breaux also contributed significantly, smashing a home run, while teammates Alec Bohm and Otto Kemp added to the Phillies’ dominance with two RBIs each. Overall, Philadelphia amassed a total of 13 hits, showcasing their potent batting lineup early in the preseason.
The Red Sox, despite the loss, displayed some resilience, registering 11 hits on the day. Young talent Ceddanne Rafaela stood out, contributing two RBIs. However, Boston’s pitching struggled, particularly reliever Adam Ottavino, who allowed six runs on three hits and three walks in a challenging second inning. This seven-run inning gave the Phillies an early commanding 9-0 advantage, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
The Phillies excelled in clutch situations, batting .500 with runners in scoring position (8-for-16), compared to Boston’s effective but insufficient 6-for-9 effort.
Elsewhere in spring training:
Orioles 6, Yankees 2
Baltimore’s Ryan Mountcastle powered his team to victory with a three-run home run in the opening inning. Colton Cowser and Vimael Machin provided offensive support with two hits apiece. The Yankees managed runs through Paul Goldschmidt’s RBI double and Dominic Smith’s single but ultimately fell short.
Tigers 3, Braves 1
Detroit’s Jack Flaherty pitched masterfully, throwing four no-hit innings. Thayron Liranzo provided the offensive highlight with a decisive two-run double. Geraldo Quintero’s solo homer represented the Braves’ only run.
Blue Jays 3, Twins 2
Toronto rallied late, capped by Josh Rivera’s go-ahead RBI single in the eighth. Daulton Varsho’s clutch seventh-inning home run tied the game after Minnesota initially led thanks to Jose Miranda’s two-run homer.
Pirates 9, Yankees 1
Pittsburgh dominated as Oneil Cruz delivered a three-run homer in a decisive third inning. Pirates’ pitcher Paul Skenes had a strong outing, striking out five over four innings.
Astros 7, Mets 4
Jose Altuve keyed Houston’s comeback with a two-run double in a five-run seventh inning, overcoming an earlier grand slam by New York’s Donovan Walton.
Marlins 12, Cardinals 5
Otto Lopez starred with two home runs as Miami’s offense exploded. Griffin Conine also shined with three hits, including a homer, contributing four RBIs.
Rangers 13, Angels 6
Texas’s Marcus Semien opened scoring with a first-inning homer, sparking a dominant performance that featured three RBIs from Wyatt Langford.
Dodgers 10, Guardians 4
Tommy Edman’s early two-run homer set Los Angeles on course for a comfortable win. The Dodgers scored six runs in the first inning alone.
Reds 8, Rockies 5
A late five-run rally by Cincinnati, highlighted by Ariel Almonte’s key double, overcame Colorado’s earlier lead secured by Zac Veen’s three-run homer.
Brewers 9, Cubs 7
Rhys Hoskins and Vinny Capra both homered in the first inning, setting Milwaukee up for victory despite Chicago’s persistent effort led by Matt Shaw’s RBI double.
Padres 7, White Sox 5
Gavin Sheets’ outstanding 3-for-3 performance, featuring two home runs, including a dramatic walk-off blast, secured a comeback victory for San Diego.
Diamondbacks 3, Royals 2
Josh Naylor’s timely two-run effort in the fifth inning helped Arizona narrowly overcome Kansas City, despite Michael Massey’s perfect 3-for-3 day.
Giants 5, Athletics 3
Veteran pitcher Justin Verlander was solid, allowing just one run over five innings, while Max Stassi’s late two-run homer clinched San Francisco’s victory.
