In this afternoon’s 8-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays at Bright House Field in Clearwater, the offense was again the key to victory. The Phils’ bats roped out 14 hits, continuing the explosive firepower that has been the club’s earmark thus far in going 9-3-2 in the Grapefruit League.
But perhaps just as important to the continued strong offensive performance was that turned in by the starting pitcher on this day. Taking the mound was talented 23-year old Vincent Velasquez, one of the key pieces arriving in the Giles deal with the Houston Astros over the winter.