Phillies One-Hit Pirates

         The Phillies pitching staff looks to have rebounded after being shelled yesterday against the Orioles and only pitching mediocre against the Blue Jays in split-squad action.  The Phillies pitchers combined today to one-hit the Pirates in a 5 to 0 win.  John Lannan got the starting nod and went three innings, allowing the only hit to the Pirates on the day, a double to Travis Snider, while walking two batters.  From that point on, three Phillies pitchers combined to hold the Pirates hit-less for the remainder of the game.  Mike Adams pitched one hit-less inning, followed by Adam Morgan pitching three innings of no-hit ball.  Raul Valdes finished off the game for the Phillies, going two innings and allowing no hits.  While the Pitching held the Pirates to a single hit, the Phillies offense collected 9 hits and 5 runs on the day. 
          The Phillies continued to make progress at the plate so far this spring.  Ben Revere and Yuniesky Betancourt each collected 2 hits in 3 at-bats on the day, with Revere also stealing a base.  Michael Young had a 2 for 4 day, and collected 2 RBI's in the process.  While no one else really had a big day at the plate, Dom Brown continued to impress as he battles for a starting job on Opening Day.  Brown went 1 for 3 on the day and is now hitting .348 in Grapefruit League play so far this spring.  Brown has looked like he may finally be reaching the potential that has caused the Phillies not to trade him in the past.  While signs have been promising, the true test for Brown will be whether he can produce once the games start to count.  The Phillies will be back in action tomorrow against the squad from the Dominican Republic, with Cole Hamels taking the mound for the start.  Go Phils!