Phillies Rocked by Dominican Republic

         In non-Grapefruit League action today, the Phillies were absolutely demolished by the Dominican Republic national squad that will compete in the World Baseball Classic.  While the game has no meaning for the Phillies, and counts even less than a Spring Training game, it still stings with how bad of a defeat the team suffered.  Cole Hamels received the start for the Phillies and was rocked by a lineup that included Jose Reyes, Nelson Cruz, Robinson Cano, and Hanley Ramirez among a slew of other vastly talented players.  Hamels was tagged for 8 runs on 12 hits in just 2 2/3 innings on the mound.  Hamels just did not seem to have his best stuff today and the Dominican team capitalized on it.  Things would not get any better for the Phillies pitching staff as the game wore on either.  Ethan Martin surrendered 3 runs in 2 1/3 innings on 6 hits before being pulled.  Next to take the mound was Jonathan Pettibone who gave up 4 runs on 9 hits in 2 2/3 innings pitched.  The bleeding was finally stopped by Justin Friend, who pitched 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball, allowing only 1 hit.  On the day, the Dominican Republic collected 15 runs on 28 hits while the Phillies only scored 2 runs on 9 hits. 
          There were a few bright spots at the plate for the Phillies on the day.  Laynce Nix hit a home run on a day that saw him go 2 for 4, as he battles to make the Opening Day roster.  Kevin Frandsen also had a 2 for 4 game today.  Perhaps the brightest spot of a game in which there weren't many for the Phillies, was the play of third base prospect Cody Asche.  Asche, the Broad Street Beats favorite player, went 2 for 3 at the plate drawing one walk.  He has looked impressive so far this spring, hitting .300 in Grapefruit League play, and showing why the Phillies only went after a short-term solution for third base this season, as he looks close to major league ready.  Asche has also flashed some good leather so far this spring and had quite a few nice plays in the field today against a heavy-hitting Dominican squad.  So while on the day the Phillies were dominated, there was one silver lining, the impressive play of the Phillies possible third baseman of the future, Cody Asche.  Look for big things from Asche in the near future as he seems to have all the tools and the work ethic of a good major leaguer.  The Phillies will be back in action tomorrow against the Washington Nationals.  Go Phils!