Phillies Win on Ruf Walk-Off, Send Him to Minors

    The Phillies topped the Braves in walk-off fashion this afternoon by a score of 7-6.  With the game knotted at 6 apiece, Darin Ruf stepped to the plate with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.  The outfield prospect took Daniel Rodriguez deep to win the game for the Phillies.

    It was a solid day at the plate for Ruf, as he went 2 for 4 with a walk, 3 runs scored, and 1 RBI.  Ruf finally appeared to be coming around at the plate lately, and had raised his spring average to .246.  After the game, Ruf's mood was brought down considerably, as the Phillies optioned him to minor league camp.  It's for the best that Ruf get regular plate appearances to start the season in Triple-A, and be prepared for a call-up.  The Phillies received some other strong hitting on the day from other players as well.

    Yuniesky Betancourt continued to rack up hits, as the deadline for the Phillies to add him to the 25 man roster or offer his release approaches.  Betancourt went 2 for 5 on the day while collecting 2 RBI's.  In a spring that Betancourt has hit .435, it is likely that if the Phillies don't add him to the roster, another club looking for infield depth will.  

    Ryan Howard had a 2 for 4 day at the plate and is now hitting .328 in the spring.  Chase Utley, who like Howard is looking for a bounce back season, continues to slowly progress at the plate, going 1 for 3 on the day.  Dom Brown went 1 for 5 on the day to add to his impressive spring hit total.

    Erik Kratz had the most impressive day at the plate for the Phillies, going 3 for 4, with all 3 hits for extra bases.  Kratz collected 3 RBI's on the day with the help of 2 doubles, and a solo home run.  With Carlos Ruiz suspended for the first twenty-five games of the season, the Phillies will need Kratz to step-up at the plate in his absence.

    Adam Morgan got the starting nod for the Phillies, and pieced together 4 2/3 solid innings of work, allowing only a single run.  Chad Durbin replaced Morgan, and collected a blown save as he allowed 3 runs inn 1 1/3 inning of work.  Raul Valdes and Zach Miner each pitched an inning respectively, while each allowing 1 run.  Jonathan Papelbon came on to pitch in a tie game in the ninth, and collected the win after pitching 1 perfect inning that was followed by Ruf's walk-off.

    Opening Day is rapidly approaching, and the roster should see it's final moves over the following days.  The Phillies will be back in action tomorrow against the Orioles.