Phillies Triple-A Uses Long Ball, Wins 4-1

The Phillies Triple-A Spring Training squad (3-1) got back on the winning track this afternoon with a 4-1 win over the Yankees team. The game featured the Phillies squad scoring three runs in the bottom half of the ninth.

3B Maikel Franco (1-3, HR, 2 RBI, R), OF Brian Pointer (1-2, HR, RBI, R) and C Gabriel Lino (1-2, HR, RBI, R) each homered in the game for the Phillies team. It was the second home run in as many days for Lino. Tyler Greene (2-3, R, SB) and the afore-mentioned trio combined for the team's five hits in the game.

Franco spent the 2014 campaign with the IronPigs and hit .257-16-78 in 133 G, leading Lehigh Valley in both home runs and RBIs. He was a September call up by the Phillies and batted .179-0-5 in 16 G at the major league level. The Dominican Republic native signed as an international free agent with the Phillies in 2010.

LHP Anthony Vasquez (2.0 IP, 3 K) got the start on the mound and was very strong as he did not allow a hit in two innings of work. RHP P.J. Walters (2.0 IP, H, 2 K) also fired a pair of scoreless frames. LHP Elvis Araujo (1.0 IP, H, BB, K) and RHP Mike Nesseth (1.0 IP, K) each contributed a shutout inning. RHP Jason Berken (2.0 IP, 2 H, ER, BB, K) saw time on the mound as well.

Walters split 2014 between New Hampshire (AA) and Buffalo (AAA) in the Blue Jays organization and Omaha (AAA), the Triple-A affiliate of the Royals. The right-hander was 2-3 with a 2.60 ERA in 8 GS with New Hampshire and 4-2 with a 4.56 ERA in 9 GS while with Buffalo. In his time with Omaha, Walters made 10 appearances (8 GS) and posted a 1-4 mark to go along with a 7.97 ERA. The Phillies signed him as a minor league free agent following the 2014 season.

The Phillies Triple-A Spring Training squad will hit the road Sunday afternoon and take on the Pirates team at the Pirate City Complex. First pitch is slated for 1:00 p.m.