Spring Training Game 1 Recap: Astros & Phillies

It may not be real yet, but the Astros got their first win as American League team today. Houston went down early with Philadelphia's Ace Cole Hamels on the mound, but proceeded to score in six of last seven innings. Houston's Xavier Cedeno took the win, pitching the 3rd inning and striking out one. Brandon Barnes' solo home run along with the Phillies committing 4 errors added up to 8 runs for the Astros.

Batters

It was a good day, not much more to say after the Astros pounded the Phillies for 14 hits and 8 runs. Marwin Gonzalez and Robbie Grossman each had two hits, Grossman also added two RBIs. Brandon Barnes stroked a 2-0 pitch from Phillies' pitcher Jeremy Horst over the left-center field wall for a solo homerun. Barnes also added an outfield assist, throwing out Jermaine Mitchell at home. Trevor Crowe's double in the third, lead to a double steal with Tyler Greene who drawn a walk.

Pitchers

Possible opening day starter Lucas Harrell didn't come out the gates strong, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk in two innings of work. Harrell seemed to have trouble locating his fastball, getting behind many of the batters he faced. Xavier Cedeno, Sam Demel, and Jarred Cosart kept Philadelphia off the board, each with one strikeout. Cosart, a former top Phillies prospect traded to Houston in the Hunter Pence deal, struck out Ryan Howard looking. Overall, a good start for the season for the staff.

Other Observations

• Bo Porter is pushing the pace. The Astros had four stolen bases in the game (Maxwell, Crowe, Greene, and J.D.Martinez).
• The Astros turned three double plays.
• Chase Utley looked strong driving his first run in the first after missing the previous two Spring Trainings with injury.
• The Astros' new radio team of Robert Ford and Steve Sparks wereentertaining, an upgrade overDave Raymond and Brett Dolan notnecessarily. It's only the first game.
• On another non-baseball related note, the new uniforms look even better on the field.

Astros Fan Favorite March Madness Tournament:

Don't forget to go vote in our TCB March Madness match-ups for today.

Next Game

New York Mets at Houston (SS), 12:05 PM CT

MLB.TV: Live

Radio: KBME 790 AM

The Astros will have their home opener against the Mets at Osceola County Stadium. Bud Norris will take the start and mostly likely pitch two innings. Jose Altuve, Jason Castro, Rick Anikel, and Carlos Pena are all expected to play after not making the trip to Clearwater on Saturday.

GIFs:

Jarred Cosart strikes out Ryan Howard

Brandon Barnes hits a homerun

Robbie Grossman doubles

Brandon Barnes throws out a runner at the plate