Phillies 8, Astros 4: Keuchel strong through 7 innings; bullpen busts

Wednesday marked the final game for the Houston Astros in Grapefruit League play. The Astros traveled to Clearwater to face the Philedipah Phillies at Bright House Field. Astros ace Dallas Keuchel looked ready for the season with seven strong innings, but the bullpen couldn't hold the lead in an 8-4 loss to the Phillies.

Dallas Keuchel will be the first one on the bump for Houston when the season rolls around, he is the reigning American League Cy Young award winner after all. He looked ready for the part on Wednesday, allowing just two hits over seven innings and striking out six.

The Astros got on the board in the fifth inning with a three-run home run from Jose Altuve.

The bullpen struggled after taking over the game in the eighth inning. Pat Neshek didn't retire a batter, giving up three singles to load the bases. He was charged with the three runs allowed as Tony Sipp replaced him. Sipp gave up two unearned runs over a 1/3 of an inning. James Hoyt gave up three more runs, highlighted by a Andres Blanco home run.

Preston Tucker and Jason Castro attempted to start a rally in the ninth inning. Tucker double to right and Castro singled him home.