Seven pitchers combined on a four-hitter and Ryan Howard had a two-run double, leading the Phillies to an 8-0 win over Florida State University on Thursday.
"We played pretty good for the first time out," Philadelphia manager /*Charlie Manuel*/ said. "We caught the ball, we did OK. Our pitchers, especially the guys we wanted to see, did fine."
Right-handed starter Drew Naylor, an Australian native, allowed one hit and struck out two in two shutout innings.
Howard did his damage on his first swing of spring training with one out in the first inning. The Phillies scored two more runs in the first on a RBI single by catcher /*Carlos Ruiz*/ and a sacrifice fly from Pete Orr.
Howard finished 1 for 2 with two RBIs and a run scored. Rookie outfielder /*Domonic Brown*/, competing for the right field job, was 1 for 3 with a run scored.
"It feels great to get back out there," said Brown, who was called up to the big leagues in late July.
After Naylor was finished, non-roster veteran Eddie Bonine pitched the first two of seven shutout innings from the bullpen. Right-handers Justin De Fratus, Michael Stutes and Michael Schwimer, all in their first major league camp, combined to strike out five batters and allow just one hit in three innings.
"I'll tell you what, it's nice to throw a good inning and walk back and see (pitching coach Rich) Dubee and Charlie (Manuel) there," said De Fratus, who struck out the first two hitters he faced in a 1-2-3 eighth inning. "That's nice after a good inning."
NOTES: Philadelphia second baseman /*Chase Utley*/ was held out of the lineup as he recovers from "general soreness," according to Manuel. Utley normally goes heavy on weight training prior to the start of a season. Manuel said he might hold Utley out of games until next week Phillies shortstop /*Jimmy Rollins*/ was also out of the lineup. Rollins had been excused from Thursday's game and Friday's workout so he could attend a tribute to Motown at the White House as part of a Black History month celebration. The Phillies resume their exhibition schedule on Saturday in Tampa against the New York Yankees. /*Cole Hamels*/, a 2008 World Series MVP, is scheduled to pitch opposite former Cy Young winner Bartolo Colon.
