Nola struggles, but Suarez and McGarry shine in split-squad action for Phillies

The Phillies took to the field with a split-squad setup on Friday afternoon, dividing their efforts between Lakeland, Fla., where they faced the Detroit Tigers, and Clearwater, Fla., hosting the Florida Marlins. Unfortunately, they stumbled against the Tigers, falling 4-2, while their home encounter with the Marlins ended in a 6-6 tie. 

 

In Lakeland, Ranger Suárez delivered a stellar performance in his spring debut against the Tigers. Across three innings, Suárez permitted just one hit without conceding any earned runs, striking out two batters. Impressively, he maintained precision, delivering 38 pitches with 26 of them finding the strike zone. 

 

Meanwhile, in Clearwater, Aaron Nola faced a tougher outing against the Marlins. He struggled over three frames, allowing seven hits, four earned runs, and hit a batter without recording any strikeouts. 

 

Pitching prospect Griff McGarry made his spring debut and struck out the side in just 15 pitches. 

 

In their matchup against the Marlins, the Phillies' offense showed signs of life, with Scott Kingery smashing a two-run homer in the sixth inning, while newly acquired catcher Cam Gallagher added to the tally with a solo shot in the eighth. 

 

Looking ahead, the Phillies will be back in action on Saturday, taking on the Minnesota Twins at BayCare Ballpark at 1:05 p.m. The game will be broadcasted on NBC Sports Philadelphia and on the radio via 94.1 WIP.