Phillies-USA: Philadelphia Drops Exhibition Match to Team USA

Kyle Kendrick got off to a terrific start in his second spring training appearance, but failed to get out of the third inning.

A three run blast by Chipper Jones capped off a four run third inning for Team USA and set the pace for a 9-6 victory in the exhibition game against the Phillies.

Kendrick breezed through the first two innings, retiring the first six straight batters.

Ironically, it was the Phillies' own Shane Victorino that would spark Team USA in the third, reaching base and advancing to second when Kendrick's pick off attempt went by Ryan Howard.

Jimmy Rollins followed with a single and then Dustin Pedroia knocked Victorino in on a single of his own before Jones homered to clear the bases and bring in three runs.

Kendrick had responded well to some adversity in his first outing, but clearly failed to respond in this game, which is a discouraging sign. It appeared to be the same Kendrick that the Phillies saw last season.

Antonio Bastardo did not do much better. After recording an out to finish the third inning, Bastardo stayed in for two more innings. In that time, he allowed five runs on two walks and three home runs.

Clay Condrey, Ryan Madson and Blaine Neal helped to keep Team USA off the score board for the rest of the game.

Howard had a tough game in the field with two errors. He struck out once and hit a three run home run of his own in the bottom of the fifth inning. His home run came off of Matt Lindstrom of the Florida Marlins.

Jason Donald, who has had a rough spring at the plate, homered as well for his only hit of the day. John Mayberry Jr, who has put himself in the lead for a bench spot, went 1-for-5 against Team USA.

Marcus Giles has been playing better in the more recent games after getting off to a rough start. He scored two runs in the game and walked once.

Geoff Jenkins went 1-for-4 and left four runners on base.

Late in the game, the Phillies actually loaned a couple of pitchers to Team USA to use out of the bullpen. Of the pair, Joe Bisenius was the only one who actually entered the game to pitch against the Phillies. In one inning of work, Bisenius was charged with one run on three hits.

Jimmy Rollins left the game in the fourth inning due to back pains.  Derek Jeter was brought in to replace the Phillies shortstop, who had played nine innings against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday.

Next up for the Phillies is a night game on Friday against the Blue Jays in split squad action. In the afternoon's B game, Brett Myers will get the start. In the prime time game Chan Ho Park will hit the mound for the Phillies.

Team USA is on their way to Toronto for the start of play in the World Baseball Classic. They will face Team Canada on Saturday.