Inside The Phillies

Abel, Marsh Impress as Philadelphia Phillies Drop 5-1 Game Against Braves

The Philadelphia Phillies lost a Grapefruit League exhibition game to their divisional rivals the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, however, there were a few bright spot.

Kade Kistner

Abel, Marsh Impress as Philadelphia Phillies Drop 5-1 Game Against Braves
Abel, Marsh Impress as Philadelphia Phillies Drop 5-1 Game Against Braves /
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Saturday night was an exciting night in baseball, especially if you are a Philadelphia Phillies fan. The Phillies played against the Atlanta Braves in Grapefruit League action and it was all available for free on MLB.com. 

Just an hour after that game began, Team USA kicked off against Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic Quarterfinals. And what a game it was for the Philadelphia starters in the lineup in Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, and Trea Turner.

The highlight of the night of course being Turner's go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning to propel the United States to the semifinals on Sunday against Cuba.

But we can't forget about the boys back home. Back in North Port, Fla. the Phillies lost 5-1 to their divisional rivals the Braves in 5-1 fashion. 

Mick Abel took the mound for Philadelphia in an effort to help eat some innings for the Phillies after they have dealt with a rash of injuries across the pitching staff.

And he showed up.

Abel pitched 2.0 innings of scoreless baseball while striking out two. The righty impressed against a stacked Atlanta lineup and it bodes well for the prospect's chances of making an appearance at the MLB level later this season.

Center fielder Brandon Marsh gave us the other highlight of the evening for Philadelphia when he slapped a solo shot to right field for the lone run of the day for the Phillies. 

It was an an encouraging sign from Marsh as he continues to improve this spring as he looks to cement regular playing time in the outfield this season, minus a platoon situation.

The Phillies will get back after it on Sunday when they host the Boston Red Sox.

More From SI's Inside The Phillies:

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  2. How Mike Trout Will Join the Phillies
  3. Could Bryce Harper's Favorite MLB Player Join the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023?
  4. Could The Phillies Soon Be Playing in Wawa Park?
  5. Bryce Harper-Obsessed Japanese Baseball Star Wants to Play for Phillies
  6. Six Philadelphia Phillies Declare Free Agency
  7. Rumored Phillies Free Agent Target Just Opted Out of Contract
  8. Jimmy Rollins Describes Disrespectful Treatment by Ryne Sandberg
  9. Phillies Release 2023 Regular Season Schedule
  10. Picking the Phillies' All-Time Single Season Lineup

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl.  During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated.  Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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