Saturday, March 29, 2008

Hughes Strong In Final Start

Saturday night's matchup against the Florida Marlins didn't start well for Phil Hughes. The righthander needed 25 pitches and allowed a run on two hits in the first frame. However, he would use only 44 pitches over the next four innings, over which time he did not allow an earned run and only one more hit.

Of the 69 pitches thrown during his five innings of work, Hughes tossed 44 of them for strikes, struck out four and mixed in a good percentage of sliders and changeups throughout. According to MLB Gameday, Hughes was throwing his fastball 93-95 mph all night along with a solid curveball 74-76 mph.

In his final two starts of the Spring - often times considered the most important starts of camp - Hughes logged 10 innings, allowed six hits, struck out 10, walked three and allowed four earned runs. He threw 155 pitches, 98 of which went for strikes. A solid strike-to-ball ratio of 63%.

He commanded the fastball nearer the level associated with Hughes and appears to understand the importance of trusting his changeup and slider more often. Whether or not his command of these pitches translates to the real games will be seen soon enough.


Notes:
  • The Yankees relief was very strong as Mariano Rivera retired the only batter he faced, Kyle Farnsworth struck out the two batters he faced and somehow threw 7 of his 8 pitches for strikes. Brian Bruney struck out the two he faced, throwing 11 of 15 for strikes. Joba Chamberlain struck out one and retired the only other hitter he faced, needing only six pitches all of which were strikes. Ross Ohlendorf allowed a double to lead off the 9th, but struck out two and stranded the runner to earn the save.

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