Casey Smith bats in 2 of 5 in win against Pirates

Shane Youman, who pitched 21 innings in 2006 for the Pirates with a 2.91 ERA, collapsed in the fifth inning today for the Phillies. He walked four and let up two runs, while only giving up one hit. The score at the end of the fifth, 4-2 Pirates, was only reversed by three Phillies runs in the 7th, 8th, and 9th innings, for the win.

The biggest positive surprise of the game was from the seemingly unknown Casey Smith, who went 3-4 with two doubles and a home-run. Other than Smith, Victorino went 2-3 with a triple and Howard followed his bomb from yesterday's game with an 0-3 outing.

The important thing to get out of this game I believe is the work from Knotts (who got the win), Bisenius and Happs. Combined, they pitched 6 innings, allowing one hit and no runs. These performances are made by young players trying to make the team and is easily encouraging to a fan knowing all too well our lack of depth off the mound.

This is in no way an indication or prediction that any of these pitchers will make the team, but is a showcase of the depth that the Phillies organization is working relentlessly for. I think a fan can be hopeful and confident that the Phillies will have the depth for their bullpen to play well, deep into the season. Performances like these today, by Knotts et al., and Wednesday, by Carrasco, reinforce that confidence.