WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. – Hitting the midway point of the Spring Training period, most squads have their starting lineups for their 25-man rosters set, with most guaranteed starters sitting out or being limited to playing time. Tonight, both the Astros and the Phillies mixed their starters in with their guys that are still in the proving grounds stage.

The Astros got off to a hot start as they put up two runs in the 1st inning thanks to a single from Yainer Diaz which brought home Alex Bregman from 3rd base, and another single from Joey Loperfido which sent Diaz home from 3rd. At the end of the 1st the Astros had a 2-0 lead.

It was a strong outing from starting pitcher Ronel Blanco who posted a zero hit, zero run, and five strikeout performance through four innings of play.

Meanwhile from the Phillies, it was a lackluster start from starting pitcher Christopher Sanchez. Sanchez gave up four runs on eight hits and only lasted two and a third of an inning. Leaving the Phillies bullpen to be on cleanup duty for the rest of the game.

The Astros took a 3-0 lead thanks to an Alex Bregman single which sent home Quincy Hamilton. In the 3rd inning, Quincy Hamilton sent home Joey Loperfido on another single, giving the Astros a 4-0 lead. In the 5th inning, 3rd baseman Grae Kessinger got his first homer of spring training sending the ball into the Astros bullpen, giving the Astros a 5-0 lead.

In the 6th the Phillies finally got on the board thanks to a single from Bryson Stott which sent home Johan Rojas. Cutting the lead into a 5-1 game.

In the 9th, the Phillies started their late game rally. Starting off with DH Kody Clemons belting a ball into the outfield for a double and sending home Pedro Leon. Immediately after, Right Fielder Matt Kroon sacrificed himself for a groundout to advance Kody Clemons, putting the Phillies at a 5-3 spot with two men on.

Taylor Scott who had been the reliever for the Astros had been pulled after giving up the two scoring hits and walking another two players. This gave Connor Greene the perfect saving situation as he threw a pitch to Cal Stevenson who hit a soft line drive into the dirt causing Catcher Cesar Salazar to throw for a quick out.

The Astros won the game 5-3 and put themselves back at an even 10-10 record on the season. They will be back at home at the Cacti Ballpark of the Palm Beaches tomorrow as they face the New York Mets.