The Reds beat the Phillies to the tune of 5-4 this afternoon in the first 2006 spring training game I got to see in person. Aaron Harang started the affair and worked four scoreless innings with just three hits. His four strike-outs were duly impressive.

Tommy Phelps took over in the fifth. He wowed the crowd with a bare-hand catch at first base, but disappointed us even more when he gave up a two run home run to tie the score. However, since the Reds went on to take back the lead in the bottom of his inning, Phelps still took home the win.

Kent Mercker and Matt Belisle each gave up a run in their respective innings. Rick White and Chris Hammon each did not give up a run in their respective innings.

Javier Valentín, Dewayne Wise, and Austin Kearns each scored a run, which made me extremely happy. I shouted as Javy ran by, and I sense that we shared a moment. I called Chris Denorfia “heartthrob” as he ran by, and I sense that he hated me.

I forgot to take my camera into the ballpark today, so I didn't get to start the feature I hoped to include for each game. I'm determined for tomorrow, though, so be on the look out for something new.

On the sunburn front, I'm happy to report that I'm only minorly rosy on the shoulders. However, the freckles are to 90% intensity and threatening to take over entirely.

The win brings the Reds' record to 10-9. Tomorrow the Reds host the Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m.