Tough Day For Eaton, Phils

It looks like Adam Eaton is still Adam Eaton. The righty gave up three runs in his first inning of work (a home run by Shelley Duncan), going just two frames while giving up five hits in a 9-3 loss to the Yankees. Eaton struck out two.

So it was only a home run, but you can’t be happy with five hits. Here’s what Eaton had to say:

“Three pitches in a row — single, single, homer. Only one of those was where I wanted it, and it wasn’t the home run pitch. I thought I was going out there for the third inning, but (pitching coach Rich Dubee) said it was enough, and I came in to work out.”

One good pitch out of three? Yikes.

Meanwhile, Chad Durbin didn’t make a great case to unseat Eaton, giving up two runs on three hits in two innings. He struck out three.

And just as disheartening was Tom Gordon’s performance in the ninth inning. The closer ad interim gave up a Wilson Betemit home run before giving way to John Ennis, who finished the game with a strikeout. Clay Condrey gave up a homer to Alex Rodriguez.

Ryan Madson was the only arm who came out clean, but surrendered two hits in his inning of work. Vic Darensbourg also pitched for the Phils, and gave up a home run to Yankees prospect Jesus Montero.

Offensively, a light day for the Phils, as they failed to make noise off starter Chien Ming-Wang. Ryan Howard managed a 2-2 day, including a double off Wang. And Greg Golson registered a home run in his only at bat, a promising little sign for the AA-level five-tool outfielder.

Next up for the Phils: Another game with the Yankees. Cole Hamels makes his Spring debut against Andy Pettite. Cheeky.

Going for the Phils after Hamels will be Carlos Carrasco, Fabio Castro and Lincoln Holdzkom. It’s a big situation for the Rule V draft pick, who needs to recover from a tough first outing. Carrasco, meanwhile, doesn’t need to be especially good, but was nice in a scoreless inning against the Reds. Castro is likely going up against Shane Youman, Darensbourg and Blackley for the LOOGY role, so it’ll be fun to see how he performs his first time out. Game time is 1:15 p.m. Watch it on . I, however, will be watching it from the comfort of my own couch — New England residents: The game is on the YES network.

What we got out of this game:

1. Eaton didn’t make a good first impression; Travis Blackley looks better everyday.
2. Give Greg Golson another chance before taking him out of the Spring Rolodex.
3. Chad Durbin did himself no favors.
4. We have to remember — it’s achingly early.