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Phils Drop First Game Since Series To Pirates

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The Associated Press

Published: February 25, 2009

BRADENTON - Jamie Moyer had a bus to catch Wednesday after he pitched two scoreless innings in the Philadelphia Phillies' 8-2 exhibition loss against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

And it wasn't the team bus back to the Phillies' complex in Clearwater, Fla.

"In about 40 minutes, my kids will be getting home from school," Moyer said in the visiting clubhouse at McKechnie Field. "I can leave here and get them off the school bus."

Moyer and his family make their offseason home in Bradenton. Every day, he gets up at 5 a.m., drives to Clearwater for the Phillies' workout, and usually is home again in time for dinner.

"I get to put my kids to bed at night," Moyer said. "I see them every day. Family is what's important."

Moyer said there's also a close-knit atmosphere in the Phillies' clubhouse. That's why, at 46, he chose to come back for his 23rd season.

Last season, Moyer went 16-7 with the Phillies and won his first World Series ring. He'd like to win another title before he finally retires, and figures Philadelphia is where it could happen.

"It's a good group of guys who know how to play the game," Moyer said. "It's a team that knows how to win and that has won. It's a special situation."

After piling up 246 career victories, Moyer isn't ready to call it quits. Sipping a protein shake, he smiled when someone asked if he thinks about the Hall of Fame.

"Not as much as you guys bring it up," Moyer said.

Moyer allowed one hit and two walks against the Pirates. He struck out two.

Pittsburgh scored four runs in the fourth inning against Joe Bisenius. Jack Wilson had an RBI single and Shelby Ford, a non-roster infielder, followed with a pinch-hit, three-run homer to right.

"I went up there just looking to put a good at-bat together," said the 24-year-old Ford, who hit just 15 homers in three minor league seasons. "When I hit one, it's really got to be up in the air for me to know it's gone.

"I usually just hit the ball to the wall and get the double. So when I saw it actually go over the fence, I was like, 'Oh, wow."'

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