Erik Kratz News

Jordan Zimmermann pitched six solid innings, and Ian Desmond and Rick Ankiel homered to lead the Nationals to a 5-2 victory Tuesday night.

"But why do the Phillies need three catchers?" Brian Schneider wondered as the shadow of Ruben Amaro ominously collected itself around him.

Philadelphia Phillies Shane Victorino, left, steadies himself after getting tangled up with Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Adam Lind , who covered second on Victorino's third-inning stolen base, during their spring training baseball game in Dunedin, Fla., Sunday, March 18, 2012.

Joe Blanton returned to the mound with a couple of clean innings, and the Phillies used a six-run sixth to beat the Yankees, 9-3, for their first Grapefruit League win.

Catcher Erik Kratz made his first start as a member of the Phillies and just the ninth of his career in the first game of a day-night doubleheader against the Nationals on Tuesday.