CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Darin Ruf hit a two-run homer in the first inning to help the Phillies beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2 on Tuesday.
The 29-year-old Ruf came into camp competing with former MVP Ryan Howard for regular playing time at first base.
Phillies manager Pete Mackanin has talked about platooning the two first baseman and Tuesday's game could strengthen that standpoint: the righty-hitting Ruf's home run came off Pittsburgh lefty Jonathon Niese.