CLEARWATER, Fla. — Dontrelle Willis pumped his fist with the enthusiasm of a guy getting a meaningful out late in the season, and then blessed himself and pointed to the sky as he walked off the mound.
The D-Train is still in service.
Willis pitched a scoreless inning, Scott Podsednik hit a tiebreaking RBI single and a Philadelphia Phillies split squad beat the Atlanta Braves, 6-4, on Thursday.
It was an encouraging outing for Willis after he got rocked and left his last appearance because of arm tightness and fatigue. Willis, a former 22-game winner, is trying to resurrect his career in a new role as a lefty specialist in the bullpen.
"I took some tips from some guys," Willis said. "I definitely warmed up a lot better. I slowed myself down. I felt a lot better out there."
Willis walked the first batter he faced then retired Jason Heyward on a flyball and retired Tyler Pastornicky on a double-play grounder.
Willis allowed five runs and five hits in 1 2/3 innings in his first two spring appearances.
Matt Diaz and Dan Uggla hit solo homers for the Braves. Jair Jurrjens had a rough outing, allowing four runs and nine hits in four innings.
Jurrjens went 12-3 in the first half last year and made his first All-Star team, but he didn't pitch during the final month of last season because of a bone bruise in his right knee.
Braves fall to Phillies

