CLEARWATER (WDAE) -- Kevin Kiermaier hit his first home run of the spring, and the Tampa Bay Rays got scoreless outings from both pitchers vying for the final spot in the bullpen -- Emilio Pagan and Adam Kolarek -- but fell to the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 Monday at Spectrum Field.
Kiermaier's home run came in the top of the second inning off Phillies starter Jake Arrieta, that came after Joey Wendle singled with two out in the inning and stole second base.
After allowing a two-out double in the first inning to Bryce Harper, Wilmer Font appeared to be cruising through the second. However he walked Cesar Hernandez with two out in the inning, allowing Maikel Franco to hit, and Franco lined a pitch into the berm in left-center, his second of the spring, to tie the game.
Pagan worked a scoreless fourth inning, allowing one hit, a one-out double to Hernandez, while Kolarek retired the Phillies in order an inning later.
The game remained 2-2 until the bottom of the ninth, when Jose Disla, who will likely start the year with the Charlotte Stone Crabs, gave up a solo homer to Malvin Matos, who is likely beginning the year in Lakewood of the South Atlantic League, breaking the tie and ending the game.
Tampa Bay wraps up their exhibition season Tuesday with a matchup against the Detroit Tigers at Tropicana Field. Ryan Yarbrough will get the start, taking on former Ray Matt Moore. First pitch is scheduled for 12:35.