While Opening Day gave Phillies fans plenty to celebrate with a 5–3 victory, the results over the weekend were far less satisfying, as the Fightin’ Phils dropped the final two games to the Rangers and lost their first series of the season.
Aaron Nola got the start for the Phillies on Saturday and went five innings, allowing three runs, all earned, while walking two and striking out seven. All three runs came on home runs, as Corey Seager went deep for Texas in the first inning and Jake Burger added a two-run shot in the third.
There was some encouraging news, however, as Nola’s fastball topped out at 93.5 mph after averaging under 92 mph last season, and he generated 14 swings and misses. After a season last year that included injuries and uneven performances, Saturday’s outing offered some signs of progress for the veteran right-hander.
However, the bigger storyline from Saturday centered on the Phillies’ offense, which struggled to generate any production for most of the afternoon. In front of a crowd of 40,051 at Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies were limited to just one hit through eight innings before mounting a late rally in the bottom of the ninth.
The Phillies capitalized on defensive mistakes to tie the game with three unearned runs in the ninth, including Burger’s second error of the day at first base. After Burger dropped a pop-up in foul territory, new Phillie and former Ranger Adolis García took advantage, delivering an RBI double to left field to make it a 3–1 game. Brandon Marsh followed with a single to right that brought home Edmundo Sosa and García, evening the score at 3–3 heading into extra innings.
Jhoan Durán took the mound in the top of the 10th inning but surrendered two runs, allowing the Rangers to take a 5–3 lead.
Philadelphia answered with a run in the bottom of the inning, as Bryce Harper delivered an RBI single that brought home J.T. Realmuto for his first hit of the season.
However, the comeback attempt fell short, as Alec Bohm popped out to shortstop to end the game, sealing a 5–4 victory for Texas.
Sunday’s game proved to be more one-sided, as Texas pulled away for an 8–3 victory. Jesús Luzardo went six innings, allowing six runs, all earned, while striking out seven.
Philadelphia managed three runs on four hits but was once again held without a hit for much of the game. The team did not record its first hit until the sixth inning, when Justin Crawford reached on an infield single, a swinging bunt that slowly rolled up the third-base line.
It was another quiet performance for the offense, an unusual sight for a lineup that is normally one of the most productive in the league.
Philadelphia will stay at home to host the Washington Nationals on Monday, with Taijuan Walker scheduled to get the start. The matchup begins a three-game series, with first pitch set for 6:40 p.m.
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