Man, things looked good for the first three innings of the season opener in Texas. Aaron Nola was staked to an early 5-0 lead against Jacob deGrom and were pounding out extra-base hits like a baker pounds out donuts. Then, in the bottom of the fourth, Nola hit a wall and the Rangers started hitting the ball. Before the inning ended, the Phillies had used two pitchers after Nola exited and Texas had put a nine-spot on the board. The result was an 11-7 loss for the Phillies.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • JT Realmuto went 3-for-5 and was a HR shy of hitting for the cycle.
  • Alec Bohm went 3-for-4 with 3 RBI; was a triple shy of hitting for the cycle.
  • The Phillies had 8 extra-base hits (4 doubles, 3 triples, 1 HR).

LOWLIGHTS:

  • It was the first time in Aaron Nola’s career that he blew a 5-run lead.
  • Gregory Soto allowed 2 hits, 2 walks, 3 earned runs without getting an out.
  • Connor Brogdon – 1 IP, 2 ER, 18.00 ERA.
  • Phillies pitchers walked 6 and struck out 8.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW…

  • Christian Pache did not arrive in time for the game. He was activated after the game.
  • Dalton Guthrie was optioned to Lehigh Valley following the game. Instead of playing in warm weather in Texas, Guthrie will join the IronPigs in Rochester, NY.
  • The Phillies are off Friday.
  • Saturday’s pitching match-up: Zack Wheeler (PHI) vs Nathan Eovaldi (TEX)
  • Atlanta and the Mets won their openers. Miami, Washington and the Phillies are 1 GB.