Starters Zack Wheeler and Mackenzie Gore were both on point in Thursday’s season opener in Washington. The two combined to throw 12 innings, allowing three hits, one run, two walks and 21 strikeouts. Over the next four innings, the Phillies whacked Nationals relievers for seven hits, seven runs – six earned – six walks and struck out six times. That was the difference in the 10 inning, 7-3 win for Philadelphia.

The Phillies opened the 10th with Bryson Stott on second and he was still there two outs later. Taking things into his own hands – or feet – Stott swiped third base Bryce Harper walked and Alec Bohm doubled to drive in both runners and make it 5-3. After a pitching change, Kyle Schwarber walked and J.T. Realmuto followed with a triple to drive in both Bohm and Schwarber for the 7-2 advantage. Matt Strahm came on in relief of Jose Alvarado and put down the Nats in order in the bottom of the 10th.

Bohm went 2-for-5 in the game with a double and two RBI to play a big role in the win, especially with his two out, two run double in the 10th. There were a lot of very public rumors swirling around Bohm in the offseason but the Phillies ultimately held onto him and the players openly voiced their satisfaction with having Bohm stick around in Philly. “I’m glad he’s here with us,” said Zack Wheeler.

Harper and Schwarber both homered. For Harper it was the sixth Opening Day home run of his career.

Orion Kerkering, Jose Alvarado, and Matt Strahm all threw shutout innings for the Phillies with Kerkering being the only one of the three to allow a hit (he allowed two.) Jordan Romano allowed two earned runs in the eighth that allowed the Nationals to tie the game.

WP: Jose Alvarado (1-0), LP: Colin Poche (0-1)