Philadelphia Phillies: Phils start season off on right foot
On Thursday, the Philadelphia Phillies obliterated Atlanta, 10-4 and showed why all the hype around them is real this season.
The Phils got a home-run in their first at-bat when Andrew McCutchen took Braves starter Julio Teheran deep to center field.
After the Braves tied it at one, Philly responded with a two-run fourth inning as Odubel Herrera and Cesar Hernandez each had an RBI single.
Sure Bryce Harper and JT Realmuto went a combined 0-6 with two walks, but the fact that players who are still young and have been with the Phils for years now stepped up is a big deal.
Third baseman Maikel Franco went deep with a 3-run homer to left field to hand the Phils a 6-1 advantage in the sixth inning.
In the seventh, Rhys Hoskins bashed a grand slam with three newcomers on base in Harper, Jean Segura, and McCutchen.
Aaron Nola wasn’t perfect since he did allow five walks. However, the LSU product pitched frames, gave up only two hits, one run and struck out eight.
The bullpen wasn’t picture perfect either as it surrendered five hits and three runs in three innings to go along with one punch out.
Another impressive stat is that Philly had six two-out RBIs, which can be a great learning tool for them if they reach September with plenty of big games to partake in.
The Phils were 4-7 with runners in scoring position and only stranded three men on base.
The impact that the veterans have on this team is already playing a role.
First of all, with Harper, Cutch, and Realmuto in the lineup, younger players such as Franco and Hoskins don’t feel as much pressure to perform well. Pitchers are so focused on not letting the vets beat them that the young talent will see pitches better and get better production.
We’re off to the races and the Phillies have found early success against an opponent that should compete in the NL East.
Rick ODonnell aka Caveman Rick has many years covering the Miami Dolphins, Sports, and all sorts of movies and television.
