Phillies Dominate Series Opener in Colorado

After a successful series win at home against the Washington Nationals, the Philadelphia Phillies made the trip out to Denver, Colorado, for a three-game series, where the Phillies not only took the first game, but confidently owned it, as they took down the Rockies 10-1 in their home opener.

The Phillies were able to take control and dominate both the plate and the mound with the help of a quality start from Aaron Nola after a concerning start last go for him. The offense, and specifically the top of the order, looked incredible, and the bats were hot for the whole lineup in this confident win.

Six Runs Come Across in the First

The Phillies, who have struggled to find offense at times this year, wasted no time getting the offense going here this afternoon. Off former Phillie Michael Lorenzen, five Phillies got on and made it a 3-0 game before an out was even recorded. Trea Turner led off the game with a double, followed by back-to-back walks, giving Alec Bohm a beautiful opportunity, which he took advantage of with a single to center. Bohm took advantage of loaded bases, and Bryson Stott came through as well with runners at the corners with a double to jump to a 3-0 lead.

After a strikeout from Adolis Garcia, the Phillies would come right back with a monster 454-foot home run from Brandon Marsh, his first of the year. The inning would still go on, and Turner would come up again and notch his second hit, this time bringing home J.T. Realmuto, who doubled earlier in the inning.

The Phillies have emphasized jumping on offense and wasting no time, which is exactly what they did today. The offense was satisfying to see, and it just kept going early in the first inning.

Nola Rebounds, Gets His 1st Win of the Season

In his first start of the season, Nola did not live up to the expectations that he was given after he had pitched for Team Italy in the World Baseball Classic prior to the season. In the second start of the year, his first of the regular season, against the Texas Rangers, Nola went five innings and gave up three runs on five hits. Though he struck out seven batters, he gave up two home runs and threw 91 pitches over the five innings. To open up the season, Nola’s start presented much concern, as with Zack Wheeler out, this pitching staff needed to be at their best.

After his first start, Nola made a massive rebound in his second start of the year this afternoon. He threw 95 pitches, but went an extra inning and a third than last time out, as he went 6 1/3 innings, giving up five hits but only one walk and run each. Colorado is a tough team to pitch against when at their place, as the ball flies far. This was no problem for Nola, as not much contact was made with Nola’s nine strikeouts. Nine strikeouts in 6 1/3 is a good sign that Nola is much closer to finding his grip again.

If Nola is going to pitch second in the rotation, with the absence of Wheeler, he would need this composure every time he’s out on the bump.

Top of the Order Scores Seven Runs on Eight Hits

Earlier, the top four of the order had struggled massively, as Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, and Bohm had not hit the ball well, if at all. That absolutely changed today, as Turner had three hits, Schwarber hit a home run 460 feet, Harper had a pair of hits and a home run, and Bohm had a pair and three runs batted in this afternoon. These four are responsible for seven out of the 10 runs scored by the Phillies today, showing how well the offense looks when they click.

Though it’s good to see Turner and Bohm get hot, it’s especially pleasing to see Harper start to swing the bat confidently. Harper, who came into the year at what could have been called his lowest, went 2-3 today and took Lorenzen yard in the second inning. If this continues, Bryce can get back on track and be his all-around self again.

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