Talk to the talk and walk the walk. The Phillies offense exploded today with eight of nine starters recording a hit as the Phightins cruised past the Athletics in game one of this series. Throughout spring training, there was talk that this lineup would be trouble for opposing pitchers, and that’s exactly the message that was sent.
Off-season acquisition, Kyle Schwarber, kicked off his Phillies career like a dream with a lead-off home run bouncing off the second deck. As he pointed his finger towards the dugout, indicating the count for his home run total had started, Phillies fans knew this lineup was something to get excited about. Schwarber finished the day 2-4 with 2 RBIs and a walk.
Other two-hit players included Rhys Hoskins and rookie Bryson Stott who brought with him a personal crowd of 24 people, including his mom and girlfriend. The young gun showed poise in the face of RISP situations and athleticism on the defensive side. The chemistry between Stott and Hoskins at 3B and 1B is only set to improve and provide for some special highlights.
Aaron Nola, starting his 4th consecutive Opening Day (3rd all-time in club history), showed signs of returning to the Ace status that Phillies fans had seen in 2019. Nola struck out seven and held the Athletics to just one run on one hit until an eventual collapse occurred in the 7th inning. Nola let up a three-run home run and was pulled by Manager Joe Girardi immediately after. Unlike the theme of previous years… the Phillies bullpen held the lead as the offense tacked on some insurance runs.
This ball club announced themselves as a devastating lineup for opposing pitchers, and so long as health and pitching are maintained, this team should be a postseason hopeful. With young talent like Stott, Vierling, and Moniack (upon return from injury) matched with veterans like Harper, Realmuto, Castellanos, and Schwarber, the Philly Phaithful is in for an exciting year.
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