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Phillies start season strong with a 5-3 win: Fans react
The Phillies kicked off their 144th season with a 5-3 win over the Texas Rangers on Thursday, drawing a sold-out crowd and giving fans a day of baseball, sunshine, and celebration at Citizens Bank Park.
PHILADELPHIA - Cristopher Sánchez struck out 10 and tossed three-hit ball over six shutout innings in his first start since he signed a $104 million contract extension, and Kyle Schwarber and Alec Bohm each homered to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 5-3 win over the Texas Rangers on Thursday.
What we know:
Sánchez did not issue a walk over 87 pitches in his first career opening-day start and showed why the Phillies tore up his old deal before it expired and gave him a much more lucrative contract through the 2032 season. The 29-year-old left-hander won 13 games last season and finished runner-up behind Pittsburgh's Paul Skenes in NL Cy Young Award voting.
Skenes was chased in the first inning earlier in the day by the Mets — as 76ers star Joel Embiid mocked the Pirates ' ace on social media — while Sánchez never pitched into a serious jam against Texas and spoiled manager Skip Schumaker's Texas debut.
Sánchez pumped his fist into his mitt in excitement after he struck out Corey Seager to end the sixth inning. Sánchez walked off the mound to a standing ovation and waved to 44,610 fans.
Jake Burger hit a two-run homer for Texas in the ninth that forced the Phillies to use closer Jhoan Duran for the save.
Sánchez was backed by the usual pop in the Phillies' lineup.
Schwarber, last season's NL home run champion with 56 who agreed to a $150 million, five-year contract in the offseason, hit a two-run opposite-field homer in the first inning off Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi.
Bohm made it 5-0 and chased Eovaldi in the fifth when he also went the other way with a three-run shot to right.
Phillies rookie center fielder Justin Crawford, the son of four-time All-Star Carl Crawford, singled on the first pitch he saw in the big leagues and singled again in the fifth.
Phillies reliever Zach Pop failed the team's first Automated Ball-Strike System challenge in the eighth inning against Brandon Nimmo. Pop challenged James Hoye's ball four call but it was confirmed on replay and Nimmo walked.
What they're saying:
"Go Phillies.Yea!!!!!" one fan cheered. Kevin Beard of North Philadelphia said, "The scene is fabulous we are having a ball out here. All should have been here." Maureen Leipert of North Wildwood added, "Just being with our friends, getting together, starting all over looking forward to the World Series this year."
The day included a flyover from the 177th Air Wing of the New Jersey Air National Guard, the traditional opening day team walk through the centerfield stands, and a colonial-themed Phillie Phanatic entertaining the crowd.
"Just the thrill of everybody being together it’s unbelievable. Philly is Philly," one fan said. Fans even got a chance to see Kyle Schwarber and Alec Bohm home runs, Justin Crawford's first Major League hit and a 10 strikeout performance by Cristopher Sanchez.
The Phillies faithful filled the ballpark with energy, enjoying burgers, beers, and the crack of the bat as the team took the field for the first of 162 regular season games.
Fans reflect on the experience and look ahead
Opening Day is a tradition that brings fans together and marks the start of a new season filled with hope and excitement. For some, it’s a bucket list moment. Alan Gresham Senior of Northeast Philadelphia shared the moment with his son Alan Jr., "If we could transpose this love to all aspects of life what a great world this would be."
The Phillies will have an off day on Friday before continuing the Opening Weekend series on Saturday and Sunday at Citizens Bank Park.
Tom Veelhaur of King of Prussia said, "Absolutely incredible electrifying Sanchez was lights out today." Another fan summed up the day: "It was awesome. From food to weather to the vibes like all friends it was amazing."
What's next:
The three-game series resumes Saturday when the Phillies send RHP Aaron Nola (5-10, 6.01 ERA) to the mound against Rangers RHP Jacob deGrom (12-8, 2.97 ERA).
The Source: The Associated Press contributed to this article.