The new-look Philadelphia Phillies previewed what to expect in 2022. The former Philadelphia-Kansas City, now Oakland A’s, provided the final, back to normal Opening Day opposition. You get what you expected if you enter the season expecting great offense and less than great defense. Phillies win the home opener, and the fans want more.
What Went On?
Aaron Nola got the start and was impressive for six innings. After Nola set down the A’s in a 1-2-3 first inning, Kyle Schwarber electrified the capacity of 44,232 fans with a leadoff 426-foot bomb to the right.
Schwarber is now batting .305 out of the leadoff spot. The blast marked his 18th in 122 leadoff at-bats. The Phillies only managed four leadoff home runs all of last season. Nola continued to deal. The first Philadelphia rally quickly unfurled in the 3rd.
Bryce Harper poked a single to center and attempted to stretch it further. Harper was out by ten feet but smartly avoided the tag with replay confirming. Schwarber touched home, and JT Realmuto scampered to third. Rhys Hoskins singled to right that plated Realmuto and Harper. Didi Gregorius got in on the fun with a single to score Hoskins and get the lead to 5-0.
Nola finally gave up a hit in the fourth when Chad Pinder took a mistake 386 feet to cut the score to 5-1. Matt Vierling, despite going hitless, tagged a sac fly scoring Hoskins for a 6-1 edge. Nola continued to cruise, but the A’s would figure him out in the 7th.
Aaron Brown crushed a three-run shot that got it to 6-4. A liner caromed off the glove of the heralded rookie, Bryson Stott but was ruled as a single. Stott stayed in the spotlight with his first error as a Phillies with a lousy throw scored Stephen Vogt to make it a one-run game, 6-5.
Time for More Offense
A Castellanos double plated Harper, but Castellanos was thrown out trying to make it a three-base hit. Stott achieved his first RBI with a double, scoring Jean Segura, and was promptly brought home on the second RBI from Schwarber. The bullpen closed out the 9-5 victory.
Things
Philly added three new names to legitimize the offense. You asked…how they do? Schwarber, Stott, and Castellanos trio were 5 for 12 with 4 RBI and three runs scored. Schwarber went 2 for 4 with two runs scored and a pair of Ribbie’s. Bryce Harper only had a single hit but scored twice and knocked in one. Stott was 2 for 4 with a run scored and knocking in one. The offensive star had to be a welcome sign for Phillies fans. Rhys Hoskins went 2 for 3 with a pair knocked in and scored twice. The Phillies Win Opener in style.
Kevin has followed and promoted the game of lacrosse since May 19, 1974.
The same day the Philadelphia Flyers won the Cup, the Philadelphia Wings were introduced to Neibauer and Philadelphia.
Kevin has covered many sports, including baseball, football, basketball, and.. lacrosse. A former licensed football referee and baseball umpire, Kevin brings a unique insight to his game coverage.
A published writer in JustHockey Magazine, Kevin covered the American Hockey League as well as a monthly story on a pugilist where Kevin used the pen name, The Rink Rat. Neibauer turned his attentions to lacrosse for a few years and does his part, whether podcasting or writing to grow the game. Kevin branched out to his roots and currently provides insight for all Philadelphia teams for Edge of Philly as well as his full-time duties with LaxPhilly.
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