The Phils managed five hits and struck out nine times in dropping the season opener, 5-2. Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara was fantastic in 6 2/3 innings of work. The top of the Phillies lineup (Andrew McCutchen, Rhys Hoskins, Bryce Harper, and JT Realmuto were a combined 1 for 14.
There were a couple of bright spots. New shortstop Didi Gregorius homered in his first game as a Phillie and reliever Reggie McClain looked good in his debut, pitching a scoreless inning. And Harper's cleats (pictured above) were fuzzy and sparkly (the first time those words have been used together in this blog). Otherwise, it was a lousy start to what has been a lousy year.
If the Phillies have any hope of making MLB's expanded playoff pool, the need to beat up on teams like the Marlins, who on paper, are nowhere near as good as the Phillies.
They'll try again later today when Zach Wheeler makes his Phillies debut against Caleb Smith. In Wheeler's' last five starts against the Marlins, he's 4-1 in 38 innings with 41 strikeouts, only 3 walks, and 1.66 ERA. Smith's last five games against the Phillies haven't gone as well. He's allowed 11 hits and 14 walks in 18 innings with a 4.50 ERA, but just a .660 OPS. We might see Adam Haseley in center today, since he's 2 for 2 in his career against Smith.
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