5 thoughts from Texas Rangers opening day: Phillies pounce early, rally falls short
Dallas News • • sports
Key Points:
- The Texas Rangers lost their season opener 5-3 to the Philadelphia Phillies, failing to overcome a five-run deficit unlike their comeback in the 2020 opener against the same team.
- Phillies starter Nathan Eovaldi pitched effectively despite giving up two home runs on mistake pitches, allowing five earned runs in 4⅔ innings, while Phillies left-hander Cristopher Sanchez dominated with 10 strikeouts over six shutout innings.
- Rangers struggled offensively against Sanchez, being shut out through eight innings and only scoring late against Phillies relievers, with Jake Burger hitting a two-run homer and Danny Jansen driving in a run in the ninth.
- Former Rangers outfielder Adolis García made his Phillies debut but went 0-for-4, receiving a warm welcome from Phillies fans despite his lack of hits.
- The Rangers did not use the automatic balls and strikes challenge system during the game, with manager Skip Schumaker preferring to save challenges for critical moments; the team will look to improve offense in upcoming games against right-handed pitchers like Aaron Nola.
