Well that was a fun Opening Day! The Phillies got a quality win and it was overall pretty smooth sailing! Cristopher Sánchez was superb on the mound as he struck out ten batters in six innings and didn't allow a single run. Just an absolute pro! It could be a magical year for him on the mound!
Kyle Schwarber did Kyle Schwarber things and homered in his first at-bat of 2026, it was a two-run shot. I wonder how many he can get this season! Alec Bohm also had a three-run opposite field shot that proved valuable since the Rangers made things a bit worrisome when they put up three runs in the ninth. If Alec can add some more power to his already solid offensive game, the league better be worried! I also learned that Alec is suing his parents for stealing approximately $3 million so maybe that situation can give him a bit of an edge, although it is pretty depressing when your own family can't be trusted. Hopefully that gets worked out but I'm sure the man is still living well.
Rookie Justin Crawford saw one pitch in his MLB debut and recorded a hit! What a moment! That must be an incredible feeling! The stuff you dream about! I know that it's just the start but I think him getting a hit immediately is a pretty good sign. He didn't get caught up in the moment of his first big league at-bat and just stayed professional! Too cool. He even got a second hit as well!
All in all it was a pretty memorable Opening Day, the weather was wonderful. Jhoan Durán even got his first save of the year!
Game two of the series sees Aaron Nola take the mound for the Phillies. Nola had his worst year as a pro in 2025, but I'd like to think it was simply an off year which does happen in baseball. Nola looked really strong in the World Baseball Classic as he pitched for Italy.
While the weather was excellent Thursday, today's game is going to be kind of the opposite. As I write this it's pretty much literally freezing in the Philadelphia area and it will only top out at 44 degrees by first pitch. Definitely going to be seeing plenty of long sleeves on the field today. Three seasons throughout a baseball season, just beautiful!
The Phillies will be seeing star pitcher and borderline Hall of Famer Jacob deGrom pitch for the Rangers today so it will be challenging. Jacob deGrom is a former Met so at least there's some familiarity.
Game 2 of 162, here we go!
