The Phillies’ season opener was a smashing success as they trounced the Oakland A’s 9-5 on Friday afternoon. Fans came into this year with sky high hopes, and the team certainly didn’t disappoint in their first contest, as their offensive barrage kept everyone at Citizens Bank Park on their feet.
High-profile addition Kyle Schwarber kicked the season off with a bang, launching a moonshot into right field to begin the Phillies season. It became a track meet after that, as every Phillie not named Matt Vierling notched at least one base hit, including top prospect Bryson Stott who collected his first two big league knocks. Nick Castellanos, the newly-minted $100 million man, made up for three strikeouts with an RBI single.
RELATED: Phillies Add Bryson Stott to Opening Day Roster
Aaron Nola looked to be recapturing his All-Star level form, as he cruised through six innings only allowing one earned run. However, a four run seventh inning for Oakland derailed Nola’s masterpiece, and recently acquired bullpen arms Jeurys Familia and Brad Hand were forced to bail him out of the jam. On the bright side, Nola racked up seven strikeouts, and Familia, Hand and fellow newcomer Corey Knebel looked rock solid in their season debuts.
RELATED: Phillies Revamp Bullpen with Flurry of Veteran Signings
All in all, it was a terrific 2022 Phillies opener, and outside of the rough seventh inning, the team seemed to be firing on all cylinders. Hopefully, the hot start will continue tomorrow when Kyle Gibson takes the hill opposite former Phillie Cole Irvin.