How fun is a true MLB rivalry?
The Phillies and Braves are turning into must-watch television. There’s postseason history, recent bad blood, and two extremely talented teams expected to compete for a World Series championship this season.
Round one of countless 2024 rounds went to Atlanta. As you are likely aware, the Braves beat the Phils on Friday, 9-3.
The game was much better than the score, if that provides any solace. Phillies ace Zack Wheeler dominated one of the best lineups in baseball for six innings, allowing no runs on five hits while striking out five and walking none.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson pulled Wheeler after 89 pitches, which, in today’s game, is more than reasonable for a pitcher’s first start of the season. The Phils were just nine outs away from a huge statement victory over an Atlanta squad that won 104 games last season. And Topper was turning it over to a bullpen that many have proclaimed to be the best in baseball.
Cy Young favorite and pervy-mustache enthusiast Spencer Strider, meanwhile, was similarly dominant but allowed a two-run home run to Brandon Marsh in the bottom of the fifth inning. A sellout crowd at the Bank ate it up, with booming “Striiiiii-deerrrr” chants echoing around the park.
The fun was short-lived, however, as the Braves tagged Matt Strahm for two runs in the seventh, and Jose Alvarado and Connor Brogdon for seven runs in the eighth.
There’s no way to sugarcoat it: other than Marsh’s oppo taco, the Philies were awful at the plate. Alec Bohm had two hits, and Bryson Stott had a single and a stolen base. But the big bats at the top of the lineup? Schwarber, Turner, Harper, Realmuto? They went 0/14 with seven strikeouts and two walks. The Phils struck out 15 times in total.
And, sadly, the “best bullpen in baseball” looked very much like some brutal Phillies bullpens of yesteryear. I think I saw Brandon Workman out there at some point.
So ok, everything went sideways late, but let’s look at the positives:
- Wheeler out-dueled Strider;
- Bryce Harper flashed some leather at first base;
- Bohm had two hits;
- Marsh crushed the aforementioned home run; and
- There are 161 games left to play.
Opening Day got spoiled, that’s for sure. But one game really doesn’t tell us much in terms of season-long expectations. The Fightins–and their fans–need to flush this one and get back at it on Saturday.
Aaron Nola will take on Max Fried at 4:05 p.m.
