PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — After many pre-game festivities, the Phillies looked to be in control of the Texas Rangers for most of their opening game behind six scoreless innings from starter Cristopher Sanchez. He struck out 10, walked no one and only gave up three hits.
At the plate, Kyle Schwarber followed a Trae Turner lead off hit with a home run and Alec Bohm added a three-run shot in the fifth to make it 5-0.
It stayed that way until the bottom of the ninth inning, as left-handed reliever Kyle Backhus gave up three hits, including a two-run blast to the Ranger’s Jake Burger.
The third hit, followed by a throwing error from Bryce Harper after a fielder’s choice out at first brought Phillies closer Jhoan Duran into the game with a man on third.
Duran got a strikeout before letting up a single, scoring the third run of the inning for the Rangers. The final out was redemption for Harper as the Rangers’ Evan Carter grounded to him to end the game.
The Phillies and Rangers are back in action on Saturday afternoon for the second game of the series. Aaron Nola will be on the bump for the Phillies against Jacob DeGrom.
Cristopher Sanchez also went for six scoreless innings, striking out 10.
