Bats Take Over Game 1
When Aaron Nola and Jacob deGrom were named starters for the Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers on Opening Day, it seemed like a solid MLB bet for this game to be a pitching duel. That did not happen, with the bats taking over in game one.
The game ended 11-7, with the Rangers winning, but deGrom struggled in his first appearance for a new team. He let up five earned runs in just 3.2 innings, with seven strikeouts. Nola had almost an identical line, five ERs in 3.2 IP, but only four Ks.
The Phillies had a five-run lead heading into the bottom of the fourth, but the Rangers responded with nine runs. Robbie Grossman hit a three-run HR to tie the game at five. The MLB lines could be changed to account for all the runs scored on Opening Day.
Phillies Hoping Second Ace Does Better
The possibility of having two aces has made the Phillies a scary team headed into this season. With Nola getting off to a start fans would not have expected, Zack Wheeler can redeem him. Wheeler finished second in the Cy Young race in 2021 and did not drop off much last season despite not having the same recognition. He finished with a record of 12-7 and a 2.82 ERA.
The Rangers’ batting order got to Nola in the fourth inning putting up five runs. Gregory Soto came in to relieve him with two outs but allowed four runs, three of which he earned, being pulled before he could finish the inning. The Phillies bullpen had to go five deep which could affect the sportsbook outlook for game two.
FIRST BOHM RUN OF THE SEASON#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/9ZlWPjt179
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 30, 2023
However, the positive would be that Phildiahia also put up seven runs. Alec Bohm hit a two-run HR in the second, and then Trea Turner had an RBI triple, came home on a wild pitch in the third. There will still be a massive hole in the lineup with Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins on the IL, but the Phillies showed they can still put up runs.
Rangers Bats Power Through
The big MLB news was deGrom struggling. The team signed him to a five-year $185 million contract, and his debut was not great. He allowed the most extra-base hits in a single game for his career.
The Rangers scored NINE runs in the 4th inning pic.twitter.com/wXRPXi1ODN
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 30, 2023
On the other hand, the offense, which was seen to be Texas’s weakness, came alive. Grossman signed with the team over the offseason and earned the starting left field spot in Spring Training. He had the biggest hit with the game-tying HR in the fourth inning, but the rest of the lineup helped. Adolis García, Jonah Heim, and Brad Miller had two RBIs each.
The Rangers lineup getting to Nola might be a good look for MLB picks having to face another Phillies ace in the second game.
Nathan Eovaldi will take the bump, having signed a two-year $34 million contract in the offseason with the Rangers. His 2022 was disappointing, with injuries and a Boston Red Sox team struggling. However, he hopes to return to his 2021 form, being an All-Star and fourth in Cy Young voting in his first season with Texas.
Phillies vs Rangers Game Injuries
Phillies vs Rangers Head-to-Head
The Rangers have now won 10 straight games against the Phillies, dating to 2014, including a four-game sweep last season.
Phillies vs Rangers Game Information
- Game: Phillies (1-0) vs Rangers (1-0)
- Location: Globe Life Field, Arlington, TX
- Day/Time: Saturday, April 1, 4:05 p.m. EST
- Phillies vs Rangers Live Stream: MLB.tv
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Phillies vs Rangers Picks and Prediction
The Rangers won on Opening Day despite poor pitching, but their starting rotation does have a dropoff in talent. Given how the Phillies lineup got to deGrom, they should be able to find some success facing Eovaldi.
On top of that, the Phillies can go from one ace to another, with Wheeler getting the start. Wheeler will know a little more about the Rangers lineup and should be able to have a better day.
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