PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Phillies began their 2024 season Thursday with a resounding 5-3 victory over the Texas Rangers at Citizens Bank Park, fueled by a historic pitching performance and timely hitting. The win, while just one game in a 162-game season, offered a potent signal that the Phillies, coming off a near-miss in the National League Championship Series, remain a serious contender. The focus, however, was squarely on left-handed pitcher Cristopher Sánchez, who delivered a masterful outing that will be talked about in Philadelphia for some time.
Sánchez, making his first career Opening Day start, struck out 10 batters in six scoreless innings, becoming the sixth pitcher since 1900 to accomplish that feat on Opening Day. He joined a prestigious group that includes Hall of Famer Bob Gibson and Phillies legend Chris Short, according to MLB.com’s game recap. The box score details a dominant performance, with Sánchez needing just 87 pitches to navigate six innings without allowing a walk.
The offensive support arrived in the form of power hitting. Kyle Schwarber launched a two-run home run in the first inning, giving the Phillies an early lead, and Alec Bohm followed with a three-run blast in the fifth, extending the advantage to 5-0. Jhoan Duran secured the save, the first for a Phillies pitcher at home on Opening Day, closing out the game after the Rangers managed to scratch across three runs in the later innings.
A Historic Debut for Sánchez
Sánchez’s performance wasn’t just a strong start; it was a piece of baseball history. He became the first Phillies pitcher to record double-digit strikeouts on Opening Day since Curt Schilling’s franchise-record 11 in 1997. The 26-year-old Dominican Republic native, who finished second in the National League Cy Young Award voting last year behind Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates, told reporters via interpreter Diego D’Aniello that it was “a privilege” to take the ball on Opening Day. He’s also just the third pitcher in Phillies history born outside the United States to start the season opener, joining Venezuelan Omar Daal (2001) and Canadian Oscar Judd (1946).
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker acknowledged Sánchez’s dominance. “He was as good as advertised,” Schumaker said after the game. That sentiment was echoed by Rangers first baseman Jake Burger, who called Sánchez “a bonafide superstar in the game.”
Phillies’ Offense Provides Crucial Support
While Sánchez stole the headlines, the Phillies’ offense demonstrated the potential that made them one of the league’s most potent lineups last season. Schwarber’s first-inning home run, an opposite-field shot, set the tone for the day. Schwarber, who led the National League with 47 home runs in 2023 (a correction from the originally reported 56), emphasized a focus on putting the ball in play. “I put the ball in play,” he said. “I’m contact over power. I will strike out less, hit more, walk less. But what I can do is be somebody behind those guys that they still don’t necessarily want to pitch to in a situation with guys on base, because they know I can move the ball around the yard.”
Bohm’s home run, following strikeouts by Schwarber and Bryce Harper, provided a significant cushion. The Phillies are keenly aware of the scrutiny Bohm faces, and manager Rob Thomson acknowledged that the third baseman “takes a lot of… stuff,” referring to criticism from fans and media. Despite the external pressure, Bohm appears focused on contributing. He explained that his home run “reaffirms that I’m not trying too hard. If I’m up there trying too hard, then I don’t provide myself a chance to catch the ball a little and hit it the other way.”
Looking Ahead: A Long Season Begins
The Phillies’ victory is a positive start, but as Schwarber pointed out, 162 games present a long and arduous journey. The team is aiming to build on last year’s success and finally break through to the World Series. The loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS last October still stings, but the Phillies appear determined to use that experience as motivation. When asked if the team felt a need to make a statement after last season’s playoff exit, Schwarber responded, “It’s an interesting question… The first day is always going to get you excited.”
The Phillies will continue their series against the Rangers on Saturday at Citizens Bank Park. The game is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. Fans can find updated information and ticket availability on the Phillies’ official website.
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