Zack Wheeler’s stellar six innings on Opening Day were but a distant memory as the Philadelphia Phillies faced a string of setbacks in subsequent games.
The Atlanta Braves, with their relentless offense, capitalized on their momentum from Friday’s nine-run game by adding 12 more runs on Saturday. Aaron Nola, fresh from inking a hefty seven-year, $172 million contract, endured one of his toughest outings, compounding the Phillies’ troubles.
The team lost their sole long reliever to injury early in the game, setting a dismal tone for the remainder of Saturday’s match.
Initially, it seemed the Phillies might rebound effectively after forcing Max Fried out of the game in the first inning. However, Nola’s lackluster performance dashed any hopes of a turnaround. Struggling with his curveball and command, Nola conceded seven runs on a career-high 12 hits across 4⅓ innings, resulting in a disappointing 12-4 loss for the Phillies.
“We’re obviously better than we’re showing, but the last two days haven’t been good,” remarked Trea Turner.
The Phillies’ woes began early in Nola’s outing when a ground ball from Ronald Acuña Jr. led to a misplay by third baseman Alec Bohm. Subsequent errors and missed opportunities plagued the team, despite briefly taking the lead in the first inning.
While Fried’s erratic pitching briefly offered hope, Atlanta consistently capitalized on Nola’s struggles. Manager Rob Thomson extended Nola’s time on the mound, mindful of the bullpen’s limited options. However, the Braves’ hitters continued to find success, even from the lower reaches of their lineup.
The day saw unexpected heroes emerge for Atlanta, with Michael Harris II, Orlando Arcia, and Travis d’Arnaud delivering key performances from lower batting positions. Even Jarred Kelenic, in the ninth spot, made significant contributions with timely hits.
Despite the disappointment, there was a silver lining as Bryce Harper narrowly avoided injury after a dramatic tumble over the dugout railing. However, such close calls served as a reminder of the risks inherent in relentless play.
Looking ahead, the Phillies face a challenging schedule, with limited opportunities to reclaim lost ground against the Braves. While upcoming matchups offer a chance to regroup, salvaging the opening series against a formidable rival remains a crucial objective for both morale and momentum.
“Tough two, tough two to start the season off,” Nola reflected. “Come out tomorrow and compete, that’s all we can do. Try to get Game 3, and we’ve got a lot of baseball left. We know it’s going to be a battle against the Braves.”
