Inside The Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies Look Like Contenders, Defeat Reds Friday

The Philadelphia Phillies are back on track after looking great on Friday in an encouraging win over the Cincinnati Reds.
Kade Kistner|
Philadelphia Phillies Look Like Contenders, Defeat Reds Friday
Philadelphia Phillies Look Like Contenders, Defeat Reds Friday

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Philadelphia PhilliesCincinnati Reds

It only took six games into the 2023 MLB season and a weather postponement, but the Philadelphia Phillies (2-5) have finally had their home opener. The 2022 National League champions did not disappoint as they put together arguably their best all around performance of the young season Friday against the Cincinnati Reds (3-3).

At least they saved it for the home crowd. 

Zack Wheeler took the mound for Philadelphia, his first appearance since April 1 when he went just 4.1 innings against the Texas Rangers and gave up five runs, four of which were earned. 

On Friday, Wheeler tossed 5.1 innings while allowing two runs and striking out five. The right-hander probably would have liked to go a little longer, but it was an improvement on his first start. 

Those were the only runs the Reds would score with the Phillies bullpen tossing 3.2 innings of scoreless baseball. Craig Kimbrel earned the save and is just five shy of 400. Gregory Soto was was credited with the win in a 5-2 victory after completing 1.0 innings in the seventh inning. 

Philadelphia's offense also came alive, tagging Cincinnati starter Sonny Gray for two runs and tacking on another three against the Reds bullpen.  

Home runs from J.T. Realmuto and Edmundo Sosa powered the Phillies to victory as they gave their pitching run support and added insurance runs. 

Realmuto's was a two-run home run that scored shortstop Trea Turner and travelled 448 feet in the seventh inning.

Sosa's came in the eighth and was a solo shot that went 394 feet. 

It was encouraging to see the bats swinging well and really challenge opposing pitching. That has been lacking in the early goings, at least on a consistent basis. 

Philadelphia will look to continue their winning ways as they play the second of three against Cincinnati on Saturday. 

First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET with Bailey Falter scheduled to start for the Phillies. He will face the young and exciting Nick Lodolo. 

More From SI's Inside The Phillies:

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  2. How Mike Trout Will Join the Phillies
  3. Could Bryce Harper's Favorite MLB Player Join the Philadelphia Phillies in 2023?
  4. Could The Phillies Soon Be Playing in Wawa Park?
  5. Bryce Harper-Obsessed Japanese Baseball Star Wants to Play for Phillies
  6. Six Philadelphia Phillies Declare Free Agency
  7. Rumored Phillies Free Agent Target Just Opted Out of Contract
  8. Jimmy Rollins Describes Disrespectful Treatment by Ryne Sandberg
  9. Phillies Release 2023 Regular Season Schedule
  10. Picking the Phillies' All-Time Single Season Lineup

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl.  During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated.  Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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