Philadelphia Phillies Stall on Sunday Night Baseball, Swept by Rangers

ARLINGTON, Texas - It's not time to panic. Not just yet at least.

The Philadelphia Phillies (0-3) were swept by the Texas Rangers (3-0) on Sunday Night Baseball at Globe Life Field. They suffered a 2-1 loss.

It was not the start the Phillies were looking for as they entered into the 2023 MLB season as the reigning National League champions.

Bailey Falter (0-1) put up the best performance of this young season for Philadelphia's rotation as he pitched 5.1 innings and allowed just two earned runs. One of those was a solo shot by Rangers rookie third baseman Josh Jung in the second inning.

Despite notching 9 hits and 3 walks on Sunday night, the Phillies offense was anemic. Texas starter Martín Pérez held the Phillies to just one run and then gave way to their bullpen who held Philadelphia scoreless from the sixth inning on.

The Phillies are currently playing without Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins, two of the biggest catalysts they feature in the lineup. To say it hasn't affected them would be a falsehood.

Additionally, on Sunday, Cristian Pache got his first start in center field with the Phillies. In four at-bats with his new team he has failed to produce a hit or draw a walk. While he is known for his defensive capabilities, it is clear he is a liability at the plate.

It was always a curious move for Philadelphia to trade for a player who couldn't help the Oakland Athletics. How he could be of service to the National League champions is another question.

Of course, it is early in his tenure and hitting coach Kevin Long has been able to work some wonders in improving player's approaches and swings. The hope is the same will occur with Pache.

The Phillies will try and put this series behind them as they travel to New York to face the Yankees on Monday at 7:05 p.m. ET.