Photo from Opening Night, credit to Emily Myers
Major League Baseball (MLB) has started up once again and the Philadelphia Phillies season is finally upon us! Going into the 2024 season, a few changes occurred within the team. Some key players let go were pitcher Craig Kimbrel, center fielder Jake Cave, and first baseman Rhys Hoskins – who missed the entire 2023 season due to an injury sustained in spring training.
The Phillies faced the Atlanta Braves in a 3-game series to kick off their 2024 season. If you’ve ever wondered why baseball teams play against each other multiple times in a row, it’s to cut down travel costs and inconvenience since the season consists of so many games (162 each).
Opening Day 2024 was set for Thursday, March 28, but was pushed to Friday due to weather. The roster included Zack Wheeler as starting pitcher, Bryce Harper on first base, Bryson Stott on second, Alec Bohm on third, Trea Turner as shortstop, Nick Castellanos in right field, Brandon Marsh in left field, Johan Rojas in center field, J.T. Realmuto as catcher, and Kyle Schwarber as designated hitter. The game didn’t quite go the way of the Phils, losing 9-3.
Saturday was Opening Night and started about 30 minutes late because of rain. Ceremonial opening pitches were thrown by former Philadelphia Eagles players Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox. The game featured a similar lineup, but lacked Marsh and put Whit Merrifield in left field, with Aaron Nola as starting pitcher. Despite scoring early, the Phils lost 12-4.
However, Sunday was redemption for the Phillies. Starting Ranger Suárez as pitcher with Bohm on first, Merrifield on second, Edmundo Sosa on third, and Cristian Pache in the outfield seemed a winning combination. The Phillies won 5-4, having taken the lead in the bottom of the seventh inning after a confusing call and a single by Bohm that let Rojas and Turner score.
The Phillies will take on the Cincinnati Reds this week at home before traveling to play the Washington Nationals this weekend.
Freshman Emily Myers is a Staff Writer. Her email is emyers3@fandm.edu