J.T. Realmuto, Trea Turner lead Phillies past Reds in home opener
Clutch performances from the Phillies’ top hitters and top relievers led them to an exciting 5-2 win over the Reds in Friday’s home opener.
After the Reds tied the game in the sixth inning against Zack Wheeler, J.T. Realmuto demolished a 448-foot, two-run homer to left-center to give the bullpen all the cushion it needed.
Edmundo Sosa delivered a pinch-hit homer an inning later to give Craig Kimbrel more breathing room for his 395th career save as the Phils improved to 2-5.
Gregory Soto worked a 1-2-3 seventh inning and threw nine of 11 pitches for strikes after a wild road trip.
Jose Alvarado turned in another dominant outing in the eighth, striking out the side. He’s whiffed eight of the 10 hitters he’s faced this season, most of them in quick, overpowering fashion.
Trea Turner set the table up top, reaching base twice and scoring a pair of runs. He’s hit in seven straight games to begin his Phillies career.
The Phils scored their first run on a bases-loaded walk by Brandon Marsh, who returned to the lineup after missing Wednesday’s game with a sprained ankle.
Kyle Schwarber doubled in their second run. He’s just 5 for 31 (.172) this season but does have two homers and the double.
The Phillies placed Darick Hall on the injured list prior to the game and he will miss a significant chunk of time with a sprained right thumb. He is scheduled for surgery Wednesday. Kody Clemens was called up from Triple A and started at first base, going 0 for 2 with a walk.
The Phillies look for their first winning streak of 2023 Saturday afternoon when Bailey Falter (0-1, 3.38) faces Reds lefty Nick Lodolo (1-0, 3.60).
