(Photo: Andrew Shipotofsky/Philliedelphia.com)
The Phillies (1-0) opened up the season yesterday with an explosive offensive performance in their 14-10 win over the Texas Rangers. With a grand slam from Jimmy Rollins and Cody Asche going 3-for-4 with 2 RBI, 4 runs scored, and a HR, the Phillies defeated their opponent Rangers. Cliff Lee earned the win after allowing 8 ER on 11 H in five innings.
As game 2 of 162 is prepared to get underway, the Phillies are sending A.J Burnett to the mound to take on Martin Perez and the Rangers (0-1).
A.J. Burnett is making his Phillies debut today as he takes on the Texas Rangers. Burnett, 37, finished 2013 with a 10-11 record and 3.30 ERA while pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In the spring Burnett made five starts, winning one and losing three accompanied by a 6.05 ERA. Burnett will look to focus on his command – a big necessity due to the face that he walked nine hitters in more than 19 innings this spring. In his career against the Rangers, Burnett is 5-3 with a 3.94 ERA.
Marti Perez is looking to continue his success from 2013, where he went 10-6 with a 3.62 ERA in 20 starts with the Rangers. Perez, 22, was not so hot in the spring. Making four starts, Perez owned a 6.23 ERA and took two losses for his club. Struggling with command and walking eight batters in 13 innings, Perez needs to focus on his command and getting ahead of hitters in the count.
Game Notes:
- The Phillies haven't won an Opening Day game since 2012 against the Pirates.
- Ryan Howard is hitting fifth in tonight's lineup. It's the first time he hasn't hit clean up since June 29, 2008.
- Chase Utley will play DH tonight and will be covered by César Hernández at second.
Today's Lineups:
Phillies lineups:
- Ben Revere CF
- Jimmy Rollins SS
- Chase Utley DH
- Marlon Byrd RF
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Carlos Ruiz C
- John Mayberry Jr. LF
- Jayson Nix 3B
- César Hernández 2B
A.J. Burnett will start today against the Rangers.
Rangers lineup:
- Shin-Soo Choo LF
- Elvis Andrus SS
- Prince Fielder 1B
- Adrian Beltre 3B
- Alex Rios RF
- Mitch Moreland DH
- Donnie Murphy 2B
- Leonys Martin CF
- Robinson Chirinos C
Martin Perez will start today's game against the Phillies.
First Pitch: 8:05 PM ET
Location: Globe Life Park in Arlington, Arlington, Texas
Weather: 81°F – Cloudy – 20% Precip
TV: TCN
Erik Seybold is a writer for Philliedelphia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ErikSeyboldPHI.
