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Philadelphia Phillies Opening Day 2017: Five Observations From Philly’s Win

By John Town

Apr 3, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) slides in safe under the tag of Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart (16) during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco (7) slides in safe under the tag of Cincinnati Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart (16) during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 24, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Michael Saunders (5) reacts after he got hit by pitch during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The New Acquisitions Made an Impact

After Cesar Hernandez’s home run in the first, Howie Kendrick and Odubel Herrera both failed to reach base but Maikel Franco hit a two-out single. In stepped Michael Saunders for his first official at-bat as a Phillie. He immediately made his presence known in the lineup, knocking a RBI double that missed being a home run by a foot or two.

Saunders finished the game going one-for-three with a walk and a RBI. Philadelphia signed him to bring some much-needed offense and he did just that in the first game.

Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s other notable free-agent signing, Joaquin Benoit pitched a dominant sixth inning. After inheriting a runner from Jeremy Hellickson, Benoit didn’t allow a hit or walk, striking out two batters in the process. The veteran needed just 10 pitches to get through the inning as he made quick work of the Reds.

Benoit started off his time in Philadelphia with a great outing, and it helped cinch the win for Philadelphia.

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