The Philadelphia Phillies have surprisingly jumped out to a 5-1 start to the 2021 season, following dominant series victories against the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets. The most recent win bolstered the team’s first-place spot in the National League East, with Thursday marking one week since Opening Day.
The Phillies looked strong out of the gates, helped by veterans Rhys Hoskins, Bryce Harper, and J.T. Realmuto, as well as up-and-coming players such as Alec Bohm and Connor Brogdon.
Fans are excited to see the Fightin’ Phils emphatically take down two preseason National League East division favorites. Although the Phillies might be hesitant to believe as serious contenders — given fans have had false hope from early-season success before — what we’ve seen on the field through six games is indicative of a team with promise moving forward.
Here are six Phillies takes after the team’s first half dozen games.
1. The front end of the Phillies starting rotation dominated.
Right-handers Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Zach Eflin carried the Phillies to an opening series sweep over the three-time defending division champion Braves. The starters posted a 1.31 ERA in the first three games.
Wheeler stole the show on Saturday afternoon, pitching seven scoreless innings and driving in two runs in a 4-0 victory. Both Nola and Eflin received no-decisions after surrendering game-tying, seventh-inning home runs. However, both cruised through the Braves lineup for the majority of their respective starts.
While Nola didn’t have his best stuff in his second start, he still left the game having only allowed one run.