The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Colorado Rockies in the first game of a three-game series on Friday night. Phillies' starter Taijuan Walker pitched a solid six innings allowing three earned runs. The offense was powered by Alec Bohm and Kyle Schwarber— both hit home runs and combined for three RBI. Bryce Harper also knocked in two runs on a double to the right field wall in the eighth inning. The bullpen locked down the game as Matt Strahm, Seranthony Domínguez, and Craig Kimbrel each pitched a scoreless inning in relief. Kimbrel picked up his fourth save of the season as he struck out the side in the ninth inning.
The two teams will meet again on Saturday as Phillies' left-hander Ranger Suárez makes his 2023 debut as he returns from the injured list. He will be opposed by Ryan Feltner (2-2, 5.08 ERA).
Phillies News
Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto exited Friday night's game with an injury to his right hand. Realmuto slid into third base and jammed his hand under the base on the slide. The catcher received X-rays that came back negative. The plan was for Realmuto to take a day off on Wednesday, but now he will sit on Saturday. He will be reevaluated, and the hope is that he can play on Sunday.
The Phillies will receive some help in the starting rotation as Ranger Suárez is set to take the mound on Saturday night. Suárez has yet to pitch this season as he has been shelved with a forearm strain since March. His addition to the rotation will be a massive boost to an area on the club that has struggled at points this season.
MLB News
Baltimore Orioles center fielder Cedric Mullins hit for the cycle on Friday night. It was the 12th cycle in Oriole's team history. Heading into the eighth inning, Mullins had already recorded a single, a double, and a triple. He mashed a three-run home run to right field to complete the cycle.
Eury Perez— the 20-year old pitching prospect in the Miami Marlins organization— made his Major League debut on Friday. Perez was the youngest pitcher to make his debut for Miami since José Fernández back in 2013. The young right hander pitched well in his debut. He allowed two earned runs in 4 2/3 innings and struck out seven as he displayed some dominating stuff.