It looked doubtful from the get-go, and eventually, Mother Nature won the battle between the Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers on a rainy Thursday at Citizens Bank Park. With the two teams hoping to finish their three-game series series today, all we can do is wait.
The Phillies will want to get this one in as soon as possible, as they have a flight across the country lined up. They have three games in Colorado this weekend followed by three in San Francisco.
Update: The Phillies announced the anticipated start time of 1:45 p.m. ET., so it shouldn't be too long now.
The anticipated start time for today’s game is 1:45 pm. pic.twitter.com/g2a4bMaDhn
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 23, 2024
Phillies-Rangers rain delay: Restart time updates for Citizens Bank Park, May 23
With the originally scheduled 1:05 p.m. ET start time looking like an impossibility, the Phillies officially announced the rain delay at 12:43 p.m. ET.
The start of today's game will be delayed. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 23, 2024
Unfortunately, the Phillies didn't provide a tentative start time, so that's all we know at this time.
With the tarp on the infield, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer's Scott Lauber, neither of the starting pitchers, the Phillies' Zack Wheeler and the Rangers' Andrew Heaney, had made an appearance from their respective clubhouse.
The start of #Phillies-Rangers, scheduled for 1:05 p.m., will be delayed, according to the Phillies. The tarpaulin remains on the field. Neither starting pitcher has emerged from the clubhouses yet.
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) May 23, 2024
Phillies-Rangers rain delay: Phillies hoping to sweep another series
After securing their 11th series victory, winning the first two games against the reigning World Series champion Rangers, the 36-14 Phillies are looking to complete their sixth straight win and their seventh series sweep of the season.
The Phillies took Tuesday's series opener 5-2 behind another Ranger Suarez gem. The lefty went seven innings of 10-strikeout ball. Wednesday was a bit more of a laugher, with the Phillies running away with an 11-4 victory. The win sealed the best 50-game start in franchise history.
Thursday's game features ace Zack Wheeler looking to pick up his sixth win of the year, while his opponent, Andrew Heaney is 0-5 and is looking for his first win.