Sometimes, an opponent that you’re familiar with is all you need to see.
Not scoring runs in Houston was rough on the team and those who watched them. Partially a credit to the Astros’ pitching staff, but partially some just bad hitting, the Phillies just needed to see someone that they knew they could hit.
Enter Bryce Elder and the Braves.
After a lengthy rain delay that saw the Phillies abandon Mick Abel as their starter and have to employ the bullpen game approach, the game finally got underway around 10:00. In the first inning, facing Elder, Trea Turner doubled and Kyle Schwarber walked, then both stole second to give the team two runners scored to open things up.