Pitching again a problem as Phillies are crushed by the Rangers

The Rangers walloped the Phillies on Saturday at Globe Life Field, collecting 28 total bases en route to a 16-3 win. 

The loss, coupled with Thursday's 11-7 defeat, marks the first time since 1929 that the Phillies surrendered at least ten runs in each of the first two games of the season. 

Zack Wheeler lasted only 4 1/3 frames on Saturday, surrendering five runs (four earned) on seven hits. 

Perhaps even more concerning was the performance of Seranthony Dominguez after he surrendered six runs without registering an out. He hit a batter and gave up a three-run homer to Mitch Garver in the seventh. 

“I was terrible,” Domínguez told MLB.com. “That wasn’t good. I don’t feel good with myself right now.”

Craig Kimbrel also struggled in his Philadelphia debut, surrendering three runs on one hit. It's only two games into the season, but the Phillies staff ERA is 12.94 with a 2.44 WHIP. 

“We’re going to turn it around,” Domínguez told MLB.com. “We’re going to start to win games and we’re going to start to pitch better than it is right now.” 

Trea Turner, Darick Hall, Bryson Stott, and Nick Castellanos collected two hits each in the loss.

The two clubs conclude their three-game set on Sunday night. Bailey Falter will be on the mound for the Phils. The Rangers will counter with Martin Perez.