J.T. Realmuto deposited a Derek Law cutter into the seats in left center in the seventh inning on Friday, breaking a tie and allowing the Phillies to coast to a 5-2 victory over the Reds in Philadelphia's home opener at Citizens Bank Park.
Edmundo Sosa added a solo pinch-hit homer in the eighth for good measure.
The Phillies' bullpen was outstanding as Jose Alvarado, Andrew Bellatti, Gregory Soto, and Craig Kimbrel combined to toss 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Alvarado was particularly impressive, striking out the side in the eighth while throwing just 14 pitches. He's whiffed eight of the ten batters he's faced this season and now is carrying a 16 2/3 inning scoreless streak, dating back to August 26, 2002.
"Incredible, he has great stuff," said Phillies manager Rob Thomson. "He's tough to hit, especially if you're a lefty. It's a pretty intimidating at bat, and he's been really good for a long time."
Kimbrel recorded the save, his first with the Phillies. He's now just four short of ...
Zach Wheeler surrendered two runs on five hits. He lasted just 5 1/3 innings, leaving after giving up a pair of doubles in the sixth. Through two starts, he's carrying a 5.59 ERA.
"It just takes me a while to get going," Wheeler said of his slow start. "For whatever reason, I'm still trying to figure that out this deep into my career. This is probably a little bit better than where I've been in the past, but it's still not where I want to be."
Trea Turner singled up the middle to open the fifth inning and scampered home to give the Phillies a 2-1 advantage on a Kyle Schwarber bullet that bounced off the rightfield wall for a double.
Turner finished 2-for-5 in his Philadelphia debut. He now has seven hits through his first seven games with the Phils.
"I feel like early on you just try and compete," Turner said. "Playing everyday and getting those five or six at-bats has always helped me. I usually start a little slow, but so far this year I think it's been good, and I'm going to keep going and working and trying to continue to do what I'm already doing."
The Reds answered in the sixth to even the contest at 2-2, with TJ Friedl hustling for a double to open the frame before crossing the plate later via a Tyler Stephenson double to left field. Bellatti came in to relieve Wheeler and recorded the final two outs of the inning to strand Stephenson in scoring position.
Cincinnati starter Hunter Greene had filthy stuff but struggled with his command, issuing three walks while allowing two runs on five hits over 4 2/3 innings.
"He throws a hundred, so it's a matter of getting the barrel to the baseball, and that's it," said Nick Castellanos.
Castellanos hit two doubles down the leftfield line and finished 2-for-3. He scored the first run of the afternoon in the second inning, opening the frame with a double before being forced across the plate following a pair of walks.
The victory marks the third consecutive season the club has won the home opener.
"It's always good to put up that type of performance in front of your fans," Thomson said.
The two clubs resume their three-game set on Saturday. Lefty Nick Lodolo will pitch for the Reds, while southpaw Bailey Falter will touch the bump for the Phils.
