Philadelphia Phillies lose 9-3 to Atlanta Braves in Opening Day showdown at Citizens Bank Park
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Phillies were dominated by the Atlanta Braves 9-3 on Opening Day at Citizen's Bank Park. The Braves secured a decisive win in what kicked off the 20th season at Citizen's Bank Park.
The highly-anticipated game ended in disappointment for the Phillies as they were taken down by the Braves and their all-star pitcher Spencer Strider, who had 8 strikeouts.
Originally scheduled for Thursday, the game was postponed due to forecasted rain, adding to the anticipation for Friday's showdown.
Phillies' ace pitcher Zach Wheeler put up 5 strikeouts and allowed 5 hits.
The matchup carried added significance as it marked a rematch from the 2023 NLDS, where the Phillies emerged victorious with a 3-1 series win.
Fans were excited to be back at the Bank for Opening Day.
"It was just amazing. The eruption of the crowd. It's one of the best feelings of the spring," said Joel Greager from Prospect Park.
"I loved it so much. It's my first opening day, but I wish they would have won," Skylie Sandy said from Bucks County.
Fans wore their Phillies best and made sure to bundle up Friday afternoon, especially to battle the wind.
"I felt like a human popsicle in that stadium," one fan said.
Even though it wasn't the way fans wanted to start off the season, they are just happy to be back at the ballpark. They are feeling confident for the rest of the season.
"Once our bats start waking up, we are going to have a great season," a fan said.
"I am feeling great. I am really pumped and I am excited and I think we are going to do good this year and we will be in the playoffs," said Ryan Nucera, from Delran.
The Phillies and Braves will play two more games in South Philadelphia this weekend.