Sanchez fans 10 as Phillies top Rangers in opener

Cristopher Sanchez strikes out 10 over 6 scoreless innings in Philadelphia's 5-3 win

Mar. 27, 2026 at 4:55am

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Cristopher Sanchez struck out 10 batters over six scoreless innings and Kyle Schwarber and Alec Bohm each homered to lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a 5-3 win over the Texas Rangers in the season opener for both teams.

Why it matters

The Phillies are looking to build on their success from last season, when they made it to the World Series, and Sanchez's dominant performance on Opening Day is an encouraging sign for their pitching staff. The Rangers, meanwhile, are hoping to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The details

Sanchez (1-0) scattered three hits and did not walk a batter before exiting after 87 pitches. Schwarber hit a two-run homer in the first inning, and Bohm added a three-run shot in the fifth to stake the Phillies to a 5-0 lead. Rangers starter Nathan Eovaldi (0-1) allowed five runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 27, 2026.
  • Sanchez struck out the side in the sixth inning.

The players

Cristopher Sanchez

The Phillies' starting pitcher, who struck out 10 batters over six scoreless innings.

Kyle Schwarber

The Phillies' slugger, who hit a two-run homer in the first inning.

Alec Bohm

The Phillies' third baseman, who hit a three-run homer in the fifth inning.

Nathan Eovaldi

The Rangers' starting pitcher, who allowed five runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Jake Burger

The Rangers' third baseman, who hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Sanchez's dominant performance on Opening Day sets the tone for the Phillies' pitching staff, and the team's offense showed its power with two home runs. The Rangers, on the other hand, have work to do to bounce back from a tough 2025 season.