Even with minimal help offensively, this was Walker's day. If you're the 32-year-old, you couldn't ask for a better start to the season — and a possible reset for the future.
"It feels good," Walker said. "It's part of the game for me, but my mom was here today and I know she loved that. Made her feel good, so as long as she's happy. She texted me a billion times, just super proud, super happy, she said she's up there crying the whole time."
After a series of infield mishaps for the Rockies in the second inning, the Phillies found themselves with the bases loaded for the second time in under 24 hours. And just like the former … they weren't able to bring any runs across the plate.
Well, at least Max Kepler tried. Brandon Marsh grounded out to Rockies Pitcher Antonio Senzatela and with a fielder's choice to catcher Jacob Stallings, Kepler was initially called safe. After review, the ruling was overturned.
The afternoon of offensive oddities continued in the fourth with J.T. Realmuto. After Realmuto collected his second single of the day, Bryson Stott had what could've been a knock into right field, except it hit the Phillies' catcher on the base path.
Third time is always the charm, right?
Kyle Schwarber led off the fifth inning and should've been out on a routine pop up to left fielder and former Phillie, Mickey Moniak. Moniak dropped the ball, putting Schwarber aboard. He scored on a Bryce Harper double two batters later.
Schwarber added a little breathing room with a 444-foot bomb to the second deck in right center field. He's currently on the longest hitting streak of his career to open the season and is leading the club with four home runs.
These are the games the Phillies need to be winning. Back-to-back series wins, including a sweep, is the expectation when you're going against subpar teams like the Nationals and Rockies. Now 5-1 on the season, they're going to face their first big test this weekend with the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers coming to town for a three-game series. The Dodgers are currently sitting pretty at 8-0 on the top of the NL West and are coming off a walk-off win against the Braves. They'll be hungry for more.
Are the Phillies ready to face the defending champs?
"I heard they were unbeatable, so …" Realmuto said light heartedly. "I mean we want to win every game, every game is important. Obviously they're a great team over there, so we're excited for the challenge. It's going to be fun."
There were boos every time he took the mound at BayCare Ballpark during spring training.
There were boos on Opening Day when his name was announced for the first time this season at Citizens Bank Park.
And again, there were boos when he was announced as the starting pitcher for Thursday's series finale against the Rockies.
"It would affect anyone, really," Phillies manager Rob Thomson said about the boos in his office before the game. "But I think he handles it really well."
At the end of the sixth inning, as the Phillies were inching their way towards their first sweep of the season, Taijuan Walker celebrated while walking off the mound after striking out Hunter Goodman. He made his way to the dugout, and for the first time in a long time, wasn't met with boobirds. In fact, he was met with 34,097 Phillies fans rising to their feet to applaud his outing.
Six scoreless innings. Three hits. Four punch outs. 74 pitches.
3-1, Phillies.
It's Walker's first win since May 11 last season. 327 days. He made 16 starts in the interim.
"He's a great teammate," Thomson said after the win. "He's always on the top step when he's not pitching, always cheering on his team, he's always there. He competes. I'm just so happy for him."
Phillies' starter Taijuan Walker threw 6 scoreless innings to seal the deal on the three-game sweep of the Rockies.
USA TODAY
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