Philadelphia Phillies' Taijuan Walker pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Taijuan Walker pitched six scoreless innings, Kyle Schwarber homered and the Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Colorado Rockies 3-1 on Thursday.
Walker, who was pulled from the Phillies rotation in 2024 because of his ineffectiveness, was making his season debut as a starter filling in for the injured Ranger Suárez. He allowed three hits and struck out four.
After striking out Hunter Goodman for the final out of the sixth inning, Walker received a standing ovation from the Philadelphia crowd — the same fans that booed him during introductions.
The win capped of a three-game sweep of the Rockies for Philadelphia.
Bryce Harper had an RBI double off Antonio Senzatela — one of 10 hits yielded by the Rockies starter, however it was the only run he allowed in 5 1/3 innings.
Schwarber homered off Luis Peralta to lead off the bottom of the seventh inning. It was Schwarber's fourth home run in six games this season.
J.T. Realmuto had three hits and a walk and scored the other Phillies run on a wild pitch by Tyler Kinley.
José Alvarado pitched out of a bases loaded jam in the ninth inning to pick up his first save of the season.
Evan Bouchard drove in the only Colorado run with a pinch hit single in the top of the ninth.
Key moment
Colorado OF Mickey Moniak dropped a fly ball off the bat of Schwarber to lead off the fifth inning. Schwarber would eventually score on Harper's double to break the scoreless tie.
Key stat
Schwarber extended his season-opening hitting streak to six games — the longest to start a season in his career.
Up next
Colorado returns home Friday and will start RHP Ryan Feltner (0-0, 3.60) against RHP Osvaldo Bido (1-0, 1.80) and the Athletics.
The Phillies turn to LHP Jesús Luzardo (1-0, 3.60) as they host the Los Angeles Dodgers and RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (1-0, 2.70) on Friday.
Philadelphia Phillies' Taijuan Walker pitches during the first inning of their home-opener baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Phillies' Bryce Harper runs after hitting a double off of Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela, sending Kyle Schwarber home, during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber reacts after a RBI double off of Colorado Rockies pitcher Antonio Senzatela during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber celebrates after scoring off of an RBI double hit by Bryce Harper during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Colorado Rockies' Antonio Senzatela pitches during the first inning of the Philadelphia Phillies' home-opener baseball game, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Colorado Rockies' Antonio Senzatela pitches during the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Colorado Rockies catcher Jacob Stallings is forced out at home plate as Philadelphia Phillies' Max Kepler reaches for the throw during the second inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner tags out Colorado Rockies' Ezequiel Tovar attempting to steal second base during the first inning of a baseball game, Thursday, April 3, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
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