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The Philadelphia Phillies and Texas Rangers are set to open their 2023 seasons off against one another for a three game series. The two teams come in having had opposite 2022 seasons. The Phillies went on a surprise run to the World Series, only to fall to the Houston Astros and the Rangers missed the postseason all together. However, both squads beefed themselves up over the offseason and are now ready to take a full swing at the new year. 

Date: Thursday, Match 30th 2023

Time: 4:05 p.m. EST

Location: Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas

Team Records: Philadelphia Phillies  (0-0), Texas Rangers (0-0)

Projected Starting Pitchers:

Aaron Nola (0-0, 0 ERA) vs Jacob deGrom (0-0, 0 ERA)

What to watch

The pitching matchup is one of the more fascinating aspects of this game today. Aaron Nola faces off against former New York Met, Jacob deGrom and the two know each other very well. deGrom is quite familiar with the Phillies, having faced them multiple times a season throughout his career. These are two of the better pitchers in the game of baseball so it could be a lower scoring affair today in Arlington.

There is a ton of hype around both teams coming in. The Phillies brought in star shortstop Trea Turner to bolster their lineup and they are hoping to get back to the World Series once again. Star outfielder Bryce Harper is still out and will be for a bit as the season goes on but Philadelphia has enough firepower to hold the fort down until he returns.

For Texas, they finally addressed their pitching issues after spending in two consecutive off-season’s. They also brought in a new manager in Bruce Bochy to help navigate the ship. He is a veteran manager who knows who to win games and should help this club take the next step.

Game Prediction: Texas Rangers 4, Philadelphia Phillies 3

I think deGrom pitches well in his debut for Texas against his old foe, the Phillies. Behind his strong performance and some run support, I like the Rangers to grab their first win of the season today.

Odds Presented By Betfred Sportsbook 

Spread – Philadelphia Phillies +1.5 (-200) / Texas Rangers -1.5 (+170)

Moneyline – Philadelphia Phillies +120 / Texas Rangers -140

Total – 6.5 – Over (-120) / Under (+100)

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