CINCINNATI - Nothing Tommy Joseph did during his first big-league opening day Monday afternoon at Great American Ballpark was particularly extraordinary. On his way to an 0-for-4 season debut, the Phillies first baseman struck out twice and left three runners stranded on base, including two in scoring position.
The one bright moment came in the bottom of the seventh on the defensive side. After reliever Edubray Ramos walked the leadoff hitter with the Phillies holding a 4-1 lead, Joseph gloved a scorching line drive off the bat of pinch-hitter Scooter Gennett and quickly gathered himself to tag out Tucker Barnhart for a double play.