2018 Phillies home opener schedule & game notes

Image- Jay Floyd

The Phillies kick off their 2018 home schedule on Thursday April 5th at Citizens Bank Park. Here is a listed schedule of events for the day along with some key statistical notes for the contest.

12:00 PM- Block Party begins. Presented by Budweiser on Citizens Bank Way, the party features a live band, a Ferris Wheel, Gametrain a Budweiser Macro Bar and samplings from Turkey Hill Dairy, Diet Coke and others.

12:35 PM- All gates open. Fans will receive a commemorative knit hat.

12:40 PM- Phillies batting practice.

1:10 PM- Marlin batting practice.

2:26 PM- Phillies lead off walk onto the field, entering the park from the outfield.

2:35 PM- "America the Beautiful" performed by the Philadelphia Boys Choire and Men;s Chorale.

2:39 PM- Marlins team introduction.

2:44 PM- Phillies team introduction.

2:49 PM- Tribute video & moment of silence for Roy Halladay.

2:51 PM- National Anthem performed by Kane Kalas at his father's statue behind section 141.

2:53 PM- U.S. Navy parachute team, the Leap Frogs, delivering first balls.

3:00 PM- Ceremonial first pitch by Eagles head coach Doug Pederson.

3:05 PM- PLAY BALL!

Right-hander Nick Pivetta will get the start for the Phillies. In 12 career home starts, the 25-year-old sports a 4-3 record with a 5.34 ERA and a .263 batting average against. Pivetta has posted an 8.66 ERA in four career starts against the Marlins.

Left Caleb Smith is slated to start for the Marlins. He struck out eight batters in 5 1/3 innings in his season debut against the Cubs last week.

Cesar Hernandez, the Phils' 27-year-old second baseman, batted .320 at home last year and is a .280 career hitter at Citizens Bank Park.

Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco, 25, is a .246 hitter in 46 career games against Miami. Franco batted .214 in 77 home games last season.

In career 10 games against the Marlins, Phillies left fielder Rhys Hoskins has a .441 average with eight homers and 19 RBI.

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