Philadelphia @ Texas preview

Philadelphia at Texas

Last Meeting ( Mar 31, 2014 ) Philadelphia 14, Texas 10

The Philadelphia Phillies struggled to find offense for most of 2013, but they may have provided a glimpse of what they are capable of on Opening Day. The Phillies, who continue their three-game interleague road series against the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, saw their once-vaunted offense score 610 runs last season – tied with the Houston Astros for the fourth-lowest output in the majors. In Monday’s 14-10 victory, however, they pounded out 17 hits - including six for extra bases.

Not only did Philadelphia make up for a rare rough start by Cliff Lee, it also collected the most runs it has scored in a season opener since 1900. Texas overcame a six-run deficit in the second inning and went 7-for-14 with runners in scoring position, but reliever Seth Rosin was the only one of five Rangers pitchers that did not allow a run. Newcomers Shin-Soo Choo (0-for-4) and Prince Fielder (1-for-5) did not fare well in their debuts, but Texas managed to get six RBIs from its No. 7-9 hitters.

TV: 8:05 p.m. ET, CSN (Philadelphia), FSN Southwest (Texas)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Phillies RH A.J. Burnett (2013: 10-11, 3.30 ERA) vs. Rangers LH Martin Perez (2013: 11-10, 4.05)

After rejuvenating his career in Pittsburgh and contemplating retirement in the offseason, Burnett agreed to a one-year, $16.5 million contract in order to be closer to his Maryland home. The 37-year-old was tagged for seven runs over two innings in his only postseason outing to close last season, but he posted a career-high 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings and finished fifth in the National League with 209. Burnett collected a win in his only start against Texas in 2013 despite surrendering five runs over 6 1/3 frames.

Perez became a staple in the rotation in late June and began living up to his top-prospect status shortly thereafter, winning six straight starts from Aug. 5-Sept. 3 before going 1-3 down the stretch. The Rangers awarded him with a four-year deal for his efforts, but the 22-year-old finished the exhibition season with an 0-2 mark and 6.23 ERA. Perez, who never has faced the Phillies, is 4-6 with a 3.92 ERA in 17 career appearances (13 starts) at home.

WALK-OFFS

1. Philadelphia has won seven of 10 all-time meetings with Texas.

2. Prior to Monday, the Rangers had won 63 straight games when scoring in double digits.

3. The Phillies needed only six innings to post 13 runs on Monday. Last season, they didn’t reach double digits until their 81st game.

PREDICTION: Rangers 5, Phillies 3