PHILADELPHIA — Tyler Phillips pitched into the seventh inning in his first career start, Bryce Harper and Trea Turner hit two of Philadelphia's four home runs and the Phillies defeated the Oakland Athletics 11-5 on Saturday.
Nick Castellanos had a home run and four RBIs and Johan Rojas also went deep for the NL East-leading Phillies, who have won four of five.
''We got it going early and kept it going,'' Harper said.
Brent Rooker homered, doubled and singled for Oakland.
''He's been locked in,'' A's manager Mark Kotsay said.
Phillips (1-0) gave up four runs on six hits while striking out five and walking none. The 26-year-old right-hander was lifted after Rooker's homer and Shea Langeliers' double to start the seventh. Phillips grew up as a Phillies fan in nearby Lumberton, New Jersey, about 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from Citizens Bank Park and attended high school at nearby Bishop Eustace Prep.
''I knew it was going to be crazy because I am a Phillies fan,'' Phillips said. ''It was probably everything and more.''
He made his debut last Sunday at Atlanta when he pitched four innings of relief. In two appearances, he has 12 strikeouts and no walks.