The Philadelphia Phillies will try to strengthen their spot at the top of the National League East when they battle the improving Texas Rangers on Friday in the opener of a three-game interleague series in Arlington,

The Phillies defeated the Texas Rangers, 9-1, on Friday evening at Globe Life Field, with home runs from Kyle Schwarber, Brandon Marsh and Trea Turner helping them start their three-game series on the right foot. But, for Philadelphia, it was the end of a rather long drought against a franchise that it only faces once a year.

Kyle Schwarber hit his 41st homer in the first inning, Brandon Marsh’s four hits included a solo shot that put Philadelphia ahead for good in the fourth and the Phillies beat the Texas Rangers 9-1.