Zack Wheeler delivered a standout performance on Monday night, striking out 10 batters over eight scoreless innings in the Philadelphia Phillies’ 4-0 victory against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park. The right-hander allowed six hits and issued no walks, marking his third game this season with double-digit strikeouts and no walks, a feat matched by only a few other pitchers in the league.
Wheeler’s impressive June concluded with him posting a 0.58 ERA over five starts, making him one of only four Phillies pitchers since 1912 to achieve an ERA of 0.60 or lower with at least 30 innings pitched in a month. His manager, Rob Thomson, praised Wheeler’s dominant performance throughout June: “I don’t think I’ve had a pitcher that, whether I’m coaching or managing, that has had a month like that.”
At age 35, Wheeler attributes his continued success to executing pitches effectively and working closely with catcher J.T. Realmuto. “I couldn’t tell you,” Wheeler said when asked about his performance longevity. “I’m throwing strikes, the velo is still there and I’m just executing.”
The game also featured notable plays from Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh. Stott showcased heads-up baserunning by walking, stealing second base, advancing to third on Marsh’s ground ball up the first-base line, and eventually scoring after sliding headfirst into home plate safely.
Manager Rob Thomson emphasized the importance of such plays for winning games against strong pitching: “Those are the types of things you need to do to win games against good pitching and playoff games.”
As Wheeler continues his push for recognition as an All-Star Game starter in Atlanta—his hometown—his performances have made him a strong contender for the National League Cy Young Award.
