Phillies Complete Series Sweep Against Rangers with Strong Performance

Zack Wheeler dominated on the mound, striking out seven batters and allowing just three hits as the Philadelphia Phillies triumphed over the Texas Rangers 4-2 on Sunday, clinching a three-game series sweep.

Wheeler, now boasting a record of 10-5, has achieved six or more strikeouts in each of his last 19 starts this season. His only outing with fewer than six strikeouts occurred back on April 13 against St. Louis, where he managed just three.

After falling behind 2-0 early in the game, the Phillies responded in the fourth inning with an RBI double from Bryce Harper. Edmundo Sosa then tied the game in the fifth with a solo home run, followed by Weston Wilson's RBI single that put Philadelphia ahead for good.

In the ninth inning, Brandon Marsh provided an insurance run with a sacrifice fly that brought Harrison Bader home. The Phillies' bullpen shone brightly, culminating in Jhoan Duran securing his 20th save of the season. Duran, who joined the team from Minnesota on July 30, has allowed only one baserunner in his four appearances with Philadelphia.

The Rangers initially took the lead with a two-run homer from Joc Pederson in the first inning. Patrick Corbin, pitching for Texas, lasted 4 1/3 innings, giving up four hits and three runs.

As the Phillies took a 3-2 lead in the fifth, center fielder Harrison Bader made a spectacular leaping catch to rob Corey Seager of a home run, reaching above the six-foot wall in front of the Texas bullpen.

With this victory, the Phillies improved their record to an impressive 49-2 when leading after six innings and 57-2 when ahead after seven innings—both of which are the best in Major League Baseball.

The Phillies will continue their 10-game road trip on Monday in Cincinnati, where right-hander Taijuan Walker (4-5, 3.53 ERA) is set to face off against Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott (8-2, 2.34). Meanwhile, the Rangers will host the Diamondbacks for one more series during their homestand, with Texas right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (10-3, 1.38) scheduled to pitch against Arizona right-hander Ryne Nelson (6-3, 3.20).