Phillies Dominate Cubs 7-2 with Power Hitting and Stellar Pitching

Kyle Schwarber launched a home run, while Alec Bohm contributed significantly with a solo shot and four RBIs, propelling the Philadelphia Phillies to a commanding 7-2 win against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.

After struggling through a dismal 1-5 road trip and losing nine of their last ten games, the Phillies found their rhythm at home, taking two out of three from the Cubs. The offense, which had been lackluster this month, came alive with five extra-base hits. Notably, Nick Castellanos recorded his first triple of the season, and both Max Kepler and Trea Turner added doubles to the mix.

The return of offensive firepower was matched by an impressive performance from Luzardo on the mound.

Jesús Luzardo, who had previously dazzled with 20 strikeouts over two starts in late May and boasted a 2.15 ERA, faced challenges in his last outings, surrendering 21 runs in just 5 2/3 innings. His ERA had swelled to 4.46 before this game. However, he rebounded spectacularly, striking out ten batters without issuing a walk, allowing only one run across six innings, marking his fourth game with double-digit strikeouts in just 15 starts.

Relief efforts came from Max Lazar, who pitched two innings, and Michael Mercado, who closed out the game with a scoreless ninth.

The Phillies wasted no time, scoring three runs in the first inning against Cubs starter Ben Brown. Schwarber's 21st home run of the season came in the third inning, while Bohm's contributions included a two-RBI single in the fourth and a solo homer in the eighth, extending the lead to 7-1.

In a notable moment during the second inning, Luzardo allowed consecutive singles but responded by striking out the next three batters.

With this performance, Luzardo became the first Phillies pitcher since Steve Carlton in 1972 to achieve four or more double-digit strikeout games within their first 15 starts with the team.

The Cubs will head back home on Thursday to kick off a four-game series against Pittsburgh, sending RHP Jameson Taillon (6-3, 3.54 ERA) to face Pirates LHP Andrew Heaney (3-4, 3.24 ERA).

The Phillies will enjoy a day off before LHP Ranger Suárez (4-1, 2.70 ERA) takes the mound on Friday for their series opener against Toronto, with the Blue Jays yet to announce their starting pitcher.