Phillies Dominate Padres with Stellar Performances from Wheeler and Castellanos
Zack Wheeler delivered a commanding performance on the mound, striking out ten batters over eight innings, while Nick Castellanos launched a home run, propelling the Philadelphia Phillies to a 4-0 victory against the San Diego Padres on Monday night.
In his first game since June 5, Bryce Harper returned to the lineup, enduring a hit by pitch on his left foot, walking once, and grounding into an unassisted double play, finishing the night 0-for-2. Harper's comeback followed a nearly month-long absence due to right wrist inflammation, as he took his place at first base and batted third.
Wheeler (8-3) showcased his skills by allowing just six hits and issuing no walks, further solidifying his status as a key player for the NL East leaders.
Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill made a spectacular catch in the third inning, leaping over the wall in straightaway center to rob Max Kepler of what would have been a three-run homer, preventing a larger deficit for San Diego.
However, the Phillies maintained control throughout the game. Bryson Stott played a pivotal role; after drawing a walk and stealing second base, he sprinted home on Brandon Marsh's grounder to first, executing a head-first slide to score and extend the lead to 2-0. Marsh later crossed home plate on Trea Turner's infield single, pushing the score to 3-0.
Castellanos added to the tally with a solo home run off Padres starter Matt Waldron in the fifth inning, making it 4-0. Waldron (0-1), making his season debut after recovering from a left oblique strain, struggled with control, walking six batters in just 4 2/3 innings.
In a critical moment during the fifth inning, with runners on first and second and one out, Wheeler induced pinch-hitter Trenton Brooks to line into a double play. Stott fielded the ball at second base and flipped it to Turner at first to end the inning.
Wheeler's impressive form continued as he allowed only two earned runs across five starts in June. The Phillies are set to send Cristopher Sánchez (6-2, 2.79 ERA) to the mound next against Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta (8-2, 3.36 ERA).
