PHILADELPHIA — Zack Wheeler delivered an impressive performance by striking out 10 batters over seven strong innings, leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a 5-1 victory against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday night.
Wheeler demonstrated his pitching prowess, yielding just one run on three hits, and secured his 26th career game with double-digit strikeouts by fanning three in the seventh inning.
Returning to form, Trea Turner made a significant impact after recovering from lower back spasms. Having missed two games the previous weekend, Turner pinch-hit during Philadelphia’s home opener on Monday but was back in the starting lineup on Wednesday. Leading off, he contributed an RBI single in the seventh inning.
Kyle Schwarber showcased his consistent form by hitting a run-scoring double and later crossing the plate on an RBI groundout by J.T. Realmuto. Notably, Schwarber has registered at least one hit in each of the Phillies’ five games this season.
Edmundo Sosa, stepping in as shortstop during Turner’s brief absence, started at second base and had a remarkable game with three hits and two RBIs. Sosa maintains an impressive streak with at least two hits in all four games he has played this season.
Colorado’s starter, Kyle Freeland, faced challenges and ultimately gave up three runs on nine hits over 6 2/3 innings. Hunter Goodman, bringing some hope to the Rockies, hit a home run off Wheeler in the seventh inning, marking consecutive games he has hit a homer.
A crucial moment in the game came in the eighth inning when Phillies reliever Matt Strahm struck out Ezequiel Tovar with an 80 mph slider, thus protecting a two-run lead and thwarting any potential rally from the Rockies.
Wheeler continues to maintain an outstanding streak, having pitched at least six innings and allowing two or fewer runs in 13 consecutive starts, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball. He joins a rare group, becoming the 20th pitcher in MLB history to achieve such a streak.
The Phillies and Rockies are set to conclude their three-game series on Thursday. Colorado will send Antonio Senzatela to the mound for his season debut, while Taijuan Walker will make his debut for Philadelphia.