PHILADELPHIA — Zack Wheeler delivered an impressive performance, striking out 10 batters over eight innings, while Nick Castellanos hit a home run, assisting the Philadelphia Phillies in securing a 4-0 win over the San Diego Padres on Monday night. This game also marked the return of Bryce Harper to the lineup.
Harper, having been sidelined since June 5 due to inflammation in his right wrist, made his comeback at first base and batted third in the order. During his return, Harper was hit by a pitch on the left foot, walked, and lined into an unassisted double play, concluding the night 0-for-2.
Wheeler (8-3) was exceptionally effective for the NL East leaders, managing to keep the Padres scoreless by allowing only six hits and issuing no walks.
In a moment of defensive brilliance, Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill made a standout grab in the third inning. He reached over the center field wall to prevent Max Kepler’s ball from becoming a three-run home run. However, the remainder of the game was dominated by the Phillies.
While Merrill’s play was a highlight, Phillies player Bryson Stott made crucial contributions as well. After a walk and a steal to second base, Stott aggressively advanced to home plate on Brandon Marsh’s grounder, scoring with a head-first slide to bring the score to 2-0. Marsh later scored on an infield single by Trea Turner, making it 3-0.
Adding to their lead, Castellanos hit a solo home run off Padres starter Matt Waldron in the fifth inning, extending the lead to 4-0. Waldron (0-1), making his season debut after recovering from a left oblique strain, struggled with control issues, issuing six walks over 4 2/3 innings.
A pivotal moment occurred in the fifth inning when the Phillies’ defense shone. With runners on first and second, Wheeler induced pinch-hitter Trenton Brooks into a line drive that resulted in a double play. Stott grabbed the ball at second base and quickly handed it off to Turner, thus ending the inning.
Of note, Wheeler’s month of June saw him remarkably give up only two earned runs over five starts, showcasing his dominance on the mound.
Looking ahead, the Phillies are set to start Cristopher Sánchez (6-2, 2.79 ERA) on the mound, countering the Padres’ right-hander Nick Pivetta (8-2, 3.36 ERA) in their next matchup.