Final Score: Phillies 4, Cardinals 0
In front of more than 44,000 fans, the Phillies threw it back to a time when Citizens Bank Park was sold out every day of the week. Ace Zack Wheeler threw seven shutout innings and J.T. Realmuto had a great game both behind the plate and in the batter’s box. He threw Nolan Arenado out at second for the final out in the fourth and extended the Phillies’ lead to four on a two-run home run in the sixth.
While the Phillies still have 82 games left to play, Sunday’s victory moved the Phillies to within 1.5 games back of the final wild card spot in the National League. They’ll resume play on Tuesday with a three-game set against the Washington Nationals at home. With the exception of the 1981 strike and the 2020 pandemic season, it’ll mark the first time in over 100 years the Phillies do not play on the Fourth of July.
Hoskins crushes Wainwright again
Hoskins has three home runs against four pitchers: Dan Straily, Steven Matz, Trevor Rogers and now Adam Wainwright. His 401 ft. blast to left field off the 16-year veteran broke the scoreless tie.
Hoskins is on a seven-game hitting streak and has six extra-base hits during the six-game homestand. Dating back to May 31, Hoskins is batting .322 with a .670 slugging percentage.
“He’s been really disciplined, he’s swinging at strikes, he’s taking his walks and when he gets a pitch to hit, he’s barreling it up,” Rob Thomson said. “I’ve seen this a few times in the last four or five years. It’s good.”
Knebel slowly getting back
With the bullpen down at least four relievers (Dominguez, Alvarado, Hand and Bellatti) due to recent usage, Thomson called on Corey Knebel to get the final three outs. It was his first outing in the ninth inning since June 14 and it was as stress free as it gets. He retired the heart of the Cardinals lineup in order on 13 pitches and induced three swing-and-misses in the final at-bat.
“He keeps building and getting better every time out,” Thomson said.
Shibe Vintage Sports Notes
- Cristopher Sanchez will start Tuesday’s game against the Nationals. Ranger Suarez was originally scheduled to pitch that game, but he’s now on the injured list with back spasms.
- The Phillies-Cardinals game was the first sellout at Citizens Bank Park since Opening Day. It was the biggest crowd on hand since the Phillies-Diamondbacks game on Sunday, June 12.
- Wheeler threw seven innings in a start for the fourth time this season.
- Realmuto has thrown out the most runners in baseball (14) and has the best caught stealing percentage (46.7%) among all catchers with at least 10 caught stealing attempts in 2022.
- The Phillies are 31-30 all-time on Sunday Night Baseball.
Ticket IQ Next Game
- Tuesday, July 5 vs. Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park
- 7:05 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
- Radio: Sportsradio 94 WIP
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