Wheeler throws gem, Bohm homers twice in win against Cardinals
Final Score: Phillies 2, Cardinals 0
Zack Wheeler, who has a good chance at being named an All-Star for a second-consecutive season on Sunday, threw seven shutout innings for the third time this season in a series-opening victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. He is in the midst of a 17-inning scoreless streak with a season ERA that is down to just 2.46. Seranthony Domínguez and Brad Hand threw two scoreless innings in another clean effort by the much-improved Phillies bullpen.
Bohm notched his first-career multi-home run game and provided the only runs the Phillies would score.
The Phillies (45-39) now have a one-game lead over the Cardinals (45-41) for the final wild card spot in the National League. For what it’s worth, Philadelphia also gained ground in the National League East race. They are now seven games back of the first-place New York Mets.
Power bat
One of the more puzzling storylines surrounding the Phillies that doesn’t get talked about enough is Bohm’s lack of power. He’s only homered 17 times in 837 career at-bats, but when he gets a hold of one, he absolutely crushes it. His first home run of the night traveled 419 ft and gave the Phillies a 1-0 lead. It was his first home run since his game-tying knock against Josh Hader in Milwaukee on June 7.
A second home run to left field doubled the lead and provided his team a much-needed insurance run. Friday was the Alec Bohm (and Zack Wheeler) show, something we haven’t been able to say since his impressive rookie campaign in 2020.
Despite the power outage, Bohm is starting to hit more consistently. He’s batting .326 in his last 21 games.
Shibe Vintage Sports Notes
- Adam Wainwright is the only pitcher in the last 36 years to be the losing pitcher after throwing nine innings in a start against the Phillies. He’s done it twice in consecutive years. The last time it happened was on April 26, 2021.
- Per the Phillies broadcast, Friday was the first time in franchise history that an individual player has hit two solo home runs in a 2-0 Phillies victory.
Ticket IQ Next Game
- Saturday, July 9 vs. St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium
- 2:15 p.m. ET
- TV: NBC Sports Philadelphia
- Radio: Sportsradio 94 WIP
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