Categories: 2023 Postgame Recaps

Wheeler hit early, late rally not enough as Phils lose Little League Classic

Zack Wheeler struggled in the first inning tonight. (Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire)

Final Score: Nationals 4, Phillies 3

With Little Leaguers from around the world in attendance, the Phillies wrapped up their three-game series against the Nationals tonight in this year’s Little League Classic in Williamsport, Pa.

On the mound for Philadelphia was Zack Wheeler, who in six starts post All-Star break had a 2.50 ERA coming into today. One of those starts came on Aug. 8 against the Nationals.

Wheeler was hit hard in that game and the Phillies thought he may have been tipping his pitches. The right-hander gave up three runs in the first three innings that day, but settled down and finished with six innings pitched and just those three runs to his name after making some adjustments.

This time around, it was a rather similar performance by Wheeler — early bumps followed by smoother sailing. He gave up four runs on five hits in the first inning. Three of Washington’s hits had exit velocities north of 95 miles per hour. It also took the right-hander six batters to record the first out of the frame.

The first two runs Washington scored in the bottom of the first came on a double by cleanup hitter Keibert Ruiz after three straight singles started the inning:

One batter later, Dominic Smith plated a pair of his own with a single to give Washington a 4-0 lead just 17 pitches into Wheeler’s start.

After that lengthy first inning, Wheeler settled down. He went on to allow only two more hits without giving up another run. Altogether, Wheeler surrendered four runs on seven hits across seven innings pitched.

Meanwhile, the offense, which has been experiencing plenty of ups and downs recently, did not get to Nats starter Trevor Williams — owner of a 5.20 ERA prior to this evening.

After getting a pair of runners on with one out in the first, the Phillies weren’t able to bring either runner home. The bats then went quiet as Williams finished his start with six shutout innings. Philadelphia only recored two hits against the right-hander.

Rob Thomson’s lineup eventually woke up in the ninth, but it was too-little-too-late. With two outs, Brandon Marsh plated Bryson Stott with a single, and one batter later, Jake Cave hit a two-run homer to bring the Phils within a run:

J.T. Realmuto then pinch-hit for Garrett Stubbs, but he struck out swinging to end the game.

The Phillies (67-57) will be back at it tomorrow as they begin an important series against the Giants (65-59), who are two games behind Philadelphia in the NL wild card race. Aaron Nola will be on the bump for the Phillies, while the Giants will go with a bullpen game.

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