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.

Fifth Bohmer of the season puts the Phils ahead! pic.twitter.com/xTr96fhWLx

— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) July 9, 2022

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.

Bohm does it again! pic.twitter.com/mmgYZDkSyG

— Phillies Nation (@PhilliesNation) July 9, 2022

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.

The @Phillies are the first team in MLB history to win a game 2-0 on a multi-homer game from their No. 8 or No. 9 hitter.

— Stats By STATS (@StatsBySTATS) July 9, 2022

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

MORE FROM PHILLIES NATION

1. Phillies 2022 Walk-Up Songs
2. With MLB Draft Approaching, These Are The Prospects Being Connected To The Phillies
3. Could Some Phillies Players Be Ineligible For Toronto Series?
4. The 2022 Phillies’ Midterm Report Card
5. Bryce Harper Says He Will Return In 2022; Declines To Offer Timetable
6. Could Nolan Arenado Really Usurp Mike Schmidt As The Greatest 3B Ever?
7. For Mark Appel, ‘All Of This Is Gravy’
8. Nightengale: Talent Evaluators Predict Trea Turner To Sign With Phillies This Offseason
9. Bryce Harper Reveals What He Texted Blake Snell After Being Hit
10. Before His Walk-Off, Rhys Hoskins And His Wife Jayme ‘Went Yard’ For MDA