Philadelphia Phillies: Zack Wheeler wins pitchers duel over Adam Wainwright

The Philadelphia Phillies began a pivotal series against the St. Louis Cardinals last night as the teams continue to battle for the third and final Wild Card spot in the National League. Taking the mound for Philadelphia was star pitcher Zack Wheeler who was set to face off against the Cardinals’ Adam Wainwright for the second straight start.

Wheeler would go on to fly through the St. Louis lineup for the second time in a week going seven innings and allowing no runs. Adam Wainwright put forth a strong performance as well, going all nine innings, but Philadelphia Phillies’ third baseman Alec Bohm spoiled the pitcher’s strong night, twice even. After over a month without going yard, Alec Bohm hit not one but two home runs, once in the sixth inning and again in the eighth.

Bohm’s home runs were crucial, and it’s exciting to see the struggling bat get going a bit, but without Wheeler’s stellar performance, it’s unlikely this game falls Philadelphia’s way. With the win in the bag, the Philadelphia Phillies have made some headway towards a postseason spot.

After a dominant performance in St. Louis, Zack Wheeler and the Philadelphia Phillies are now a game ahead of the Cardinals in the Wild Card standings.

There is still much baseball to be played this season, but the Phillies are still alive without reigning MVP and recently voted All-Star starter Bryce Harper. The team has gone 7-4 in the time that Harper has missed due to a fractured thumb. Perhaps even more impressive is that in that time, they are 3-1 against the St. Louis Cardinals, their clear rival for the final postseason spot.

The Phillies and Cardinals will matchup up again today, with Kyle Gibson taking the mound against Dakota Hudson for St. Louis. Philadelphia won’t have Wheeler to help them out, so they’ll need to get the bats going, early if possible, to keep sole possession of the final wildcard spot.