Wheeler out duels Scherzer; Phillies win again

We had a good old fashioned pitching duel in South Philadelphia tonight with Zack Wheeler on the mound against Nationals’ ace Max Scherzer. We walked away with a 3-0 victory behind a dominant outing from Ace #2 for the Phillies.

Wheeler allowed just 3 hits in 6.2 innings of work. He had 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. The Phillies were able to get Max Scherzer out of the game after 6 innings. He threw 108 pitches, allowing 3 runs and 6 hits. He also had a hissy fit in the dugout after he got taken out. Poor guy. You really hate to see it.

Wheeler was backed by some amazing infield defense, Jean Segura and Alec Bohm both had amazing plays. It was especially great to see Bohm, who’s been fantastic at the plate, make a top 10 play in the field.

What can’t he do? pic.twitter.com/xpJEvWqC7K

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 3, 2020

Neil Walker got the start tonight at 1st base and it paid off for the Phillies. Alec Bohm loaded the bases with a single and Walker came up to the plate and hit a 2-run single scoring JT Realmuto and Jean Segura.

Neil Walker’s two-run single gives the #Phillies the lead. pic.twitter.com/Zk9YNAj7Dg

— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) September 3, 2020

Rhys Hoskins was 0-17 in his career against Max Scherzer. Walker, however, came into the night batting .233 with 2HR and 5 RBI against Scherzer. He improved on those numbers tonight going 3 for 3 with two RBI.

Jay Bruce extended the lead in the bottom of the 6th with a solo BOMB to opposite field.

Word to the wise … DON’T touch his truck. #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/lNujjiM1An

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 3, 2020

Making his Phillies debut, David Phelps came in to relieve Wheeler. He pitiched 1 1/3 scoreless innings with a strikeout. Brandon Workman entered the game in the top of the 9th inning and closed it out for the win.

The Phillies have now won 8 of 9 games after losing 5 straight and improve to 17-15 overall. We’re back tomorrow for the final game of this series against the Nationals at 4:05pm. On nights like these, the Phillies make baseball look super easy.

Ring that bell, baby.