Zack Wheeler allowed 7 hits, 3 runs, and struck out 2 over a season-high 7 1/3 innings. Even with a fingernail that looked like it was about to fall off, Wheeler was ripping 99 mph fastballs last night night.

Wheeler left the game with one out in the 8th inning and a one run lead. If you’ve been watching the Phillies this season, you know exactly what happened next.

The bullpen came into the game and blew their 10th save and the Phillies lost 5-4 to the mets. The bullpen’s 7.05 ERA still holds the highest in Major League Baseball.

Adam Morgan allowed the game-tying run in the 8th inning and Hector Neris allowed the game-winning run in the 9th inning. Neris literally dropped the ball on the mound for a balk which moved the potential go-ahead run to 2nd base.

The latest blown save dropped the Phillies back to .500 baseball at 24-24. They are now 1.5 games behind the Marlins for second place in the NL East and they are currently the number 7 seed in the 8-team post season field. The Giants are also 24-24 and the Cardinals aren’t far behind at 22-23.

Girardi was questioned, both by the media postgame and on social media about his decision to remove Wheeler from the game. Fans even suggested that Girardi was no better than Gabe Kapler. Of course, they are wrong.

Yes, Wheeler had only thrown 95 pitches. He also at the time, allowed two hits already to Brandon Nimmo, one to Michael Conforto, and two hits to Phillies’ killer Austin Davis, one of which was a home run. Girardi was right for taking Wheeler out of the game given his injury, how the game was going, and the importance of a healthy Wheeler over the final 2 weeks of the season.

Luckily, the Phillies have Aaron Nola on the mound tonight. Over his past four starts, Nola has been dominant. He has posted a 1.65 ERA. Tonight will be the first of three starts as the Phillies make a playoff push.

Mandatory Credit: The Philadelphia Inquirer