Zack Wheeler gem propels Phillies past Padres in NLCS game 1
Zack Wheeler pitched 7 shutout innings while Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber both hit home runs for the Phillies who shutout the Padres 2-0 in Game 1 of the NLCS.
Phillies Beat Padres; Lead NLCS 1-0
- Winning Pitcher: Zack Wheeler (1-1, 1.40)
- Losing Pitcher: Yu Darvish (2-1, 2.84)
- Save: Jose Alvarado (1, 4.50)
The Phillies lineup was only able to muster a total of three hits on Tuesday night but that didn’t matter much with Zack Wheeler on the mound. They also made those three hits count as two were solo home runs from Bryce Harper in the 4th inning and Kyle Schwarber in the 6th.
Kyle Schwarber’s solo shot in the 6th inning off Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish was crushed 488 feet, the longest home run in the history of Petco Park. Bryce Harper was astonished in the dugout, the camera catching him with his mouth wide open in a state of utter astonishment.
Darvish was good, striking out seven Phillies hitters with an array of 7 or 8 different pitches. He also pitched 7 innings but was not able to match the greatness coming from the right arm of the Phillies ace, Zack Wheeler.
The reason for the Phillies victory in Game 1 of the NLCS is simple; Zack Wheeler. Wheeler was near perfect on Tuesday night, completely dominating the Padres weak lineup from the opening frame and allowing only a single hit to Jake Croneworth with 1 out in the 5th inning. Other than Juan Soto reaching base on a walk in the 1st inning, the Padres never seriously threatened to score and never had a runner in scoring position.
There was some controversy in the Fox booth when Rob Thompson decided to remove Wheeler from the game after he had thrown only 83 pitches through 7 innings. Fans in Philadelphia know better than to question the wisdom of Thompson, who has been able to pull all the right strings for his club in the playoffs.
Thompson’s decision would pay off as Seranthony Dominguez struck out two Padres hitters in a scoreless 8th inning of relief and José Alvarado was able to retire the Padres in the 9th despite a walk and defensive error.
If Wheeler and Aaron Nola are able to continue pitching at this elite level throughout the rest of the playoffs, it’s going to be difficult for an opposing team to win a 7-game series in which the pair can pitch a total of four times.
The Padres have to be demoralized by getting shutout at home in Game 1. Any mojo that they may have hoped to carry over from the victory of the 111-win Los Angeles Dodgers has been smashed by this Phillies team.
Outside of the error from Alec Bohm in the 9th inning, this Phillies team is certainly carrying themselves like they expect to win the World Series. Wheeler, Harper, Schwarber, and Nola are all saving their best baseball for when it matters most and I am not sure any other team can match up this team of destiny.
Yes, I said it. The Phillies are a team of destiny!
Just today before Schwarber’s big blast, he and Wawa just launched ‘Schwarberfest‘ to offer $6 classic hoagies throughout the rest of the playoffs. Meanwhile Padres and their fans came up with…whatever this is.
RING IT!
Up Next for the Phillies
The Phillies will take to take a 2-0 lead over the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the NLCS with the first pitch scheduled for 4:45 PM EST.
FS1 will carry the broadcast of the game.
Aaron Nola (2-0, 0.00) will take the mound facing off against Blake Snell (1-0, 3.12)
Jake Cronenworth robs Bryce Harper of an RBI single in the opening frame.
Josh Bell cant catch up to a Zack Wheeler fastball in the 1st inning.
Zack Wheeler gets Wil Myers swinging for the second out in the 2nd inning.
Bryce Harper puts the Phils on the board with a solo home run off Yu Darvish in the 4th inning.
1-0 Phils
Zack Wheeler gets Juan Soto swinging for the first out in the 4th inning.
Kyle Schwarber takes Yu Darvish deep in the 6th inning for the deepest home run in the history of Petco Park and doubling the Phils lead.
2-0 Phils
J.T. frames Wheeler’s 6th ꓘ beautifully!
Zack Wheeler gets Jake Croneworth looking to end the Padres half of the 7th inning.
Seranthony Dominguez makes quick work of the Padres in the 8th!
Juan Soto hits a tailor made double play ball but Alec Bohm cant make the throw to Bryson Stott at second base. Everyone is safe! My god!
Jose Alvarado gets a huge 2nd out when Manny Machado flies out to Nick Castellanos in right field.
Alvarado gets Josh Bell swinging in the 9th inning to give the Phils a win in game 2!
Phils Win 2-0!
Mandatory Photo Credit: Philadelphia Phillies
