WASHINGTON – The Phillies needed an encouraging outing from Zack Wheeler on Wednesday night not only to split this two-game series against the Nationals, but to feel better about the starting rotation for the stretch run of the postseason chase.
One day after placing Jesús Luzardo on the 15-day injured list and watching NL Cy Young Award candidate Cristopher Sánchez struggle in a loss to the Nats, the Phils were able to sit back and watch Wheeler carve up Washington en route to a 3-0 victory.
Wheeler gave up just four hits and one walk while striking out five over his seven strong innings. He faced the minimum through his last three frames, ending his outing by striking out Dylan Crews with a 96.6 mph fastball low in the zone. Wheeler is now three strikeouts away from 2,000 in his career.
The three-time All-Star has completed seven innings in back-to-back starts. He is now 13-5 with a 2.99 ERA, bringing a sigh of relief to the Phillies pitching staff.
The Phillies offense was able to give Wheeler an early cushion by scoring two runs off Nationals opener Jared Simpson in the first inning. Luis Arraez drove in the third run with a double in the seventh, finishing the night 1-for-2 with a double, three walks and an RBI.
Alec Bohm also had a good night at the plate, going 2-for-2 with three walks and an RBI.
The Phillies entered the night 5 1/2 games behind the Braves in the NL East and a half-game behind the Cubs for the top NL Wild Card spot. The Braves and Cubs were still playing each other in Chicago when the Phillies game ended.