Zack Wheeler dominated the Colorado Rockies last night striking out 10 batters across 7 innings. He allowed only 3 hits and caused 25 whiffs. The Phillies defeated the Rockies 5-1 to secure their second straight series win to open the season.
“My fastball command was struggling a little bit,” said Wheeler after the win. “Maybe it didn’t look that way, but in the bullpen it was. I was kind of just throwing it up there tonight, hoping for the best with that. But the off-speed was working well.” The Phillies made him the highest-paid starting pitcher in baseball this past offseason. Can he keep it up?
Zack Wheeler Joins Rare Company With Streak
He has allowed 2 runs or less and pitched at least 6 innings in 13 straight starts. It is the longest streak in baseball since the 2022 MLB season. Only 18 other pitchers in MLB history have had a streak as long as his. He joins a group that includes Greg Maddux, Randy Johnson, and Don Drysdale. This was the righty’s 135th start as a Philadelphia Phillie. 92 of those have been quality starts. He has a career 2.92 ERA with the team.
Teammates and Opponents Comment On Wheeler
Rockies Designated Hitter Kris Bryant explained what makes the pitcher so tough. “He doesn’t make too many mistakes middle,” Bryant said. “He had it all working today. … That guy, he’s just so competitive.” In his last 4 starts against the Rockies, Wheeler has 36 strikeouts and a 1.75 ERA.
Philadelphia Shortstop Trea Turner has experience facing Wheeler as an opponent. “It’s almost like he lulls you to sleep a little bit,” Turner said of Wheeler. Wednesday evening was the 26th time he has struck out 10 or more.
Final Thoughts
It is great news for the Philadelphia Phillies the starting pitcher is already in midseason form. The Phillies must stack as many wins as possible while the winless division rival Atlanta Braves continue to struggle. The righthander is quickly moving up the list of all-time Phillies pitching greats.
There is an argument he’s already in the top three with Steve Carlton and Roy Halladay. The Hall of Fame may be on the horizon for Wheeler as well. Only time will tell just how great this Philadelphia Phillie can be.
