Phillies crush Mets 10-2 on June 21, 2025, to claim first place. Kyle Schwarber's grand slam and Zack Wheeler's ace return powered the rout. Recap inside!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
This is the brand of baseball we've been waiting for. In a high-stakes showdown for the top spot in the division, the Philadelphia Phillies didn't just win—they sent a message. They dismantled the New York Mets 10-2 on a perfect Saturday night in South Philly, fueled by a power surge from Kyle Schwarber and a masterful return to the mound by Zack Wheeler, officially moving into a tie for first place in the NL East.
This group never lets up, and tonight was a great example of what we can do when we play our brand of baseball.
The offense was electric, and Kyle Schwarber was the one flipping the switch. The Phillies' bats exploded for a six-run fifth inning that put the game away for good. The exclamation point was a towering grand slam from Schwarber that sent Citizens Bank Park into a frenzy and social media into a meltdown with the caption, 'Schwarbomb! Grand slam puts us in control!' He wasn't done, adding another solo shot later for a two-homer, five-RBI night that reminded everyone why he's one of the most feared sluggers in the game.
As thrilling as the offense was, the return of Zack Wheeler might be the most important takeaway. Making his first start since coming off the paternity list, Wheeler looked like he hadn't missed a beat. He was in complete command for seven brilliant innings, allowing just two runs while striking out eight and, crucially, walking none. His fastball had its signature life, and as manager Rob Thomson said postgame, 'Zack set the tone for us tonight. He was in complete control.' Having him back and dealing like this is a massive boost for the rotation.
Amidst the blowout, the Phillies faithful rose to their feet to celebrate a major career milestone. Nick Castellanos laced a single in the third inning for his 1,000th career MLB hit. It was a fantastic moment for the veteran outfielder, who received a standing ovation from the home crowd. He didn't stop there, finishing the night with three hits and two runs scored, proving he was a key contributor to the offensive onslaught.
The win was a total team effort, accomplished even as superstar Bryce Harper remains on the injured list with no new timetable for his return. The team made no other roster moves, showing confidence in the current group that just tied for the division lead. This victory wasn't just another game; it was a statement of resilience and depth.
What a night. The Phillies didn't just beat their rivals; they dominated them to pull even in the standings. With Wheeler back in form and the bats coming alive, the energy is palpable. But this is just one game. The battle for the NL East is far from over, and the rest of this series against the Mets is now must-see TV. Let's see if they can carry this momentum forward and take sole possession of first place.
