Zack Wheeler's 1,500th K is wasted as the Phillies' offense sputters in a 2-1 loss to the Blue Jays on June 13. Bryce Harper homered, but was it enough?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a story Phillies fans have seen too many times this season: brilliant starting pitching, a flash of brilliance from a superstar, and ultimately, not enough runs to get the job done. Friday night's 2-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays at Citizens Bank Park felt like a frustrating rerun, as a gem from Zack Wheeler was wasted by a lineup that simply couldn't find its rhythm.
We have to find ways to score, especially in close games like this. Our pitching has kept us in it, but we need to capitalize on our opportunities.
Zack Wheeler was everything the Phillies could have asked for and more. The ace was masterful over seven innings, allowing just two runs while striking out eight Blue Jays. The highlight of his night came in the fourth inning when he fanned his 1,500th career batter, a significant milestone for the Phillies' workhorse. But Toronto's Kevin Gausman was nearly as good, keeping the Phils off balance all night. The game ended in heartbreaking fashion as the Phillies put two runners on in the ninth, only for Blue Jays closer Jordan Romano to strike out Nick Castellanos, leaving the tying and winning runs stranded and dropping the Phillies to 39-30.
The lone bright spot on offense was, unsurprisingly, Bryce Harper. He provided the only run of the game for the Phillies with a towering solo home run in the sixth inning, his 17th of the year. The blast extended his hitting streak to eight games, a stretch where he has looked like an MVP candidate. While Harper continues to carry the load, batting .292 with 48 RBIs, his solo efforts aren't enough to win games, a point manager Rob Thomson lamented postgame.
While the offense sputters, the bullpen did get a boost. Lefty Gregory Soto was activated from the injured list before the game, with reliever Yunior Marte being optioned to Triple-A. Soto's return from forearm tightness is a welcome sight for the late innings. But the help fans are really clamoring for might be in Double-A. Top prospect Aidan Miller had a monster night for Reading, smashing two home runs and driving in five. As Miller continues to dominate (.304/.389/.552), the calls for a late-season promotion will only get louder, especially if the big-league bats remain this quiet.
As the Phillies look to salvage the series against Toronto this weekend, the pressure mounts. One man can't carry an offense, and Harper needs help. With the pitching staff consistently delivering quality starts, the formula for winning is clear. Now, it's up to the rest of the lineup to wake up and provide the support needed to turn these nail-biting losses into victories.
