Nick Castellanos' grand slam powered the Phillies to an 11-4 win over the Blue Jays on June 15, 2025, capping a sweep. See how he and Zack Wheeler dominated.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Forget the Sunday scaries; the only thing scary at Citizens Bank Park today was the Phillies' red-hot offense. Capping off a dominant three-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Phils rolled to an 11-4 victory, punctuated by a massive grand slam from Nick Castellanos and a stellar return to the mound by ace Zack Wheeler.
Every single Phillies starter reached base in an offensive onslaught that produced 14 hits and 11 runs.
The defining moment of the afternoon came in the bottom of the sixth inning. With the bases loaded and the Phillies already leading, Nick Castellanos stepped to the plate and did what he does best: change the game with one swing. He launched a 105.5 mph rocket 385 feet into the left-center field seats for a grand slam, his seventh homer of the season. The blast off Toronto reliever Erik Swanson blew the game wide open, extending the lead to 10-2 and sending the ballpark into a frenzy. It was the kind of clutch, high-leverage hit that defines a winning team.
While the offense provided the fireworks, Zack Wheeler provided the rock-solid foundation. Fresh off the paternity list, the Phillies' ace looked like he hadn't missed a beat. Wheeler was in complete command for six innings, allowing just two runs while striking out seven Blue Jays and walking only one. His velocity was crisp, his command was sharp, and he set the tone for the entire game, earning a well-deserved win and reminding everyone why he's one of the best in the business.
This win wasn't just about two stars; it was a complete team victory. The offense was relentless from top to bottom, racking up 14 hits. Rookie Otto Kemp had a fantastic breakout performance, going 3-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs scored, showing flashes of his potential. The fact that every starter reached base speaks volumes about the lineup's depth and approach. Even after Wheeler's day was done, the bullpen duo of Max Lazar and Michael Mercado locked it down, ensuring the sweep was never in doubt.
What a weekend. A three-game sweep, an offensive explosion, and the return of their ace – you couldn't have scripted it better. The Phillies are clicking on all cylinders, finding ways to win decisively even with superstar Bryce Harper on the injured list. This kind of momentum is exactly what they need as they continue their summer campaign, carrying this energy forward after a well-deserved day off.
