Zack Wheeler pitches a historic 1-hitter as the Phillies beat the Reds 3-1 on July 6, 2025. See how Wheeler's gem and a Bryson Stott HR won the game.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Sometimes you witness a regular baseball game, and sometimes you witness history. Sunday at Citizens Bank Park was the latter. Zack Wheeler, in a performance for the ages, completely dismantled the Cincinnati Reds, throwing a dazzling one-hitter complete game to secure a pivotal 3-1 win for the Phillies.
Wheeler is now only the third Phillies pitcher since 1901 to allow a home run as his only baserunner while pitching at least eight innings.
It was pure dominance from the first pitch to the 108th and final one. Wheeler was untouchable, carving up the Reds lineup with 12 strikeouts and, remarkably, zero walks. The only blemish on his scorecard was a solo shot by Austin Hays in the fifth inning. Instead of rattling him, it seemed to only focus him further. It was Wheeler's fifth career complete game and his first since 2021, a throwback performance that had the South Philly faithful on their feet as he induced the final flyout to seal the deal.
For all of Wheeler's brilliance, the game was knotted at 1-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth, thanks to a Kyle Schwarber RBI double earlier. The Phillies needed a hero, and Bryson Stott answered the call. After a J.T. Realmuto single, Stott crushed his sixth home run of the season, a go-ahead two-run bomb off Tony Santillan that sent the ballpark into a frenzy. It was the kind of clutch, late-game hitting this team needs, providing the perfect offensive exclamation point to Wheeler's masterpiece.
This wasn't just a one-off great start; it was the continuation of an absolutely legendary stretch for Wheeler. Fresh off being named NL Pitcher of the Month for June, he has now allowed a minuscule three earned runs in his last 40 innings pitched since returning from paternity leave. With a 9-2 record and league-leading numbers in key categories, the conversation is no longer about *if* he's an All-Star, but whether he'll be the one taking the mound to start the game for the National League. He's making an undeniable case.
While the team celebrates a huge win, all eyes remain on Bryce Harper's progress. In four games since his return from a wrist injury, the superstar is hitting just .214 with a .567 OPS. Manager Rob Thomson isn't concerned, stating, 'Every time I ask him, he says he's healthy. Now it's just a matter of getting his timing back, his balance.' Fans will be hoping that timing returns soon. In other news, the team made a minor move, reassigning RHP Ryan Cusick to the FCL Phillies as they continue to manage their minor league depth.
What a way to end the homestand. This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. With Wheeler pitching at a historic level and the bats finding a way to come through late, the Phillies carry massive momentum into a crucial West Coast road trip. The key will be to build on this performance and for guys like Harper to find their groove as the All-Star break rapidly approaches. If Wheeler keeps this up, the sky's the limit.
