MIAMI Zack Wheeler was given an early cushion on Sunday afternoon at loanDepot park, as the Phillies handed him a three-run lead before he even threw a pitch. Fans behind the visitors' dugout likely felt confident about the outcome, as did those watching the game from home. The Marlins, struggling with one of the worst offenses in baseball, seemed like the perfect opponent for Wheeler, who has been one of the league's top pitchers this season.
But things didnt go as planned. Wheeler struggled mightily in a 10-inning 7-6 loss https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/richie_ashburn_jersey-29, allowing six runs on six hits and three walks over just four innings. He struck out only two, and his day was marked by a wild pitch and a hit batter on a curveball with an 0-2 count.
"It was just one of those days, " Wheeler reflected. "They came out aggressive, and I wasnt able to command the ball like I usually do. They got to me. I just didnt have it today."
Despite his usual dominance, Wheeler found himself in a tough spot. "Nothing felt physically off, " he said. "I just couldnt get things together. Normally, when youre off, you can feel something maybe pulling off or something else. But today, I felt good. I just wasnt quite hitting my spots, and that was frustrating."
Wheeler struggled through a 30-pitch second inning, where he allowed a run after walking two batters. When Josh Bell walked and Jesus Snchez followed with a ground-rule double, Wheeler had a few disagreements with catcher Garrett Stubbs, who was filling in for J.T. Realmuto, nursing a sore knee. The Phillies were cautious with Realmuto, though the injury isn't considered serious, and he could have played if necessary.
Stubbs had not caught Wheeler since last season, and they had some miscommunication during the game. Wheeler noted, "I usually throw to J.T., but its not a big deal. We werent on the same page at times, but its on me. I walked too many batters, and thats something I need to fix."
After an efficient inning by Marlins pitcher Braxton Garrett, who needed only eight pitches to retire the Phillies in the third, Wheeler was quickly back on the mound in the hot and humid conditions. He acknowledged the challenge: "Its up to me to deal with it, throw strikes, and get outs. But yeah, its tough when youre not quite used to it, and it catches up with you quickly."
Things took a turn in the third inning when Wheeler gave up a three-run homer to Josh Bell on a 3-2 cutter. The homer, which put the Marlins ahead 4-3, was Bell's fourth career home run against Wheeler. Only Cody Bellinger has hit more off him.
Wheeler took a moment to ask the home plate umpire about a 2-1 pitch earlier in the at-bat that seemed like a strike but was called a ball. The exchange was brief and calm. "I just had a couple of questions, " Wheeler explained. "No fighting, just a quick conversation."
The Phillies managed to tie the game in the sixth, but they couldnt come through in the clutch later on. In the 10th inning, Gregory Soto took the mound and gave up a ball that deflected off his rear end Kyle Schwarber Jersey, allowing the Marlins to score the winning run.
Despite the chance for a sweep, the Phillies came up short, with Wheeler not delivering his best outing. "Its frustrating, " Wheeler said. "I just didnt have it today."
Phillies manager Rob Thomson acknowledged the tough loss, saying, "It was just one of those days."
Phillies Store
Zack Wheeler Struggles in 10-Inning Walk-Off Loss to Marlins
Posted 2025-02-26 00:50:13
0
147
Record
Recording 00:00
Commenting has been turned off for this post.
Categories
- Art
- Causes
- Crafts
- Dance
- Drinks
- Film
- Fitness
- Food
- Games
- Gardening
- Health
- Home
- Literature
- Music
- Networking
- Other
- Party
- Religion
- Shopping
- Sports
- Theater
- Wellness
Read More
Aircraft MRO Market will reach at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2023 to 2031
The Aircraft MRO Market research report has been crafted with the most advanced and best tools to...
Balaji Aqua Kalyan Khadakpada Project 1 2 3 BHK Flats Location Address Brochure Floor Plan
Balaji Aqua: Where Urban Living Reaches New Heights
Elevate your lifestyle to unparalleled...
What Sets The 13x6 Lace Wigs Human Hair Apart
Embark on a journey of self-expression and beauty with the exquisite 13x6 Lace Front Wig. This...
【BAPE潮流指南】BAPE STORE TAIPEI 必逛潮牌選物推薦
對於潮流愛好者來說,BAPE(A Bathing Ape)...
MK 女包魅力全面解析:品味與實用兼具的時尚選擇
當今時尚界,MK 女包(Michael Kors 女士包款)以其高辨識度的設計語言與優雅氣質,成為眾多女性衣櫥中不可或缺的單品。無論是通勤、約會、旅行或正式場合,mk...