Zack Wheeler pitched for seven innings, striking out 11 batters. Bryce Harper smashed a three-run home run, while Kyle Schwarber added a solo shot, guiding the Philadelphia Phillies to a 6-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Monday.
Harper’s homer came off Giants rookie Mason Black, who made his major league debut. Despite the loss, it was a special moment for Black, pitching against the team he grew up supporting.
“It’s a memorable experience, something you only get once,” Harper remarked.
The Phillies are having a stellar season, mirroring the success Black cheered for as a youngster. Leading the MLB with a record of 25-11, they’ve secured their sixth consecutive win and have won 10 of their last 11 games, opening up a three-game lead over Atlanta in the NL East.
Furthermore, the Phillies are unbeatable at home, winning 10 consecutive games at Citizens Bank Park, just two wins away from tying their team record set in 2012. They also set a franchise record with 11 consecutive wins against NL West opponents.
“It feels like we’re winning differently each night. It’s always someone else stepping up, whether it’s a hitter or a pitcher,” catcher J.T. Realmuto commented. “There’s no pressure on any one player. We play well together, have fun, and everyone contributes consistently.”
Harper hit another home run, his eighth of the season, in the game, extending his streak to two consecutive games with a homer. His homer made it 4-0 against Black (0-1). Black, making his major league debut, had his family, including his parents, younger brother, girlfriend, and many friends and relatives, watching him pitch against his favorite team from his childhood.
The 24-year-old Black, who was ranked as the seventh-best prospect in baseball by MLB.com, was drafted by the Giants in the third round of the 2021 draft from Lehigh University. In his debut inning, he struck out J.T. Realmuto and Harper, the latter with an 88 mph changeup.
Black gave up eight hits, five runs, and three walks, and struck out four in 4 1/3 innings. Wheeler (4-3) demonstrated his expertise to the rookie. After starting the season with three losses, allowing a total of six runs, Wheeler won his fourth consecutive start. He allowed one run, walked one, and lowered his ERA to 1.64.
“Wheeler today did what Zack always does when he takes the mound. It was exciting to watch, and he kept us in the game,” Harper commented. Matt Strahm pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and Orion Kerkering pitched the ninth to complete the five-hitter.
