Rookie Tyler Phillips allowed four hits over six innings, helping the Philadelphia Phillies avoid a sweep with a 6-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.
Phillips, who improved to 2-0, struck out three batters and walked one. This was his third appearance and second start since moving up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley on July 5.
“Every game here really counts,” Phillips said. “I go out there in full competitive mode, trying to get hitters out and keep our team in the game.”
The victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Phillies, who had dropped four of their last five games. It also ended the Pirates’ six-game winning streak and marked their seventh shutout loss of the season.
“It was important for us to get back on the winning side,” said Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson. “It lifts everyone’s spirits. We’ll head to Minnesota feeling good and ready to start fresh.”
During their winning streak, the Pirates had outscored opponents 32-15. Despite not playing their best in Sunday’s game, Pirates manager Derek Shelton acknowledged their strong performance over the weekend against the Phillies.
“A win against the best team in baseball, coming back the first night and doing what we did yesterday, it’s positive,” Shelton said. “Even though we didn’t perform well today, overall, we played solidly over the series.”
Alec Bohm began the scoring in the second inning with a single off Marco Gonzales (1-1). He advanced to third on Edmundo Sosa’s double and scored on Weston Wilson’s sacrifice fly to give the Phillies an early lead. Garrett Stubbs added an RBI single to extend their advantage.
