Phillies lean on Wheeler's excellence, García's power in sweep — by the numbers
NBC 10 Philadelphia
Last updated: June 5, 2026
The Philadelphia Phillies have adopted a winning formula characterized by strong starting pitching and timely home runs. This approach, while challenging to maintain consistently, has been effective under manager Don Mattingly, contributing to a significant improvement in their win-loss record since his appointment and a crucial series sweep against the San Diego Padres. The team's performance has notably shifted with the dismissal of Rob Thomson and the return of pitcher Zack Wheeler.
- Key Facts: Zack Wheeler demonstrated dominant pitching, allowing only two hits and two runs with eight strikeouts over seven innings against the Padres, showcasing exceptional command of his four-seam fastball, which he utilized at a significantly higher rate than in previous starts.
- Adolis García, who had been struggling offensively, provided a crucial RBI double and his first home run since May 6, contributing to the Phillies' scoring and indicating a potential increase in lineup depth.
- Bryson Stott opened the scoring with an opposite-field single, and the team manufactured four runs in the seventh inning through a combination of walks, steals, singles, and a fielder's choice, marking their first four-run inning since early May.
- The Phillies have achieved a 24-10 record since Don Mattingly took over and have secured tiebreakers against the Padres and Pirates, positioning them as a playoff contender in the National League Wild Card race.
- This recent success follows a period of offensive struggles for the Phillies, characterized by low batting averages and OPS, but their strong starting pitching has compensated, with a notable improvement in their overall performance and standing.
