The Philadelphia Phillies have made history as one of only three teams in Major League Baseball to maintain an undefeated record in Sacramento. In their latest outing, the Phillies (33-18) kicked off a series against cross-town rival Oakland Athletics (22-30) with a thrilling 4-3 victory, marking their impressive eighth consecutive win.
Trea Turner set the tone for the evening, launching the season’s first leadoff home run for the Phillies with a powerful hit over the center field fence off A’s pitcher Jacob Lopez. This early score energized the team and showcased Turner’s exceptional batting skills.
Zack Wheeler was dominant on the mound, showcasing his talent and experience against the young Athletics lineup. He delivered a stellar performance, going 6.2 innings with just three hits, two walks, and eight strikeouts, extending his scoreless innings streak to an impressive 23 innings. This remarkable achievement underscores his importance in the Phillies’ rotation.
The game remained tightly contested, particularly through the middle innings, as both teams struggled to bring runs home. The Phillies found their footing in the ninth inning, beginning with a critical infield single from JT Realmuto. An error by shortstop Jacob Wilson allowed Realmuto to advance to third, setting up Alec Bohm for an RBI double. Following this, back-to-back singles from Johan Rojas and Turner helped push the Phils’ lead.
Despite the Phillies’ offensive surge, the Athletics fought back in the final frame. Jordan Romano faced pressure after allowing Brent Rooker a hard single and a walk to Shea Langeliers. Nick Kurtz’s impressive 425-foot home run trimmed the lead to just one run, igniting hope for the Athletics. However, Tanner Banks entered to secure the final out, solidifying the win for the Phillies.
Romano had previously gone an entire month without conceding a run, a testament to his comeback after earlier season struggles. Meanwhile, both Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm effectively bridged the gap from Wheeler to Romano, further contributing to the team’s depth in pitching.
Notably, Bohm finished the game with two hits, while Turner’s three hits raised his batting average to an impressive .310, placing him among the top hitters in the National League.
Looking ahead, the second game of the series promises an intriguing matchup between left-handers Cristopher Sanchez and Jeffrey Springs. The Phillies are well-positioned to extend their winning streak further as they continue to build momentum in the season.
This thrilling victory adds to the excitement surrounding the Phillies, who are showcasing their strength and resilience as they head deeper into the season. Fans can hope for continued success as the team aims to capitalize on their strong performances.