Inside The Phillies

Wheeler Powers Philadelphia Phillies to Dominate Series Win Over Astros

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Houston Astros on Saturday night as they secured the series victory over the 2022 World Series champions.

Kade Kistner

Wheeler Powers Philadelphia Phillies to Dominate Series Win Over Astros
Wheeler Powers Philadelphia Phillies to Dominate Series Win Over Astros /
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The Philadelphia Phillies took down the reigning World Series champions the Houston Astros on Saturday night 6-1 and earned the series win. Zack Wheeler turned in his best start of the season while the offense came alive. 

The Phillies (15-13) improved to two games over .500 and improved their winning streak to four games. Taking a series from the Astros is also a huge boost of confidence to a club that struggled to get out the gate to start the season. 

Wheeler put up his best start of the year as he went 6.0 scoreless innings while striking out seven and lowering his ERA to 3.86. The bullpen of Seranthony Dominguez, Andrew Vasquez and Yunior Marte turned in a one-run performance.

A massive Nick Castellanos home run in the fourth and Kody Clemens two-run shot in the sixth inning propelled the offense. 

Doubles from Jake Cave, Alec Bohm and J.T. Realmuto were also encouraging to see on the evening as they were facing a tough Astros pitching staff led by Cristian Javier. 

It cannot be understated how much a series win against Houston will go towards giving the team confidence in their upcoming schedule. It also has put them in a better position as Bryce Harper and Ranger Suarez will soon make their returns. 

Philadelphia will go for the sweep on Sunday as Bailey Falter (0-4, 4.50) takes the mound and faces Jose Urquidy (1-2, 5.64) of the Astros for a 6:10 p.m. CT start on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball. 

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Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl.  During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated.  Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

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