Trea Turner, with a sense of occasion, launched his sixth career grand slam, while Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh added their own fireworks.
Despite the sweltering conditions, Zack Wheeler delivered five solid innings before exiting with left low back tightness. The 2024 All-Star, now 10-4 on the season, became the third Phillies pitcher to notch 10 wins before the All-Star break, joining Aaron Nola and Ranger Suárez. This marks the first time in franchise history that the Phillies have had three pitchers reach this milestone by midseason.
With Harper and Schwarber sidelined, the Phillies scraped to a 5-4 record, including a tough series loss in Atlanta. But against the NL West-leading Dodgers, they flexed their muscle early. Schwarber’s two-RBI single in the second inning set the tone, giving the Phillies a 3-0 lead and energizing the crowd at Citizens Bank Park.
The fourth inning saw the Phillies break the game wide open. Turner, who signed an 11-year, $300 million contract with Philadelphia before the 2023 season, punished Dodgers starter Bobby Miller with a towering grand slam into the left-field seats. Turner’s fifth homer in seven games was a testament to his blistering form. Stott, with a solo shot off Miller later in the inning, added to the onslaught, marking his first home run since May 18.
Harper, still finding his rhythm after recovering from a hamstring strain, went 0 for 4. Schwarber, who had strained his groin making a throw from left field in late June, looked sharp both at the plate and in the field. Their return seemed to galvanize the entire team.
Wheeler, who struck out Shohei Ohtani on three pitches to open the game, threw 76 pitches in total. His only blemish was a solo homer allowed to Cavan Biggio in the fifth inning. Wheeler’s seven strikeouts and three-hit performance kept the Dodgers at bay, as he exited with the Phillies holding a 9-1 lead.
The crowd, rejuvenated by the return of Harper and Schwarber, roared with approval as the Phillies showcased their depth and resilience. This victory not only solidifies their position in the division race but also sends a clear message to the rest of the league: with their star players back and their pitching rotation firing on all cylinders, the Phillies are a formidable force heading into the second half of the season.
