Phillies reduce magic number to nine after securing sweep of Rays

Weston Wilson, a late addition to the lineup, delivered the tiebreaking run with an infield single down the third-base line, helping the Phillies edge the Rays 3-2 on Wednesday night to secure a three-game sweep at Citizens Bank Park.

 

Nick Castellanos homered, and Zack Wheeler struck out nine over six innings as the Phillies reduced their magic number to nine in pursuit of their first National League East title since 2011.

 

Wilson’s go-ahead hit in the sixth inning wasn’t exactly a rocket, but it was perfectly placed—a slow roller that hugged the line and barely traveled 70 feet. Castellanos, who had reached third, sprinted home as Rays relievers looked on in disbelief. Tampa Bay challenged the play, questioning if the ball hit Wilson as he dashed out of the box, but home plate umpire John Bacon quickly waved off the protest.

 

Wilson’s clutch hit continued a trend for the Phillies, marking the third consecutive game in which a bench player delivered the decisive blow. Kody Clemens had the game-winning hit in the series opener, while Cal Stevenson followed suit on Tuesday.

 

Wilson wasn’t originally in the lineup, stepping in after Kyle Schwarber was scratched with discomfort in his left elbow. Schwarber hyperextended the elbow in Tuesday’s game during a dive back to first base and, though he expected to play, was pulled just two hours before first pitch. With key regulars sidelined, the Phillies have leaned on their depth. Clemens and Stevenson came through earlier in the series, while Buddy Kennedy, another call-up, had a pivotal walk on Monday and an RBI single on Tuesday. 

 

Castellanos opened the scoring with his 20th home run of the season, a two-run shot into the first row of the left-field seats. It marked the sixth time in his career he’s reached the 20-homer mark.

 

Wheeler (15-6) turned in a strong outing, allowing two runs on four hits over six innings. He gave up an RBI single to Taylor Walls in the second and a solo home run to Jonathan Aranda in the sixth but was otherwise in control. Carlos Estévez worked a scoreless ninth to notch his 25th save.

 

The Phillies have a day off on Thursday before hosting the Mets for a three-game series beginning Friday. Aaron Nola (12-7, 3.41 ERA) will start for Philadelphia, facing off against New York’s José Quintana (8-9, 4.09 ERA).