Philadelphia's faithful fans roared with excitement Tuesday night as the Phillies, bolstered by the return of injured stars Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber, crushed the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-1. The resounding victory served as a powerful reminder of the team's offensive potency and solidified their position atop the National League East.
Turner takes on the role of Superman
Trea Turner, the star acquisition of the offseason for the Phillies, emerged as the hero of the night. His grand slam in the crucial fourth inning capped a six-run rally that dismantled the Dodgers' pitching staff and virtually sealed the victory.
The hit had special meaning for Phillies fans, as it came against Turner's former team. With a colossal 11-year, $300 million contract, Turner has seamlessly integrated into the Phillies lineup, adding another layer of power and dynamism to their already potent offense.
The win was particularly satisfying for the Phillies considering their recent struggles. With Harper and Schwarber sidelined with injuries, the team had been 5-4, including two losses in three games to the Atlanta Braves over the weekend.
However, his return injected a much-needed dose of energy into the lineup. Schwarber, who was returning from a left groin injury, contributed a key two-run single in the second inning, while Harper, despite going hitless, scored a run.
The game swung decisively in favor of the Phillies in the fourth inning. With a 3-0 lead, they chased Dodgers starter Bobby Miller off the mound with a relentless offensive assault. Miller, who came into the game with a shaky 6.12 ERA, saw his numbers soar even higher after the Phillies' onslaught.
Stott, a promising rookie, got the party started with a solo home run, followed by Turner's grand slam that sent the crowd wild. The inning continued with another run-producing hit, putting the Phillies comfortably ahead 9-0.
And to all a goodnight 🫶 pic.twitter.com/Nv5EAWyMzX
- Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 10, 2024
Wheeler Delivers Exceptional Performance
While the offensive outburst stole the show, Zack Wheeler's starting pitching deserves recognition. The All-Star pitcher turned in a solid performance before exiting the game in the fifth inning due to a left lower back strain.
He struck out seven Dodgers batters, including reigning American League MVP Shohei Ohtani, on three pitches to open the game. Despite the early exit, manager Rob Thomson expressed confidence in Wheeler's ability to bounce back for his next scheduled start on Sunday. Wheeler's absence from next week's All-Star Game is a small blow to the National League team, but the Phillies are hoping for a speedy recovery from their ace.
The win also showcased the depth of the Phillies pitching staff. With Wheeler out, the bullpen held the Dodgers scoreless in the remaining innings, demonstrating their ability to step up in crucial situations. Tyler Phillips, a recently promoted starter who impressed in his major league debut Major League Sunday, is scheduled to open Saturday against the Oakland Athletics.
For the Dodgers, this loss was a setback in their quest for the NL West crown. They will be further hampered by the news that All-Star pitcher Tyler Glasnow was placed on the 15-day injured list with a back strain. Glasnow, a key acquisition in a December trade with the Rays.
