Phillies ace Zack Wheeler shuts down the Reds' offense in series finale
On Thursday, Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler gave the Reds’ lineup one chance to get back in the game.
Wheeler, one of the best pitchers in baseball, allowed just one hit in six shutout innings at Great American Ball Park. The Reds had their only big opportunity against him in the third inning, when they loaded the bases with two walks and a single.But a fly ball from Spencer Steer was caught at the warning track in right field, and Wheeler led the Phillies to a 5-0 win over the Reds.
Reds starting pitcher Nick Martinez, who allowed five runs and 11 hits in six innings, pitched with runners on base for most of the game. Aside from a four-run third inning by the Phillies, Martinez escaped one jam after another. But a two-run home run by Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper, playing his first game in the series after being away on paternity leave, turned out to be the big hit that broke the game open.
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Following a homestand where the Reds (14-11) won five out of seven games, the Reds have a six-game road trip ahead of them. The Reds face the defending World Champion Texas Rangers (13-13, 6-7 at home) for three games beginning Friday night followed by three games with the San Diego Padres before returning to Great American Ball Park.
Graham Aschraft (3-1, 5.24 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Reds on Friday and face the Rangers and ace Nathan Eovaldi (1-2, 3.20).
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: The Reds split the series, fall in the finale against the Phillies
