Wed Sep 18 02:36:33 UTC 2024: ## Phillies Edge Out Brewers in Tight Matchup of Division Leaders

**MILWAUKEE (AP)** – In a clash of division leaders, the Philadelphia Phillies edged out the Milwaukee Brewers 5-1 on Tuesday night, thanks to a crucial two-run homer by Bryce Harper in the sixth inning and a strong pitching performance by Zack Wheeler.

Harper’s blast broke a 1-1 tie and gave the Phillies the momentum they needed. The homer, his 29th of the season, also scored Kyle Schwarber, who had reached base with an infield single.

Wheeler, who has been dominant in recent starts, pitched seven innings, allowing only four hits and one run while striking out six. He lowered his ERA to 2.56 and has now worked at least six innings while giving up no more than two runs in each of his last nine starts.

“I just try to go six or seven every time, at least that,” Wheeler said. “If I go more, that’s awesome. Try to do that, save our bullpen. It adds up over the season.”

Castellanos added a solo shot in the second inning, his 21st homer of the season.

The Brewers, who are one win away from clinching the NL Central title, saw their magic number drop to one after the Chicago Cubs’ loss to the Oakland Athletics. However, the Phillies’ victory put a slight damper on their celebrations as they still have a chance to claim the NL East title.

The Phillies’ win also gave them the tiebreaker advantage over the Brewers in the race for playoff seeding.

“We needed a win here for sure,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “We’ll try and win the series tomorrow, but just getting the tiebreaker over these guys I think is going to be huge coming down the stretch.”

The Phillies will look to clinch the series on Wednesday night with Aaron Nola on the mound. The Brewers will counter with Freddy Peralta.

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