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**Phillies Survive Late-Inning Scare to Extend Win Streak to Eight**
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA – A ninth-inning offensive outburst and a dominant performance from starter Zack Wheeler weren’t enough to prevent a late-inning nail-biter as the Philadelphia Phillies edged out the Oakland Athletics 4-3 on Friday night.
Wheeler, pitching at the Athletics’ temporary home in Sutter Health Park, battled through what he described as a problematic pitching mound to deliver 6 ⅔ scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while striking out eight. He worked around the inconsistencies of the mound by utilizing his fastball and sinker, which accounted for 71% of his pitches.
The Phillies’ bats were quiet until the top of the ninth when they exploded for three runs off Athletics All-Star closer Mason Miller. J.T. Realmuto sparked the rally with an infield single that turned into a triple, followed by a double from Alec Bohm and an RBI single from Johan Rojas. Trea Turner, who started the game with a leadoff home run, capped the scoring with an RBI single.
However, the comfortable lead quickly evaporated in the bottom of the ninth. Phillies closer Jordan Romano, who hadn’t allowed an earned run in nine previous appearances, struggled with his command, giving up a single, a walk, and then a three-run home run. Manager Rob Thomson pulled Romano in favor of Tanner Banks, who secured the save with a strikeout, preserving the Phillies’ victory.
“Got messy there at the end, but I’ll take the win anytime,” said Thomson.
Despite the late drama, the win marked the Phillies’ eighth consecutive victory. Johan Rojas also contributed with a spectacular defensive play in the eighth, robbing Tyler Soderstrom of a potential extra-base hit with a running catch. Bryce Harper was hit by two pitches during the game, though he remained in the lineup. Edmundo Sosa was removed from the game in the bottom of the ninth after taking a “zinger” off his wrist.
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