Phillies pitcher caps phenomenal month with latest gem

With a 4-0 lead and the game firmly in hand, Wheeler concluded the night by getting Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill to strike out on a 96 mph, four-seam fastball in the eighth.

A trio of RBI singles from second baseman Bryson Stott, outfielder Brandon Marsh and shortstop Trea Turner put Philadelphia in command by the end of the fourth inning before this 372-foot shot to left field from right fielder Nick Castellanos extended the lead in the fifth.

Monday also marked the return of two-time NL MVP Bryce Harper to the lineup after dealing with right wrist inflammation. He went 0-for-2 and got hit by a pitch on his left foot, but should give the Phillies an extra boost if he can stay healthy.

The exceptional month of June from Wheeler, though, cannot be ignored. In five starts, Wheeler only allowed two earned runs and recorded 42 strikeouts. 

Following the win, Philadelphia is now two games ahead of the skidding New York Mets for first in the NL East. It has had some inconsistencies of its own, notably at the plate, where it ranks 16th in the league in home runs per game (1.05) according to TeamRankings. 

On the mound, the reliability of Wheeler has been a huge upside and a key part of its rotation as it looks to reestablish some momentum ahead of the upcoming All-Star break.