Zack Wheeler Leads Historic Group of Philadelphia Phillies Pitchers to Game 5 Win

The Philadelphia Phillies took a 3-2 series lead on the Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLCS by virtue of a 6-1 win. In the win, Phillies' starter Zack Wheeler continued his postseason domination.

The Philadelphia Phillies are one win away from a return trip to the World Series after beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 6-1 on Saturday night in Game 5 of the NLCS.

The Phillies got plenty of offense courtesy of home runs by Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto, but they also got a dominant pitching performance from Zack Wheeler, something that has become a trend in the playoffs.

The burly righty went 7.0 innings in the win, allowing one run on six hits. He walked one and struck out eight, lowering his postseason ERA this year to 2.08. 

Between his career with the Phillies and Mets, he's been great in the postseason. Lifetime, he's 4-3 with a 2.48 ERA in 10 postseason appearances. He has a 0.73 WHIP as well in those games.

But it's not just Wheeler who is stepping up on the mound for Philadelphia - the entire staff is making history.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:

the Phillies have a 1.48 starters’ ERA so far this postseason 

that’s the lowest by any team’s starters in its first 11 games of a postseason, decimal points lower than 1973 NYM

the Phillies have a 1.48 starters’ ERA so far this postseason

that’s the lowest by any team’s starters in its first 11 games of a postseason, decimal points lower than 1973 NYM https://t.co/8cThHxVb59

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 22, 2023

Philadelphia has gone 8-3 this postseason. They swept the Miami Marlins in the wild card round and then took care of the Braves in four games in the NLDS.

Game 6 of the series will be played on Monday at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Veteran right-hander Aaron Nola will pitch for the home team while Merrill Kelly gets the ball for Arizona. That is a rematch of Game 2, which Philly won.

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