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Wheeler Fans 9 in 6 Sharp Innings, Schwarber Hits 41st Homer to Lift Phillies Past Braves 4-2
Wheeler’s recent adjustment lowered his glove and corrected his delivery as the Phillies try to end a midseason slump.
On Saturday, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler struck out nine batters in six sharp innings, leading the Phillies to a 4-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves.
Wheeler struggled through a shaky August with a 6.26 ERA, but biomechanics analysis revealed he held his glove two inches lower than usual, causing over-rotation through his delivery.
Kyle Schwarber hit his MLB-leading 41st home run before a sellout crowd of 43,241, while Philadelphia now trails the first-place Braves by four games in the NL East.
Manager Don Mattingly credited the pitching staff for identifying the mechanical adjustments, saying "it was going to be a small adjustment" as Wheeler remained focused on consistency.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Aaron Nola faces Atlanta Braves RHP Tyler Mahle on Sunday as the Phillies aim to extend their momentum, having won 16 of their last 20 games.