Castellanos has big hit in ninth, Wheeler throws 7 strong innings to lead Phillies past Twins 3-0

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Nick Castellanos delivered a decisive blow with a two-run double in the ninth inning, securing a 3-0 victory for the Philadelphia Phillies over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.

The game had been a pitching duel between Phillies ace Zack Wheeler and Twins rookie Simeon Woods Richardson, both holding their opponents scoreless through seven innings. Wheeler, returning strong after a back issue, struck out seven batters and allowed only three hits. Woods Richardson matched him with six solid innings, giving up three hits and striking out five.

In the ninth inning, the Phillies broke the deadlock against Twins closer Jhoan Duran (5-5). Bryce Harper started the rally with a double, followed by a walk to Alec Bohm. After a walk to J.T. Realmuto loaded the bases, Brandon Marsh drove in a run with a sacrifice fly. Then, Castellanos crushed a 3-2 fastball down the right-field line, extending his recent hot streak with seven extra-base hits and nine RBIs in the past seven games.

Matt Strahm closed out the game in the ninth, earning his first save of the season. The win improved the Phillies’ record to an MLB-best 64-37.

The Twins, contending for a playoff spot, have now lost three of their last four games since the All-Star break. They missed a chance to score in the eighth inning when Gregory Soto (2-3) induced a force play to escape a bases-loaded jam.

The victory marked the first time in 19 games that a Phillies starter had pitched at least seven innings. The team has an impressive 26-1 record this season when starters reach that mark, with a current streak of 26 consecutive wins, the longest in Phillies history and second-longest in MLB history after St. Louis’ 42-game streak in 1942.

Looking ahead, Philadelphia plans to start RHP Aaron Nola (11-4, 3.54 ERA) in Wednesday’s series finale against Minnesota, who will start with reliever Steven Okert (3-1, 4.40 ERA). Manager Rocco Baldelli indicated a bullpen strategy for the game.

(Photo courtesy of Twins/MLB)