September 18, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Philadelphia Phillies beginning pitcher Aaron Nola (27 years previous) pitches through the first inning in opposition to the Milwaukee Brewers at American Household Area . Necessary Credit score: Benny Sieu-Imagn Pictures The rebuilding Washington Nationals have clinched fourth place within the Nationwide League East heading into Sunday’s regular-season finale in opposition to the visiting Philadelphia Phillies. However head coach Dave Martinez’s staff can nonetheless excel.
A win would give Washington (71-90) a sequence sweep for the NFC East title heading into the offseason.
The Nationals secured their sequence victory with a 6-3 win on Saturday, matching their 2023 win whole.
Rookie James Wooden hit a two-run homer and likewise drove in three runs, Joey Gallo hit a three-run homer to drive the Nationals’ four-run eighth, and left-hander Mackenzie Gore added one other Obtained off to a blinding begin.
“I really like the vitality,” Martinez stated. “I really like the joy. I really like the children enjoying arduous and never backing down…I’ve by no means seen them quit and at this time confirmed that.”
The 24-year-old Gore (10-12) defeated NL Cy Younger Award contender Zack Wheeler, permitting simply three singles in six scoreless innings. Gall walked one and struck out 9 within the last inning of the season, together with, so as, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper. Gore allowed only one run over 19 innings (0.47 ERA) in his last three begins whereas putting out 23.
“I am very pleased with his last efficiency,” Martinez stated. “That is an ideal constructing block for subsequent yr. He is a man that may win 18, 20 video games for us. When he is within the strike zone, he is actually good. He confirmed that at this time.”
Wheeler additionally carried out nicely, permitting simply three hits in 6 1/3 innings, together with a two-run residence run by Wooden within the sixth inning, to achieve the 200-inning mark for the season. This marked Wheeler’s eleventh consecutive begin by which he pitched six or extra innings and allowed fewer than two runs, the primary Phillies pitcher to perform the feat because the mound was moved its present distance in 1893.
Wheeler (16-7, 2.57 ERA, 225 strikeouts), who’s scheduled to start out subsequent Saturday in Sport 1 of the NL Division Sequence, additionally struck out 11, his fourth of the season. Strike out no less than 10 occasions in a recreation.
“I simply advised him it was a hell of a yr,” Phillies supervisor Rob Thomson advised Wheeler when he changed him in Sport 7. “I imply, that is Cy Younger-worthy for me.”
Aaron Nola (13-8, 3.52), who allowed two runs (0.93 ERA) in 19 1/3 innings in three begins in opposition to the Nationals this season, will return Sunday. Began within the Phillies’ last recreation. Proper-hander Jake Owen (10-13, 4.22 ERA), who’s 0-2 with a 4.70 ERA in 4 profession begins in opposition to Philadelphia, will begin for Washington.
The Phillies (94-67)’s likelihood of beating the Los Angeles Dodgers (97-64) for the No. 1 seed within the Nationwide League evaporated with Saturday’s loss, however the Phillies can nonetheless get residence in a possible World Sequence matchup Benefits. The Phillies are 54-27 at residence this season, one of the best staff within the majors.
“It could have been good to have residence subject benefit from begin to end, however we additionally gained on the highway,” Thomson stated. “We simply wished to exit and have enjoyable.”
–Scene-level media
