Wheeler's Upset Exit
Wheeler Upset After Early Exit in Phillies 10-6 Win, Ends 53-Start Streak
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Key Points
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Wheeler acknowledged the extreme heat and described it as 'the first really hot game of the year,' suggesting the conditions contributed to a tough outing even as he battled through 4 2/3 innings.
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Orion Kerkering earned the win with 1 2/3 relief innings, shutting down the Pirates after Wheeler left, and Jhoan Duran finished the ninth to seal the 10-6 win.
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In the fifth inning, with Wheeler at 101 pitches after two outs, two consecutive hits prompted a mound visit and Wheeler was pulled for Kyle Backhus, who then hit two batters to force in another run.
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Interim manager Don Mattingly defended the early exit, stressing Wheeler's heavy workload and the lack of early-count efficiency, calling it one of those nights rather than a failure by the pitcher.
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The crowd gave Wheeler a standing ovation as he walked off, and Mattingly tied Wheeler’s finish to his durability and underrated consistency, noting his ongoing return to form after thoracic outlet syndrome and his status as a high-caliber, quiet competitor.
Zack Wheeler walked off the mound in the fifth inning of a 10-6 Phillies win over the Pirates — visibly angry, ball in hand — after interim manager Don Mattingly pulled him with 104 pitches and two outs recorded. The early exit ended Wheeler's remarkable streak of 53 consecutive starts with at least five innings pitched, Delco Times reported.
Despite the frustration, the Phillies won big. The bullpen held the lead and the offense poured it on against Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes, who struggled on a brutal, sweltering day at Citizens Bank Park.
Wheeler Reaches 104 Pitches Before Fifth-Inning Hook
Wheeler was dealing in spots, striking out 10 batters across 4 2/3 innings. But he gave up four runs on nine hits. He entered the fifth with 101 pitches already thrown. After two outs, two straight hits forced Mattingly to the mound. Wheeler was done for the night.
Kyle Backhus came in to replace him — and promptly hit two batters, forcing in another run. The inning got messier before it ended. Wheeler described it as "the first really hot game of the year," pointing to the extreme heat as a factor in his pitch count climbing so fast, according to Heavy.
Mattingly Stands Firm, Credits Wheeler's Durability
Mattingly did not back down after the game. He said the decision came down to Wheeler's workload and the fact that he was not getting early-count outs. "It's one of those nights," Mattingly said, calling it a matter of protecting his pitcher — not a knock on his performance, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia.
Mattingly also praised Wheeler's consistency, tying his streak to his quiet, competitive nature and his ongoing return to full form after thoracic outlet syndrome — a condition that can restrict blood flow and affects arm strength. The crowd gave Wheeler a standing ovation as he left the field, Trentonian reported.
Kerkering and Duran Shut the Door for Philadelphia
After Wheeler exited, Orion Kerkering stepped in and threw 1 2/3 innings of shutdown relief, earning the win. He kept Pittsburgh off the board and gave the Phillies offense time to pull away. Jhoan Duran closed things out in the ninth to seal the 10-6 final.
The bullpen performance was key. With rotation depth already a concern heading into the summer, Metro Philadelphia noted the Phillies are leaning on relief arms more than usual while they await reinforcements. The win helped Philadelphia hold its strong position in the standings under Mattingly.
Wheeler Proud Despite the Frustration and Broken Streak
Wheeler did not hide his disappointment. He expressed pride in the 53-start streak and his record of durability. Going deep into games matters to him — it is part of how he competes. Ending just one out short of five innings stung, even in a win.
Still, the numbers tell a strong story. Wheeler is back to being one of baseball's best starters after thoracic outlet syndrome threatened his career. Ten strikeouts in under five innings, even on a rough night, is a sign of a pitcher still very much at the top of his game, according to Delco Times.
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