Phillies shut out again in Houston to waste another strong pitching performance

The pitching has shown up in this rematch of the 2022 World Series. For Philadelphia, the offense has been a much more disappointing story.

The night after Ranger Suárez took the loss despite an impressive performance on the mound, the Phillies again failed to score a single run, this time for their ace, Zack Wheeler. Philadelphia has now scored zero runs across two games in Houston, dropping Wednesday’s matchup, 2-0, at Daikin Park.

The Astros (47-33) have won two games against the Phillies (47-33) while scoring a combined three runs.

Wheeler tossed six strong innings of one-run ball for Philadelphia, allowing four hits and three walks. He struck out eight Astros batters. And the outing had a chance to be even better.

Houston struck first in the top of the first inning as Isaac Paredes hit a grounder toward shortstop. Trea Turner ranged to his left and could not come up with the ball. Jeremy Peña came around to score the first run of the game from second base.

The Phillies struggled against left-hander Colton Gordon, who threw five scoreless innings and surrendered just four hits, and four lefty relievers. The offense threatened in the eighth with three straight singles off Bryan King, loading the bases with one out on an infield bouncer by Kyle Schwarber. But Alec Bohm struck out and Nick Castellanos grounded out to end the top of the inning.

Matt Strahm then entered for the Phillies in the bottom of the eighth and gave up a solo home run to Victor Caratini. Philadelphia could not get the bats going in the ninth and will need a win in Thursday’s series finale to avoid being swept out of Houston.