Phillies Fall Short Against D-backs
- Zack Wheeler delivered another strong performance for the Phillies, leading the game through eight innings.
- The Phillies managed to tie the game at 2-2.
- However, they ultimately lost to the D-backs in the ninth inning following a critical home run.
– The Philadelphia Phillies' comeback efforts fell short on Friday night as the Arizona Diamondbacks secured a dramatic 3-2 walk-off victory. Rookie Adrian Del Castillo, in just his second major league game, hit a game-winning home run off reliever Jeff Hoffman in the bottom of the ninth inning, marking his first career homer. The Diamondbacks initially took the lead in the first inning with Del Castillo's RBI single, followed by Joc Pederson's solo homer in the third, extending the lead to 2-0. Arizona's starting pitcher, Ryne Nelson, delivered an impressive performance, throwing 7 1/3 innings, allowing only three hits and two runs while striking out nine batters. Nelson retired the first 12 batters he faced and maintained a strong command throughout the game. Bryce Harper provided a spark for the Phillies in the seventh inning, hitting a solo homer to narrow the score to 2-1. The Phillies' bullpen, featuring Tanner Banks and Matt Strahm, managed to keep the Diamondbacks scoreless in the eighth, setting the stage for a potential extra-inning showdown. However, Hoffman's entrance in the ninth led to Del Castillo's decisive hit. D-backs manager Torey Lovullo expressed his excitement for Del Castillo's moment, reminiscing about the thrill of youth. In roster news, the Diamondbacks called up RHP Scott McGough while optioning RHP Slade Cecconi to Triple-A Reno. The team is set to start RHP Zac Gallen in Saturday's matchup.