Philadelphia Phillies Struggle in Recent Series, Face Hitting Woes
- The Philadelphia Phillies suffered a defeat against the New York Yankees, with Zack Wheeler allowing three home runs.
- Post-game, Wheeler expressed the team's need to address their current struggles and improve as the season progresses.
- This loss underscores ongoing challenges for the Phillies, which need to be resolved to salvage the rest of the season.
The Philadelphia Phillies are experiencing a challenging stretch, having lost their first game of the series for the fifth consecutive time, contributing to a disappointing 4-9 record over their last 13 games. This slump marks the largest skid in what has been a historic regular season for the team. The pivotal moment in their latest defeat came in the fifth inning when Juan Soto hit a bases-loaded double, driving in two runs and giving the Yankees a 5-2 lead. Offensively, the Phillies are struggling significantly, batting just .242 in July, ranking 22nd in Major League Baseball. Key players are underperforming, with Bryce Harper hitting .175, J.T. Realmuto at .143, and Kyle Schwarber at .232. Despite the lack of scoring, the team remains focused on the process, emphasizing the importance of hard work and perseverance during this tough phase. Since returning from the London Series in June, the Phillies have a record of 20-21, with a precarious 10-12 in July. They face a critical juncture, needing to win their final two games of the month to avoid a losing record for the first time this season. However, their strong start of 65-41 still ranks as the fourth best in franchise history. Despite the recent struggles, the Phillies are not in panic mode, maintaining a comfortable lead in the NL East, sitting 8.5 games ahead of the Atlanta Braves and nine games ahead of the New York Mets. The team remains optimistic, vowing to work through their challenges and return to winning form.