​DETROIT (AP) — J.T. Realmuto delivered a pivotal three-run double in the sixth inning, and Zack Wheeler struck out 10 over six scoreless frames as the Philadelphia Phillies blanked the Detroit Tigers 5-0 on Sunday, securing the three-game series before the All-Star break. Wheeler (10-1) limited Detroit to just two hits in his first start since publicly criticizing MLB for omitting him from the All-Star Game following his previous outing.
Tarik Skubal (5-5) lasted just over five innings, surrendering two runs on four hits and a walk while fanning five. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch used Keider Montero to replace the two-time Cy Young Award winner after Bryce Harper opened the sixth with an infield single, moving Montero into the game. Realmuto then cleared the bases with a double and later scored on Bryson Stott’s single, stretching Philadelphia’s lead to 5-0.
Kyle Schwarber’s run-scoring single in the third, off Skubal with two outs and a full count, broke a scoreless deadlock and plated Realmuto, who had been hit by a pitch to start the inning.
Wheeler was dominant, stifling Detroit’s offense and keeping the Tigers from mounting any meaningful rally. His performance followed a narrative of strong late-season momentum for Philadelphia’s rotation, and the win gave the Phillies the series sweep before the break.
During the game, Philadelphia announced that Cristopher Sánchez will start for the National League in Tuesday night’s All-Star Game at the Phillies’ home ballpark. Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle, a 21-year-old rookie, earned a spot in the Midsummer Classic as well and expressed enthusiasm about participating in the event in the Philadelphia area, close to his hometown and the high school he attended before Detroit drafted him in 2023.
Phillies manager Don Mattingly indicated he wasn’t ready to reveal the team’s pitching plan for after the break at that moment. Tigers right-hander Troy Melton (5-1, 1.82) is penciled in to start against the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night.
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