Wheeler's Poor Start Ends Phillies' Win Streak

Zack Wheeler delivered a historically poor performance on Monday night, allowing eight earned runs and four home runs as the Philadelphia Phillies lost 9-2 to the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. The defeat snapped the Phillies' nine-game winning streak and marked a continuation of the ace's recent struggles.

Wheeler, 36, was removed after four-plus innings, having surrendered nine hits and five walks. The right-hander tied his career high for earned runs allowed in a start and set a franchise record by becoming the first pitcher in Phillies history to allow at least four home runs while issuing five or more walks in a single game. The Mariners jumped on him early, scoring five runs in the first inning after the Phillies had taken a 1-0 lead.

Manager Don Mattingly described Wheeler's outing as "uncharacteristic," noting that while his "stuff still seems good," his command was the primary issue. "His misses were big, and then more pitches in the heart of the plate," catcher J.T. Realmuto observed. Wheeler walked the leadoff batter in the first inning and immediately gave up a three-run homer to Julio Rodríguez. He later allowed a two-run shot to Cal Raleigh, who would hit two...