Wheels was dealing all afternoon in Philly's rubber match win on Sunday
Zack Wheeler's Complete-Game One-Hitter is an All-Time Phillies Great Performanve originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Zack Wheeler has been the undisputed ace of the Philadelphia Phillies ever since joining the squad in 2020. Yet his performance on Sunday may have trumped all of his others from the past five plus seasons.
In an absolute gem of an outing, Wheeler tossed a complete game one-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds, striking out 12 while walking none. The sole hit given up was a solo shot by Austin Hays. He lowered his ERA to 2.17 in the process, the second-lowest mark in the National League behind Paul Skenes.
And it gets even better: according to Sarah Langs of MLB.com, Wheeler is the first Phillies pitcher to put up that stat line in recorded baseball history, dating all the way back to 1900.
Zack Wheeler is the first Phillies pitcher with 12+ strikeouts, 0 walks & 1 or 0 hits allowed in a game in at least the last 125 seasons
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 6, 2025
Wheeler is 35y & 37d old
Only pitchers to do this at an older age in span: Randy Johnson, R.A. Dickey https://t.co/ZGDcETKrdz
Wheeler didn't lose a beat from a spectacular June, where his 0.58 ERA won him NL Pitcher of the Month honors. As impressive as his Pittsburgh counterpart has been again this year, the veteran is making his case to swipe the starting spot on the All-Star team for next Tuesday's game in Atlanta.
Wheeler himself spoke humbly after the game, crediting much of his success to catcher J.T. Realmuto's pitch calling.
"The first few sweepers of the game kind scared me off of it a little bit," Wheeler said. "We went to the curve ball (instead)... that's why J.T. is the best back there and why me and him do so well together. He knows what's going on. He knows what to call."
Wheeler was already at an even 100 pitches entering the final frame, and the Phillies didn't take the lead for good until the bottom of the eighth. Yet having a chance to finish off his start was never in question.
"Usually if they want you out of the game, they stop you at the bottom stairs," Wheeler said. I didn't see anybody, so I just kept going."
And eight pitches later, Wheeler finished the job to the tune of 42,000 cheering fans - an environment he compared to a playoff crowd.
"I love being here in Philly and appreciate them being loud for me."
Related: Phillies Continue to be Strongly Linked to Pair of Pirates Relievers
Related: Phillies' Rob Thomson Explains Ranger Suárez Decision, Teases Modified Pitching Plan
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Baseball
