Wheeler strikes out 6, Phillies top Nationals 4

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Zack Wheeler bailed out a stretched-out bullpen and struck out six over 7 1/3 innings, and the Philadelphia Phillies continued their scorching start with a 4-2 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday night.

The Phillies needed just 2 hours, 15 minutes in front of another jam-packed crowd of 44,507 to improve to 32-14, the best record in baseball.

The Phillies won the opener for the 13th time in the last 14 series, setting an early tone for success, even as they went hitless in this one after the third inning.

“Our pitching’s been carrying us and they set the tone for us,” left fielder Brandon Marsh said. “As of late, we only need to get them a couple (runs) and they get the job done.”

Wheeler (5-3) received a rousing standing ovation when he was lifted with one out in the eighth inning. He allowed two runs and threw 104 pitches to win his fifth straight decision. Wheeler improbably went 0-3 over his first four starts — and the Phillies lost all four games — before he resumed his spot as one of the best pitchers in baseball.