Zack Wheeler Dominates NLCS Game 1 with Aggressive Fastballs
PHILADELPHIA — In a showdown between two pitchers named Zack (or Zac), it was Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies who emerged victorious in Game 1 of the NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Both pitchers relied on their trademark fastballs, but it was Wheeler who executed his pitches with precision, leading the Phillies to a 5-3 win.
Wheeler and his counterpart, Zac Gallen, are both considered aces and Cy Young contenders. According to Statcast, their four-seam fastballs were among the most valuable in MLB in 2023. But it was Wheeler who came out on top, stifling the Diamondbacks’ hitters with his aggressive approach.
The Phillies wasted no time attacking Gallen in the bottom of the first inning. Kyle Schwarber belted a 92 mph fastball for a home run, followed by Bryce Harper hitting another fastball over the wall. The quick offensive burst turned the game into a slugfest, leaving Gallen unable to counter the Phillies’ aggressive hitting.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged that the Phillies were prepared to pounce on Gallen’s fastball. Gallen, known for getting ahead in the count, struggled when falling behind against the Phillies’ powerful lineup.
The Phillies, however, insisted that their approach was not specifically targeting Gallen’s fastball. They aimed to stay out of deep counts and capitalize on any pitching mistakes. Their strategy paid off, with Nick Castellanos also homering off Gallen’s pitch in the zone.
While attacking hitters in the strike zone may seem risky, it proved to be a dominant strategy for Wheeler. Drawing inspiration from veteran pitchers like Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, Wheeler emphasized the importance of being the aggressor and trusting his stuff.
Wheeler showcased his dominance by retiring 15 straight Diamondbacks hitters after giving up an early single. His superior location and velocity, combined with his aggressive mindset, kept the Diamondbacks hitters off-balance throughout the game.
With an average fastball velocity of 95.6 mph compared to Gallen’s 93.6 mph, Wheeler had more margin for error. His superior heat and command allowed him to induce a staggering 41% whiff rate on his four-seam fastball.
The Diamondbacks struggled to break through against Wheeler, managing only two runs off him in six innings. Despite the Diamondbacks’ resilience in previous playoff series, they were no match for Wheeler’s formidable fastball.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo acknowledged Wheeler’s dominance, stating that the Phillies pitcher beat them with his best pitch. Wheeler’s aggressive style and commanding performance established him as one of the game’s elite pitchers.
The Phillies’ victory in Game 1 was a testament to the power of aggressive pitching and timely hitting. As the series continues, the Diamondbacks will need to find a way to counter Wheeler’s dominance if they hope to advance to the World Series.