The Philadelphia Phillies pulled out all the stops in trying to win Game 7 of the NLCS.
In a win-or-go-home game, everyone is available to pitch.
That was the case with Phillies ace Zack Wheeler.
He last started in Game 5 on Saturday night in what was another dominant outing.
But, the Phillies asked him to do something he was not familiar with in Game 7.
Wheeler came out of the bullpen to throw 1.2 scoreless innings.
Even in a role he was not familiar with, he helped keep the Phillies in the game.
According to Sarah Langs, Wheeler had eight career relief appearances entering Game 7.
All of those appearances came in 2010 when Wheeler was with Single-A Augusta.
entering today, Zack Wheeler has 8 career relief appearances as a professional, all for Single-A Augusta in his 1st professional season in 2010 as a 20-year-old
the most recent of those was 8/7/10, a game where he faced a 19-year-old Nolan Arenado
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 25, 2023
Coming out of the bullpen for someone who is not used to it can be very difficult.
The time you have to get ready to pitch is far shorter.
But, Wheeler was not bothered by coming out of the bullpen or pitching in Game 7.
This NLCS will be remembered by Phillies fans as one they let get away.
Heading home up 3-2 in the series is one they have to win.
But, the Phillies’ bats went cold over the final two games as they only scored three runs.
Even if the highly-paid hitters did not show up the Phillies should be proud of what Wheeler gave them.
He has proven himself to be a dominant postseason pitcher and that will be vital for many years to come.
Many big-money pitchers are great during the regular season but shrink in the playoffs.
The Phillies do not have to worry about that with Wheeler.
The post Zack Wheeler Had A Rare Appearance In Game 7 appeared first on The Cold Wire.