Game 2 - W is for Wheeler

Zach Wheeler swears he wasn't nervous before his first regular SOM start of the season for the Phillies. He didn't pitch like it either.

Wheeler held the Marlins to just one run over six innings and Bryce Harper continued his hot start as the Phils defeated the Marlins 3-1 on Friday for their first win of the season.

"I'd have been more nervous making my first start in Philly," Wheeler admitted. "Christ, with all the money I'm making, those fans would skin me alive if I pitched shitty."

Wheeler gave up eight hits in his first start, while striking out seven and walking two. Manager Joe Girardi liked what he saw. "Billy the Marlin tripped and got his snout or nose or whatever the hell it is stuck in the grass and it took forever to pull him out," the manager said, referring to a 12-minute delay involving Miami's mascot in the fourth inning. "Oh, the game? But Wheeler was good. Too many hits, but we scored more runs."

Harper and new shortstop Didi Gregorius provided all the offense Wheeler needed. Harper hit a run-scoring double and added two singles. He's hitting .714 so far this season and should have no problem at all keeping up that pace. Gregorius knocked Harper in twice with a pair on singles.

Catcher JT Realmuto continues to struggle as a leadoff hitter, going hitless in four plate appearances with a walk. Rhys Hoskins is still looking for his first hit and struck out for the third time in seven at-bats so far. Oof.

In other NL East action, the Braves beat the Diamondback 3-1, leaving the Phils a game back in the standings.