Phillies End Losing Streak in 4-3 Walk-Off Win Over Chicago
Jun 9, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh (16) celebrates with teammates after hitting an RBI single against the Chicago Cubs in the eleventh inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
After a road trip in Toronto and Pittsburgh on the road handed the Philadelphia Phillies a five-game losing streak, the Phillies came home to an impatient crowd of 41,226 fans. However, the fans left Citizens Bank Park with optimism of a hard-fought win over the Chicago Cubs that was settled after 11 innings of baseball.
Though the Phillies out-hit the Cubs 16 to 5, it was no easy victory by any means. The Phillies were unable to hold a 2-1 lead late, but they were able to stay with the Cubs and limit them to only a run in the 11th. This ability to stay in the game was the main reason that both teams took the series opener to extras.
Not only was defense a huge factor for the Phillies, but the small ball that came late, led to the walk-off, played a huge role for the Phillies. Back-to-back bunt base hits with perfect angles in the perfect situation from Bryson Stott and rookie Otto Kemp loaded up the bases with zero outs and the winning run 90 feet away.
Wheelin’ and Dealin’
It’s a surprise to no one that the birth of a child is a moment that deserves a leave, but it is also no surprise that Zack Wheeler, who had spent almost a week on the paternity list, was missed greatly by Philadelphia fans during the Phillies’ time of despair.
However, fans can now breathe, as Wheeler certainly did not disappoint in his return from leave. Wheeler went six full innings while only allowing three hits and one run for his 10th quality start of the year. On top of that, Wheeler displayed his All-Star command as he gave up only one walk to the Cubs.
Most notably, Wheeler, after his seventh strikeout, had recorded his 1,000th strikeout in a Phillies uniform, becoming the 10th pitcher to cross that feat in franchise history. Wheeler is the fastest in team history to reach 1,000 strikeouts as a Phillie.
Although Wheeler did not get a decision in tonight’s win, his performance made an impact that led to Phillies back in the win column.
Kemp Debuts in Philadelphia
With the absence of Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper, rookie Kemp was called up with the plan to temporarily move Alec Bohm to first to make room at third for Kemp.
Kemp had a rough road trip, as he did not record a hit in five at-bats in the series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In a time of need, the Phillies did not make a switch regarding Kemp, which turned out to help the Phillies greatly, as he was a big reason for the win tonight.
Kemp’s first hit in the Major League was an important one, as a failed pick-off move got him in scoring position, leading to the Phillies’ first run to be scored.
With a second hit in between, a third hit from the rookie played huge come the bottom of the 11th inning, as his base hit bunt put the winning run in J.T. Realmuto, the winning run, on third base with still nobody out.
With Kemp’s average now up to .300, he is surely looking to do more damage for the Phillies, especially with Harper on the injured list.
Marsh Come Through
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the 11th, Brandon Marsh, who had already had a hit in tonight’s game, was looking to end the game with his bat. Marsh did exactly that, as a base hit over Pete Crow-Armstrong‘s head sealed the deal for the Phillies.
With a big moment for Marsh, the Phillies were able to climb out of their slump in a very important victory in game one of a three-game series.
Game two against the Cubs takes place tomorrow at 6:45 with Mick Abel looking to continue his dominant start in the Majors.
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Luke Raidy
Luke has covering the the Flyers and Phillies for Philly Sports Reports since 2025. He is a junior at North Penn and being a huge Philly sports fan has brought so many experiences, such as going to the NLDS, NLCS, and even the World Series in 2022. He has also met former superstars in the city of Philadelphia, such as Wayne Simmonds from the Flyers. Though being a student-athlete, Luke enjoys his time where he is writing and reporting on Philadelphia sports.
