Realmuto’s 3-run double and Wheeler’s strong pitching help Phillies beat Tigers 5-0 to win series

By: Larry Lage, The Associated Press Posted: 3:33 PM CDT Sunday, Jul. 12, 2026

DETROIT (AP) — J.T. Realmuto hit a three-run double in the sixth inning and Zack Wheeler struck out 10 in six scoreless innings, helping the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Detroit Tigers 5-0 on Sunday to win their three-game series before the All-Star break.

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Wheeler (10-1) allowed just two hits in his first start since he was critical of Major League Baseball’s decision to exclude him from the Midsummer Classic following his previous outing.

Tarik Skubal (5-5) gave up two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out five in five-plus innings.

Philadelphia Phillies' J.T. Realmuto celebrates after scoring against the Detroit Tigers during the third inning Sunday, July 12, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch replaced the two-time Cy Young Award winner after Bryce Harper led off the sixth inning with an infield single and put Keider Montero on the mound. Realmuto later cleared the bases with a double and scored on Bryson Stott’s single, pushing Philadelphia’s lead to 5-0.

Kyle Schwarber hit a full-count, two-out RBI single off Skubal to break a scoreless tie in the third and scored Realmuto, who was hit by a pitch to start the inning.

Wheeler, meanwhile, didn’t let Detroit generate much offense.

During the game, the Phillies announced Cristopher Sánchez will start for the National League on Tuesday night in the All-Star Game in his home ballpark.

Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle, a 21-year-old rookie, also earned a spot in the Midsummer Classic in Philadelphia and said he’s looking forward to the experience near his hometown and the high school he attended before Detroit drafted in 2023.