"Wheels threw the crap out of it" - Bryce Harper highlights Zack Wheeler's strong outing after walk-off heroics against Astros

Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies made it three wins in three on Monday after edging past the Houston Astros in their first meeting of the season at Citizens Bank Park. Harper was the hero for the Phillies as he registered a walk-off single off All-Star closer Josh Hader in the 10th inning to secure a hard-fought 3-2 win.

But while Bryce Harper was the man of the moment after his walk-off hit, the former MVP hailed the whole team after the game. He also singled out veteran ace Zack Wheeler for his solid display.

"It's a great win right there," Harper said per NBC Sports Philadelphia. "Really good team over there and obviously wanted to start this week off good. Wheels threw the crap out of it, the bullpen did their job. Just a really good, hard-fought win right there."

Wheeler went six strong innings from the mound, conceding two runs over six hits and striking out six hitters. Although the Phillies' bullpen shut out the Astros' offense, there were a few nervy moments, especially in the 10th when Yainer Diaz almost drove in a run for the Astros. However, outfielder Johan Rojas' athletic catch bailed out Matt Strahm to secure a scoreless inning.

“He got a pretty good jump, and he closes on it as good as anybody,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “A lot of guys don’t make that catch.”

Zack Wheeler hopes game-winning hit proves a catalyst for Bryce Harper's slugging form

Although Bryce Harper came in clutch for the Phillies on Monday, the two-time NL MVP has been in a slump since the All-Star break. Harper had been hitting .156 in his last eight games heading into the series opener, a cause of concern for the Phillies staff.

Wheeler complimented the eight-time All-Star on his heroics and hoped it would help the Phillies fan-favorite turn his season around with October baseball looming large for the NL East leaders.

"I don't think he gets down on himself too much," Zack Wheeler said. "I'm sure it's pretty hard when you're that good and you expect that much out of yourself. Hopefully that starts something for him and he can continue off that."

The come-from-behind win kept the Phillies' six-game lead over division rivals Atlanta Braves intact. Philadelphia is just one game behind top-seed Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in the NL.