Zack Wheeler throws 1-hitter for first complete game since 2021, leading Phillies past Reds

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Zack Wheeler threw a one-hitter for his first complete game since 2021 in the Philadelphia Phillies' 3-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

Wheeler (9-2) — the National League’s pitcher of the month in June — allowed only a leadoff homer to Austin Hays in the fifth inning. The right-hander struck out 12 and didn't walk a batter, throwing 108 pitches.

Since Wheeler returned from paternity leave June 9, he has allowed only three earned runs in 40 innings.

Wheeler has five career complete games, three in 2021. There have been 20 complete games in the majors this season.

Kyle Schwarber tied it in the fifth with a two-out RBI double, and Bryson Stott gave the Phillies the lead in the eighth with a two-run homer off Tony Santillan (1-2).

After Wheeler struck out Stephenson on his 100th pitch to end the eighth, J.T. Realmuto singled with one out. Stott followed with his sixth homer of the season, turning on a center-cut fastball by Santillan.

According to Baseball-Reference and veteran stat man Bob Vetrone Jr., Wheeler became only the third Phillies pitcher since 1901 to allow a home run as his only baserunner while pitching eight-plus innings. He joined Robin Roberts on May 13, 1954, and Curt Schilling on Sept. 9, 1992.

Reds: Cincinnati returns home Monday night to begin a four-game set against Miami. RHP Brady Singer (7-6, 4.36) will get the start for the Reds. Miami will start RHP Janson Junk (2-1, 3.62).

Phillies: Begin a week-long California trip Monday night in San Francisco. LHP Cristopher Sanchez (7-2, 2.68 ERA) will start.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Philadelphia Phillies' Bryson Stott, right, scores on his two-run home run as Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson, left, looks down during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Tony Santillan, left, reacts as Philadelphia Phillies' Bryson Stott, right, rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies' Bryson Stott watches his two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Zack Wheeler delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Oswin Appollis fired South Africa into the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Zimbabwe, while Egypt star Mohamed Salah got a rest.

The Bafana Bafana progressed in second place in Group B, behind already-qualified Egypt, which drew 0-0 with Angola in Agadir. Both final group games were played at the same time.

With his team already through, Egypt coach Hossam Hassan rested his regulars including Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Trézéguet. They’re set to return for the Pharaohs’ first knockout game, also in Agadir, against a third-place finisher from Groups A, C or D on Jan. 5.

South Africa needed a win in Marrakech to be sure of progress without relying on a favor from Egypt. But Zimbabwe twice came from behind and pushed for an equalizer late on.

Tshepang Moremi gave South Africa an early lead thanks to a deflection from Zimbabwe defender Divine Lunga taking it over the helpless goalkeeper.

Tawanda Maswanhise replied in the 19th with a brilliant individual goal, leaving defenders in his wake before firing the ball into the bottom corner.

Lyle Foster headed South Africa’s second early in the second half after a mix-up between Lunga and goalkeeper Washington Arubi.

An own-goal from Aubrey Modiba drew the Warriors level again in the 73rd to set up an exciting finale.

But they weren’t expecting Marvelous Nakamba to concede a penalty for handball instead of heading it, and Appollis duly converted the penalty in the 82nd.

South Africa awaits results in Group F as it will play the second-placed finisher from that group – Ivory Coast, Cameroon or Mozambique – on Sunday.

Later Sunday, host nation Morocco played Zambia in Group A, and Mali faced Comoros.

The Morocco players were cheered when they took their first walk out on the field before the game. Team captain Achraf Hakimi appealed for supporters to stop whistling the team on Sunday. He’s expected to play after recovering from an ankle injury.

AP at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations

Angola's Beni Mukendi and Egypt's Mahmoud Saber compete for the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations group B soccer match between Angola and Egypt in Agadir, Morocco, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Egypt's head coach Hossam Hassan during the Africa Cup of Nations group B soccer match between Angola and Egypt in Agadir, Morocco, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Angola's Gelson Dala, right, controls the ball past Egypt's Ahmed Zizo during the Africa Cup of Nations group B soccer match between Angola and Egypt in Agadir, Morocco, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Angola's Gelson Dala, right, kicks the ball during the Africa Cup of Nations group B soccer match between Angola and Egypt in Agadir, Morocco, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)

Egypt's Mohamed Salah, center, smiles as he sits on the bench ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations group B soccer match between Angola and Egypt in Agadir, Morocco, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Mosa'ab Elshamy)