Ranger Suárez throws incredible game, still loses
Ranger Suárez’s incredible start to the season just keeps getting better.
Facing an all righty Astros lineup, Phillies lefty took a no-hit bid into the sixth, made two excellent plays on balls hit right back to the mound, but came up short in a 1-0 pitcher’s duel against fellow crafty southpaw Framber Valdez.
Suárez allowed a solo home run to Cooper Hummel in the bottom of the eighth that broke the tie, and led to Suárez walking off the mound as the losing pitcher. His season ERA is down to 2.08. His 7 2/3 innings pitched is his longest outing since April 27, 2024, when he allowed one earned run over eight innings against the Padres. Orion Kerkering allowed a double to Jeremy Peña, but struck out Isaac Paredes to end the inning in relief of Suárez.
The bats just could not provide Suárez with the run support he needed. Phillies hitters were aggressive against Valdez. They swung and missed at only three of his pitches, but made eight outs while swinging at the first pitch across nine innings. They finished the night 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
Houston closer Josh Hader remained perfect in save opportunities on the season, recording his 20th save in 20 opportunities.
With the Mets dropping the second of four against the Braves, the Phillies missed an opportunity to increase their lead in the NL East to 2.5 games.
It’s the first time the Phillies have been shut out since May 9.