Suarez performs exceptionally well, Harper shines in the latter stages, and the Phillies showcase stellar defense to clinch the series victory.

April 17, 2024

Suarez performs exceptionally well, Harper shines in the latter stages, and the Phillies showcase stellar defense to clinch the series victory.

This spring training has certainly showcased the benefits for Ranger Suarez...

The discussions surrounding the impact of a full slate of Grapefruit League starts on the Phillies' left-handed pitcher seem to be validated early in the season. Suarez displayed dominance against the Rockies, pitching nine innings of shutout baseball in one of the most relaxed performances. This marked the National League's first shutout of the 2024 season, elevating Suarez's record to 3-0 with an impressive 1.73 ERA across four starts, all resulting in victories for the Phillies.

The rotation has emerged as the primary strength for the Phillies through six series, boasting a collective ERA of 2.69, which stands as the best in the National League.

Suarez is experiencing a quicker start to the season than ever before. In previous years, he faced visa issues during two spring trainings, participated in the World Baseball Classic, and dealt with a forearm injury last year. However, this time around, he was fully prepared for opening weekend, and the Phillies have notably benefited from his readiness.

His career-high innings total stands at 155⅔, and this season, one of his objectives is to reach between 175 and 180 innings. Only 31 pitchers across the league achieved the 175-inning mark last season, and the Phillies believe they could have as many as four pitchers accomplishing this feat. While Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola consistently reach this milestone, Suarez aims to enhance his durability, Cristopher Sanchez possesses the physique to handle a heavy workload, and Taijuan Walker, who recently completed a successful rehab start with Triple A Lehigh Valley, surpassed 170 innings just a year ago.

In the Phillies' 5-0 victory, Suarez didn't allow a runner to reach scoring position until the sixth inning. He efficiently retired the first nine batters with just 25 pitches. He capitalized on a favorable matchup against a Rockies team lacking offensive firepower, particularly from the right side.

Consistently demonstrating his prowess, Suarez adeptly fielded comebackers in multiple innings, as he typically does in each start. If he meets the criteria for the Gold Glove award this season (at least 138 innings by the first 138 games), this could be the year he secures the honor.

The Phillies showcased outstanding defensive plays in both the sixth and seventh innings. In the sixth, Bryce Harper demonstrated quick thinking after Ryan McMahon hit a soft ground ball between shortstop and third base. While McMahon reached first base safely, Alan Trejo's overrun of third base allowed Harper to swiftly tag him out in a rundown.

Then, with two outs in the seventh, Elehuris Montero hit a ball off the left field wall, but Brandon Marsh made an exceptional barehand catch and fired a perfect throw to Bryson Stott at second base, celebrating with a leap alongside center fielder Johan Rojas.

In the eighth inning, Alec Bohm's diving catch robbed Michael Toglia of potential extra bases, helping to keep Suarez's pitch count low enough for him to complete the ninth inning.

Marsh's defensive play electrified the crowd of 35,010 until Harper stepped up to the plate in the eighth inning and launched a two-run homer to right field. His blast brought in the Phillies' final three runs, following a sixth-inning double to left-center. Harper's powerful connection was evident from the crack of the bat, with both hits registering at 104 mph off his bat.

The Phillies took the lead from the first inning, courtesy of a two-run homer from J.T. Realmuto. This marked a significant improvement after they had only scored two runs in the first innings of their previous five games combined.

The Phillies aim for a series sweep on Wednesday at 6:05 p.m., with Sanchez facing off against right-hander Ryan Feltner. Feltner shut out the Phillies over 5⅔ innings last April at Citizens Bank Park but struggled in their subsequent matchup in Colorado three weeks later, failing to make it out of the second inning.

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