SAN DIEGO – After a rough 2023 campaign that saw him post a 4.18 ERA in 125.0 innings of work, Ranger Suarez has flipped the script notching his fifth win of the season on Saturday night. Not only did he secure the victory but he also gained a spot in the Phillies record books next to some familiar names.
New Season, New Suarez
When you think of a solid No. 3 starter in MLB, Suarez may not be the first player that initially comes to mind but it’s time we started including him in the conversation. He’s not only kept his ERA below 1.50 but strung together 32 consecutive scoreless innings which was snapped by a solo home run in the eighth frame of Saturday’s matchup. Suarez would finish the frame and was subsequently replaced by reliever Jeff Hoffman to close it out.
Once the inning concluded, Nick Castellanos jogged over and gave Suarez a solid pat on the chest while joking about the southpaw staying in to finish the game. Suarez’s response? “No way, let’s give an inning to the bullpen”. Nothing less would be expected of Suarez as he remains one of the most humble up-and-comers in this league.
Suarez also didn’t need another complete game as he posted one a couple of weeks prior on April 16th. Personal accolades have never been the focus of his career as Rob Thomson stated that Suarez may not have even known he had a scoreless streak to begin with. When you have a player who isn’t fazed by much and focuses on how he can help his team rather than himself, you’ve got a future All-Star in the making.
Suarez joined the club of only seven players in Phillies history to pitch 30+ scoreless innings or more. His name will now be alongside Cliff Lee (who did it twice), Ken Heintzelman, Larry Andersen, and Hall of Famers Grover Cleveland Alexander (twice), Steve Carlton, and Robin Roberts. Quite the elite group to be associated with when all is said and done.
Looking Ahead For The Phillies
The Phils are currently finishing up their final game against San Diego and are looking to sweep the SoCal natives. Taijuan Walker made his first start of the season since hitting the IL in February and posted a lackluster line before being pulled in the sixth. The newbie Yunior Marte is holding down the fort right now as they head into the final frame of action.
Next up for the Phightins, a series with the Los Angeles Angels and All-Star Mike Trout. First pitch is scheduled for tomorrow night at 9:38 PM EDT. Christopher Sanchez (1-3, 2.96 ERA) will be toeing the rubber for Philly opposite Griffin Canning (1-3, 7.50 ERA) for the Halos.
Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
