PHILADELPHIA — Since being swept by the New York Mets on April 23rd, the Philadelphia Phillies have turned their season around.
Four straight series wins have launched the Phillies back towards their winning ways. Clean and fundamental baseball is being played by the boys in red, and it helps that their power is starting to take form.
After winning the first 2 games of their series with the Tampa Bay Rays, things looked bleak in the 7th inning. A 5-1 deficit could have wrapped their first-ever regular season trip to George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Instead, a 6-run surge in the 8th, 9th, and 10th helped carry the Phillies to their second sweep of the season.
Jesús Luzardo
Entering Thursday’s ballgame, Jesús Luzardo carried a 3-0 record with a 1.94 earned run average in his 7 starts this season. Luzardo has statistically been one of the best pitchers in all of baseball in 2025. He was trying to improve to 4-0 on the year and help the Phillies earn their second sweep of the season.
In the bottom of the first inning, Luzardo would be introduced to Junior Caminaro. The young Rays’ outfielder would put a ball into the outfield concourse, as the Rays at that point would tie the ballgame at 1-1.
After the home run in the first, the Phillies’ starter would get to work. Forcing 13 swings and misses, Luzardo would punch out 4 batters in the ballgame. He did not have his best stuff, but made the most of it on Thursday night. His 4 strikeouts tied his season low, but he was able to get out of jams via soft contact.
After another run scored in the third, the lefty settled in. In the 6th, he would allow the two batters to reach before exiting. Carlos Hernandez came into the ball game and notched 2 strikeouts, ending Luzardo’s line for the evening. He finished with 5.1 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, and 1 HR. He would not fare in the game’s decision.
Phillies Rally Late
In their recent winning surge, the Phillies’ offense has battled to the bitter end.
On Thursday night, the club jumped out to an early first-inning lead thanks to a Bryce Harper sacrifice fly. That was their only run until the 8th inning. The Rays tied the game in the first and then took the lead in the bottom half of the third. A 3-run home run from Yandy Diaz gave the club a 5-1 lead in the bottom of the 7th. Instead of counting themselves out and getting ready for a flight, the Phillies got ready for a fight.
With 2-outs and a runner at first base, Brandon Marsh had a chance to make an impact in the top of the 8th. Facing Edwin Uceta, Marsh would single on a line drive to left field. Now with 2 runners on, Bryson Stott would step to the plate.
The Phillies’ second baseman crushed a ball deep to right field, cutting the deficit to 1 and bringing the score to 5-4 Tampa. The Phillies were right back in the mix. A Trea Turner double stayed in the ballpark by just a couple of inches, giving the team a chance to tie in the same inning. Unfortunely, it was not enough, but they still had time.
To lead off the 9th, Kyle Schwarber would single to right field. This extended his on-base streak to 44 consecutive games dating back to last season. He would be lifted for a pinch runner in Johan Rojas. The speed of Rojas gave the club a mental advantage, as it was clear that Rays’ closer Pete Fairbanks had his mind on the runner. Fairbanks tried to pick off the Phillies’ outfielder, but sailed a ball into right field. This allowed Rojas to reach third base.
This led to an incredible 9-pitch walk by Nick Castellanos, putting 2 men on base. The next batter was Max Kepler, who’s infield single was enough to drive home Rojas, tying the game at 5. The team failed to take a lead in the 9th, but gave their bullpen a chance to send the ballgame into extra innings.
Jose Alvarado entered and allowed a lead-off single to start the frame. A classic strike ’em out, throw ’em out between Alvarado, J.T. Realmuto, and Bryson Stott quickly got the team’s closer out of a jam. The next batter would pop up to third base, sending the game into the 10th.
Extra Innings Excitement
In the top of the 10th inning, Brandon Marsh would make another statement. A lead-off double would score Edmundo Soso, who pinch ran for Alec Bohm, making it 6-5 Phillies. Marsh now has 5 hits in 5 games since returning from the Injured List.
The Phillies were not done, however. Bryson Stott executed a perfect sacrifice bunt, moving Marsh to third base with less than 2-outs. Trea Turner would drive home the Phillies’ left fielder, making it 7-5.
Matt Strahm would close out the game in the bottom half of the 10th. He allowed the ghost runner to score from second base, but retired the Rays before things could get interesting. This was Strahm’s second save of the season, and Jose Alvarado would earn his 4th win.
The Phillies (22-15) head to Cleveland to face the Guardians for the weekend series. Aaron Nola will take the ball on Friday night and be opposed by Gavin Williams (2-2, 5.06 ERA)
Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
