Suarez not sharp again as Phillies drop first game of big series originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
MILWAUKEE — For the sixth consecutive start, Ranger Suarez was unable to pitch beyond six innings, as the Phillies suffered a 6-2 defeat to the Brewers in the opening game of the series on Monday night.
During the outstanding first half of the season, Suarez excelled, posting a 10-1 record with a 1.75 ERA across his first 15 starts; however, his recent performances have drastically declined. Since June 25, he has recorded a 5.61 ERA, having missed a month due to lower back soreness from July 27 to August 24.
On this night, he surrendered three runs, needing 104 pitches to navigate through five frames. The crucial moment came in the third inning when Jackson Chourio, the leadoff batter, walked. Subsequently, Blake Perkins singled with one out, setting up Willson Contreras, who hit a two-run double to left-center on a full count, putting the Phillies in a difficult position.
“I felt like I was battling myself tonight,” Suarez reflected. “That was the primary reason for my early exit. I threw a lot of pitches and had too many two-strike counts. I just wasn’t as effective as I’m usually capable of.”
In the fourth inning, Suarez issued a walk to Rhys Hoskins, landing him in a no-out situation with two runners in scoring position. He managed to escape by inducing a flyout, groundout, and strikeout, but the Brewers still managed to score another run.
Suarez experienced a moment of worry during this inning when he slipped while attempting to field a softly-hit groundball, causing his left foot to slip and forcing him to land on his right wrist. Nonetheless, he continued in the game and retired the last four batters he faced.
While his performance was not entirely disastrous, Suarez’s command was lacking. He issued three walks, with two of those runners scoring, and he found himself behind in the count nearly as often as he was ahead.
“He struggled to put hitters away tonight,” manager Rob Thomson observed. “He had 16 two-strike counts but only managed five strikeouts, which is a bit low for him. Credit goes to the Brewers—they had some solid at-bats against him—but those walks really hurt.”
Given his impressive showing until mid-June, Suarez may currently be positioned as the Phillies’ No. 4 starter in a potential playoff scenario. Over the past month, he has been outperformed by Cristopher Sanchez, and if the Phillies opt to start Sanchez in Game 2 of the NLDS, they would likely alternate between righties and lefties, with Aaron Nola set to pitch Game 3.
The decision on the playoff rotation is still a couple of weeks away, as Game 1 of the NLDS is scheduled for October 5.
“First and foremost, we need to secure our spot,” Suarez stated when asked about finding his rhythm before the playoffs.
Thomson has referred to Suarez’s recent outings as essentially rehabilitation starts since he did not undergo a formal rehab assignment after missing four weeks due to his back injury. Suarez disagreed with this characterization.
“No, I wouldn’t label it that,” he countered. “There’s a reason I didn’t go on a rehab assignment—I simply didn’t need it. I just think that I struggled against myself more than usual tonight.”
“I aim to execute those 0-2 and 1-2 pitches better and to finish off counts more effectively—those will be key goals for me moving forward.”
This series against the Brewers could serve as a preview of the playoffs and carries significant implications for the National League playoff landscape. The Phillies currently lead the Brewers by three games while holding the head-to-head tiebreaker, granting them a de facto four-game lead.
The Phillies are striving for the top overall seed, with a two-game margin over the Dodgers—one game plus the tiebreaker. Winning against the Brewers this week would help the Phils secure at least one of the top two playoff spots, both of which receive first-round byes.
Should the Phillies win the next two games, they would travel to New York with a six-game advantage over the Brewers.
If they lose two of three in Milwaukee, they would head to New York with just a four-game lead (three games plus the tiebreaker).
In the event they are swept at American Family Field, the Phillies would only be two games ahead of the Brewers, no longer holding the tiebreaker since the teams would be split in their six meetings this season. The next tiebreaker is divisional record, where the Brewers (30-19) have a clear edge over the Phillies (27-18).
Kyle Schwarber seemed poised to hit a home run on the game’s first pitch, but it went just foul, and he struck out looking two pitches later. Brewers right-hander Aaron Civale struck out seven batters over five innings and allowed only a solo home run to Brandon Marsh in the fifth.
The Phillies hampered their own efforts by tallying two outs in the third inning. Cal Stevenson walked but was thrown out trying to reach third base on a single by Trea Turner to right field. Turner then miscalculated Civale’s delivery and was caught stealing while trying to advance to second.
In the sixth inning, the Phillies had a promising chance for a comeback when Schwarber and Turner opened with singles, trailing by two, knocking Civale out of the game. However, the Brewers called on former Phillies lefty Hoby Milner, which resulted in Bryce Harper lining out, Nick Castellanos striking out, and Alec Bohm grounding out to the mound.
In the seventh, the Phillies put the first two batters on against Milner but only managed to score once. The Brewers’ bullpen, which boasts the lowest ERA in the National League at 3.17, limited the damage. The first two relievers the Phillies faced—Jose Alvarado and Tanner Banks—were inconsistent and yielded three runs combined.
“We had enough hits to score runs, but it just didn’t materialize,” Thomson remarked.
The Phillies will look to level the series on Tuesday night, with ace Zack Wheeler (15-6, 2.60) taking the mound against the Brewers’ Frankie Montas (7-10, 4.49).
Ranger Suarez Struggles Again as Phillies Fall to Brewers in Series Opener
Overview of the Game
In a disappointing start to their series against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Philadelphia Phillies witnessed yet another lackluster performance from pitcher Ranger Suarez. The game ended with a score of 6-3 in favor of the Brewers, marking another struggle for Suarez as he continues to grapple with consistency on the mound. The Phillies, looking to gain momentum in the National League, could not capitalize on opportunities to secure a much-needed victory.
Key Highlights from the Phillies vs. Brewers Game
- Ranger Suarez’s Struggles: Suarez allowed five runs over five innings, contributing to the team’s loss.
- Offensive Performance: The Phillies managed three runs but failed to convert key scoring chances.
- Brewers’ Dominance: The Brewers showcased a strong batting lineup, led by their star slugger, who hit a home run.
- Defensive Errors: The Phillies committed two errors, which proved costly in a tightly contested game.
Analyzing Ranger Suarez’s Performance
Ranger Suarez’s performance against the Brewers raised several concerns among fans and analysts alike. Here’s a deeper look into his struggles:
Statistical Breakdown
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Innings Pitched | 5 |
| Earned Runs | 5 |
| Strikeouts | 4 |
| Walks | 2 |
| Home Runs Allowed | 1 |
With an earned run average (ERA) that has been steadily climbing, Suarez’s inability to find his rhythm is becoming increasingly concerning. His strikeout rate, while decent, is not enough to outweigh the runs he is surrendering.
Factors Contributing to His Struggles
Several factors have been attributed to Ranger Suarez’s performance issues this season:
- Inconsistent Command: Suarez’s command of his pitches has been erratic, leading to walks and high pitch counts.
- Injury Recovery: After dealing with injuries earlier in the season, Suarez has struggled to regain his form.
- Pressure Situations: When faced with runners in scoring position, Suarez has shown a tendency to falter.
Phillies’ Offense Strikes but Fails to Deliver
While the pitching staff, particularly Suarez, struggled, the Phillies’ offense did show instances of promise:
Offensive Highlights
- Key Hits: Notable contributions came from players who managed multiple hits, keeping the pressure on Brewers’ pitchers.
- Home Run by Harper: Bryce Harper hit a home run, providing a glimmer of hope for the team.
- Opportunities Missed: The Phillies left several runners on base, failing to capitalize on opportunities to drive in runs.
Defensive Lapses Costing the Phillies
The Phillies’ defense played a crucial role in the outcome of the game, with two crucial errors that allowed the Brewers to extend their lead:
Defensive Errors Breakdown
| Error Type | Player | Consequence |
|---|---|---|
| Fielding Error | Shortstop | Allowed a run to score |
| Throwing Error | First Baseman | Extended inning, leading to additional runs |
These errors not only cost the team runs but also shifted the momentum in favor of the Brewers, demonstrating how crucial defensive play is in tightly contested games.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Phillies?
The Phillies need to regroup quickly as they prepare for the remaining games in the series against the Brewers. Here are some key areas of focus:
Practical Tips for Improvement
- Focus on Fundamentals: Players need to concentrate on fielding drills to reduce errors.
- Pitching Strategies: Coaches must work with Suarez to simplify his pitching approach, focusing on command and confidence.
- Team Meetings: Hold team meetings to boost morale and reinforce the importance of situational hitting.
Case Studies: Successful Turnarounds in MLB History
Many pitchers have faced similar struggles and managed to turn their seasons around. Here are a few notable examples:
- Chris Sale: After a rocky start in 2019, Sale made adjustments to his mechanics, leading to a strong second half.
- Clayton Kershaw: Kershaw faced injuries and inconsistency early in his career but rebounded to become one of the league’s all-time greats.
- Gerrit Cole: After a tough time in Pittsburgh, Cole refined his pitching style and found success in Houston and New York.
Conclusion: A Turning Point Ahead?
With the challenges faced by Ranger Suarez and the Philadelphia Phillies in the series opener against the Brewers, the team must focus on improvement and consistency. By addressing their pitching and defensive issues, the Phillies can turn this season around and remain competitive in their pursuit of a postseason berth.
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