Jesús Luzardo Shines Despite Phillies’ Game 2 Defeat: Team Falls Short of Supporting His Performance
Epic Performance by Jesús Luzardo: Phillies Fall Short in NLDS Game Against Dodgers
Jesús Luzardo Shines Despite Inconsistent Season
Jesús Luzardo’s 2025 regular season had its ups and downs. The left-handed pitcher displayed stretches of dominance, boasting a 2.15 ERA with 77 strikeouts against just 19 walks in his first 11 starts, averaging seven innings per game. However, his performance fluctuated, culminating in a challenging 12th start where he allowed 12 earned runs, followed by eight in Toronto. Despite attempts to address pitch-tipping, consistency eluded Luzardo.
Luzardo vs. Dodgers: A Stellar NLDS Game 2 Performance
In Game 2 of the National League Division Series, Luzardo went head-to-head with Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell. Luzardo’s early struggles included a 24-pitch first inning with a single and a walk, but he rebounded magnificently, retiring 17 consecutive batters. His impressive command shone, allowing just one hit and one walk through six innings and recording five strikeouts.
Masterful Pitching Strategy Keeps L.A. Bats Guessing
Luzardo’s pitching tactics, developed in tandem with catcher J.T. Realmuto, excelled in keeping the Dodgers’ hitters off balance. “We were just getting ahead,” said Luzardo. “Filling up the zone and using a good mix of off-speed pitches and the fastball kept them guessing.” However, a seventh-inning hiccup saw back-to-back hits, signaling the end of Luzardo’s night at 82 pitches.
Phillies’ Offensive Struggles Overshadow Luzardo’s Brilliance
Despite Luzardo’s robust efforts, the Phillies’ offense failed to capitalize. Blake Snell matched Luzardo’s excellence, holding the Phillies to one hit through six innings. Although Snell allowed four walks, Philadelphia couldn’t seize the opportunities. Their best chance occurred in the sixth inning, but they failed to convert, leaving Luzardo’s performance unsupported.
High Praise for Luzardo: Player and Manager Reactions
Manager Rob Thomson praised Luzardo’s tenacity, saying, “Dynamite — attacking and in control with a lively fastball and solid slider.” Teammates like Bryce Harper and Brandon Marsh recognized Luzardo’s—often unsung—outstanding contributions. “I thought he threw great,” Harper noted. With an eye on the future, Marsh added, “Just got to regroup and get ready to go in L.A.”
Upcoming Battles: Phillies Face Elimination in L.A.
The Phillies, now facing potential elimination, are determined to win two consecutive games in Los Angeles, potentially bringing the series back to Philadelphia for a Game 5 with Luzardo on the mound. The team remains focused on one game at a time, hoping the Luzardo from Monday night makes a decisive return.
