Jesús Luzardo dazzles in Game 1 against Dodgers
The Philadelphia Phillies entrusted Jesús Luzardo with the pivotal Game 1 of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citizens Bank Park. The left-hander’s ascension from a secondary option to an October ace is a testament to his remarkable season.
Luzardo’s Impressive Season
In his inaugural year with the Phillies, Luzardo compiled a 15-7 record alongside a 3.92 ERA, solidifying his position as a crucial component of the rotation. His impressive 216 strikeouts tied him for the fourth most in Major League Baseball, underscoring his transformation from a depth acquisition to a bona fide weapon on the mound.
Luzardo’s dominance was evident throughout the season. He began with a stellar 5-0 record, posting an impressive 1.95 ERA in his first ten starts. His fastball, which reached speeds of 98 mph, coupled with a deceptive changeup, consistently left hitters off balance. Although he encountered a challenging stretch in early June, where he allowed 20 runs over two starts, Luzardo bounced back, proving to be one of the most dependable arms in the Phillies’ rotation. If those two outings are excluded, his ERA for the remaining 30 starts drops to an impressive 3.03, highlighting his consistency from April through September.
Setting the Stage for Game 1
Heading into the postseason, Phillies manager Rob Thomson expressed confidence in Luzardo’s ability to handle high-pressure situations, particularly against a right-handed heavy Dodgers lineup. Luzardo had previously faced Los Angeles late in the regular season, delivering a masterclass performance that saw him strike out 12 batters while allowing only two hits over seven scoreless innings.
With ace Zack Wheeler sidelined due to thoracic outlet surgery, the Phillies turned to Luzardo to establish the series’ tone. His pinpoint command, ability to generate strikeouts, and composure under pressure made him the ideal choice to open the NLDS.
For fans curious about who would take the mound for Philadelphia in this critical opener, the answer was clear: Jesús Luzardo, the 26-year-old lefty, had been pitching like a postseason regular all season long.
