Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Ranger Suárez authored a masterclass Friday night, taking a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Seattle Mariners before a single hit ended the bid. 2 scoreless frames, allowing just one hit and three walks while fanning five to secure his third win of the season. The outing marked a dominant return to form for the veteran starter, who leaned on elite command and ground-ball inducing stuff to stifle Seattle’s lineup.
The Phillies’ rotation has been a cornerstone of their early-season success, and Suárez’s start against Seattle underscored why. Seattle managed only three hits as a team, with Julio Rodríguez’s first-inning single the only blemish on Suárez’s line. The lefty induced 10 ground-ball outs, nearly double his strikeout total, showcasing the sinker-slider combo that has made him a frontline arm.
Philadelphia’s offense supplied early support, plating two runs in the first on RBI singles from Trea Turner and Alec Bohm, then tacking on three more in the second on a two-run single by Nick Castellanos. Suárez’s dominance extended beyond the box score. He attacked the strike zone with precision, working ahead in 18 of 25 plate appearances and inducing weak contact on 14 of 29 balls put in play.
The Mariners’ best chance came in the sixth when Dylan Moore and Cal Raleigh reached on walks, but Suárez escaped by inducing a flyout and a strikeout. By the time he exited after six and two-thirds, the Phillies led 5–0 and Suárez had thrown 97 pitches, a career-high for a start this season. The performance also carried deeper implications for Suárez’s role within the Phillies’ pitching hierarchy.
Entering the year, questions lingered about whether the 29-year-old lefty could reclaim his 2023 form after a rough second half. Friday’s outing—his most efficient start in years—suggests he’s not just back, but ascending. 6%) and first-pitch strike percentage (72%) were both career bests, metrics that align with the kind of dominance that wins championships.
For a team built on pitching depth, Suárez’s resurgence adds another layer of intimidation to a rotation already featuring Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Taijuan Walker. The Mariners, meanwhile, left Seattle with more than just a loss. Their offense, ranked 12th in wRC+ this season, managed just three hits against Suárez and a bullpen that followed.
Seattle’s inability to square up pitches or generate hard contact exposed vulnerabilities in a lineup that entered the series with high expectations. The game also marked the second time in three weeks that Seattle’s offense was stifled by a dominant left-handed arm, a trend that could force adjustments if it persists. The broader context of Suárez’s outing reveals a pitcher who has refined his approach in ways that defy his 2023 struggles.
His ability to elevate his fastball in counts where hitters expect a sinker has become a signature adjustment, allowing him to generate whiffs up in the zone while still inducing grounders down. 182 against him this season, a number that ranks among the best in baseball for southpaws with at least 50 innings. The Mariners’ lineup, stacked with right-handed power threats, was systematically neutralized by a pitcher who refused to give them anything to drive.
Statcast data underscores Suárez’s command of the strike zone. He threw 68% of his pitches for strikes, a mark that ranks in the 90th percentile league-wide. 5%) were both elite, meaning hitters weren’t just missing outside the zone—they were fouling off pitches in the zone or putting weak contact on them.
This level of control is what separates Suárez from the league’s average starters; it’s the difference between a pitcher who gets by on stuff and one who dictates at-bats. Reaction to the outing was swift. 50 ERA in his first two starts.
“He was sharp, he was commanding, and he gave us a chance to win,” Thomson said. Seattle manager Scott Servais praised Suárez’s ability to change eye levels with his arsenal, noting, “He kept us guessing all night. ” What’s next: Suárez is slated to face the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday in Philadelphia, a matchup that could further cement his role as the Phillies’ ace.
The rotation’s depth—featuring Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler, and Taijuan Walker—has been a season-long strength, but Suárez’s Friday performance suggests he’s rounding into top form just as the schedule tightens. With the trade deadline approaching, every start like this one becomes a statement—not just for Suárez’s ERA, but for the Phillies’ championship aspirations. Read at ClearSports
Why this matters
A near no-hitter is more than a statistical footnote; it’s a statement of dominance that can shift momentum for both pitcher and team. For Suárez, it’s a reminder of the elite level he’s capable of reaching, one that Philadelphia’s contending roster desperately needs. The Phillies’ rotation has been a strength all season, but Suárez’s Friday outing—his most efficient start in years—signals a potential leap back into Cy Young contention. With the trade deadline looming and the division race tightening, Suárez’s resurgence isn’t just good for his ERA; it’s a weapon in a pennant push. His ground-ball metrics and strike-zone dominance suggest this wasn’t a fluke, but a return to the form that made him a frontline starter in the first place. The tactical refinements Suárez displayed Friday—particularly his elevated fastball—could redefine his ceiling, making him a nightmare matchup for left-handed-heavy lineups across the league.
Frequently asked
How close did Ranger Suárez get to a no-hitter Friday?
Suárez carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning before Julio Rodríguez singled to lead off the frame, ending the bid. He finished with 6.2 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit and three walks.
What was Suárez’s pitch count and strikeout total in the game?
Suárez threw 97 pitches over 6.2 innings and struck out five Mariners, including key punchouts in high-leverage spots.
How did the Phillies’ offense support Suárez’s outing?
Philadelphia scored early and often, plating two runs in the first on Trea Turner and Alec Bohm’s RBI singles, then adding three more in the second on Nick Castellanos’ two-run single.
What did Phillies manager Rob Thomson say about Suárez’s start?
Thomson called it “another step in the right direction” for Suárez, who entered the game with a 4.50 ERA in his first two starts and needed a bounce-back performance.
Who is Suárez scheduled to pitch against next?
Suárez is set to face the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday in Philadelphia, a critical matchup as the Phillies’ rotation looks to maintain its early-season dominance.
What were Suárez’s career-best metrics in this start?
Suárez posted a 58.6% ground-ball rate and a 72% first-pitch strike percentage, both career bests, underscoring his sharp command and ability to induce weak contact.
