The Phillies are in complete control of the NLCS. They are out to a 2-0 lead after their 10-0 win on Tuesday Night. And the news gets even better because they have a massive pitching advantage in game 3. The Diamondbacks are sending out Brandon Pfaadt, who had a 5.72 ERA. The Phillies meanwhile have Ranger Suarez on the mound.
Ranger has a sparkling 1.16 ERA across 5 playoff starts and 2 appearances out of the pen in his career. As of now, only two starters retired with a better postseason ERA, Sandy Koufax, and Christy Mathewson. We know Ranger can hold his own in the playoffs. He shut down teams like the Braves and Astros. The moment is not going to be too big for him.
Ranger surprisingly does not have a great history against the D Backs. His career ERA against them is 5.09. But a lot of the damage was done in two games. In 2019 he gave up 4 runs in 4 innings pit of the bullpen. And this season he gave up 5 runs in 5 innings in what was his third start this season back from injury. In his other 7 appearances, his ERA vs the D Backs is 3.76. And when he got a second chance vs the D Backs this season he threw 7 shutout innings.
At least so far, the Phillies have shut down this once dangerous D Backs lineup. They have scored just two runs, and their slash line is .129/.167/.194/.360. It continues a trend of this pitching staff just pitching extremely well in the playoffs. See what they did vs the Braves for further proof. Ranger Suarez will look to continue that trend on Thursday. But what are his numbers vs this D Backs lineup? Let’s take a look.