Suarez takes the mound as Phillies welcome World Series champs to Philadelphia

The Phillies have stormed into the season with a stellar 34-14 record, matching the franchise's historic best starts set by the legendary 1993 and 1976 teams. Despite facing a relatively softer schedule, with just three out of 48 games against winning teams, they have capitalized on every opportunity.

 

It's not just about winning against weaker opponents; they've left no doubt, boasting an impressive plus-80 run differential, trailing only the Dodgers' plus-85. 

 

As the reigning world champion Rangers head to Philadelphia for a series starting Tuesday, their .500 record (24-24) underlines the Phillies' relatively favorable schedule thus far. 

 

Having encountered only one winning team (the Braves) as of May 20, the Phillies won't face another until their showdown with the Brewers in June. 

 

While there's confidence that the Phillies won't see their impressive start completely unravel, the upcoming challenges in June against the likes of the Yankees and Orioles will provide a litmus test. These series will offer a clearer gauge of the Phillies' true caliber and their potential for sustained success.

 

Ranger Suarez (8-0, 1.37) will be on the bump tonight for the Phillies. The Rangers counter with veteran Jon Gray (2-1, 2.08).

 

Did You Know?

Only four teams in MLB have had a start of 34-14 or better this century: Tampa Bay Rays (34-14, 2023), Chicago Cubs (34-14, 2016), Detroit Tigers (34-14, 2006) and the Seattle Mariners (36-12, 2001). 

 

Leading Off

Kyle Schwarber has walked seven times in his last two games, marking the first time in his career he's achieved this feat over such a short span. Schwarber is now the fourth Phillie in the Modern Era to walk at least seven times in two consecutive games, joining Bill White (7 walks, May 3-4, 1968), Richie Ashburn (7 walks, July 16, 1954, games 1 and 2), and Don Hurst (8 walks, July 3 game 2-July 4, 1928). Additionally, he becomes only the second player since last season, alongside Shohei Ohtani (July 19-21, 2023), to record seven walks in a two-game span.

 

About the Rangers

The Rangers lost to the Angels on Sunday and come to Philadelphia having lost 15 of their last 28 games. The club enters Monday with the 30th-ranked bullpen ERA at 5.08. The club has also struggled as of late at the plate, posting just a .317 on-base percentage this month along with a .359 slugging percentage.

 

“We don’t feel pressure,” manager Bruce Bochy told reporters on Sunday. “Not this team with what we’ve been through over the last year. You’re right, we’re not playing our best baseball right now, but they've been resilient for over a year now. They've shown it this year with all of that we've gone through and so we'll go in there and give it our best. That’s all you can do.”