Yesterday's game was simply tough. Aaron Nola had a meh start once again and allowed three runs in five innings. It wasn't disastrous so I guess it is what it is. It's just not as elite as we have typically seen from Nola prior to 2025. I'm starting to think he might be washed but we shall see. There's plenty of season left and he kept the game manageable at least.
For a massive portion of the game the Phillies were down 3-0. But then in the bottom of the ninth, thanks in part to Jake Burger's massive second error of the game, the Phillies rallied to score three and tie it up! Adolis García's first hit as a Phillie was a clutch RBI double, and then Brandon Marsh hit a crucial two RBI single. This all occurred with two outs!
The excitement was relatively short lived however because Jhoan Durán wasn't able to keep the Rangers at bay as they were able to tack on two runs immediately in the 10th. Durán allowed two hits and threw an awful wild pitch in the inning.
The Phillies kept it interesting as they scored a run of their own in the bottom half of the 10th but ultimately it was just the Rangers' day. It is what it is, and I am proud of the way the guys showed some fight at least.
So it's 1-1 going into today's series finale. Jesús Luzardo gets his first start of 2026. Luzardo had a pretty good, yet somewhat streaky 2025. It was still very much a career year for him and I think he has great momentum heading into this season. I feel as if he learned a lot and is entering his prime now as he's 28 years old. He could certainly be an All-Star this year!
It should be substantially more comfortable when it comes to the weather today. Roughly in the mid 50's. Pretty ideal! Hopefully the Phils can win their first series!