Ranger Suárez: the Phillies’ Venezuelan sensation who boasts a perfect record

Philadelphia Phillies’ Venezuelan pitcher Ranger Suárez is having an extraordinary season. So much so that he has captured the attention of many hundreds of fans who have seen how he has emerged as a challenging contender for the Cy Young Award.

With a staggering 1.36 ERA in 66 innings, Suárez has a perfect 9-0 record, displaying unwavering dominance in every start. The 2024 Ranger Suárez is outperforming his 2021 figures, when he finished among the baseball elite by closing the campaign with an ERA of 1.36, although his record was 12-13.

On Tuesday night against the Texas Rangers, the left-hander struck out outfielder Leody Taveras with a devastating sinker on his 108th pitch of the night. As he wiped the sweat from his brow, the crowd erupted in applause, and Suárez, in a gesture of humility and gratitude, tipped his hat to the fans. After seven innings allowing just one run, he confessed in an interview with The Athletic that he didn’t know exactly why he had done it, but the support from the fans was undeniable.

At the start of the season, many viewed Suarez as the third man in the Phillies’ rotation, behind a solid starting duo of Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. However, after a complete spring training, Suárez began to show flashes although no one expected him to have a season as spectacular as the one we are now witnessing.

Ranger Suárez in the history books

Suárez has accomplished what only other legendary Phillies pitchers have been able to. He is the team’s first pitcher since Robin Roberts in 1952 to win at least nine consecutive starts. His ERA is the third-lowest in the first 10 starts of a season since earned runs became an official statistic in the National League. Only Grover Alexander, in 1915 and 1916, had better starts with the Phillies.

Additionally, Suárez is the first pitcher since Juan Marichal in 1966 to go 9-0 or better with an ERA under 1.50 in his first 10 starts.

Phillies teammates laud Ranger Suárez

“What he’s doing, I’ve never seen before, especially on the same team,” teammate Aaron Nola said. “The way he commands all his pitches on both sides of the plate is impressive. He always has an answer when there are runners on base. He always has a plan.”

Suárez's dominance has left everyone speechless. Nola and Zack Wheeler, his rotation partners, see something special in Suárez: a clinical precision that is rare to find. In his last outing, he struck out 10 batters using an impressive variety of pitches: four sinkers, two four-seam fastballs, two changeups, a curveball and a slider.

Suárez rarely faces left-handed hitters, as opposing teams know it is a disadvantage for them. Only 19 percent of the hitters he had faced before Tuesday were left-handed. However, the Rangers had three left-handers in their lineup and went 1-for-9 with five strikeouts. One of the left-handers, Nathaniel Lowe, had a single to center to start the seventh, but was thrown out shortly after in a 4-6-3 double play.

Ranger Suárez is forging a legend in Philadelphia. His performance not only propels the Phillies to success this season, but also inspires a new generation of players and fans. With every pitch, Suárez shows that his heart, talent and dedication still have a lot to offer in the world of baseball. His story is a testimony of perseverance.