In April, the Philadelphia Phillies' 19-9 record kept them within striking distance of the Atlanta Braves for the top spot in the National League East. Their pitching staff is a significant reason for their success as they combine to become the NL's best crew in three essential categories.
At the end of the month, the Phillies were leading the NL in earned run average (2.22), strikeouts per nine innings (9.3), and WHIP (0.95). A standout among the team is Ranger Suarez, who has been a force to reckon with, leading the pack with a flawless 5-0 record and an impressive 1.32 ERA. He has 40 strikeouts and allowed only five walks in 41 innings.
The rotation rolled thru April pic.twitter.com/XeD8HegrOe
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 2, 2024
Suarez is one of five Phillies pitchers with an ERA of below 2.00; three have pitched at least 32.1 innings. Zack Wheeler has a 1.91 ERA in 42.1 innings, while Spencer Turnbull's ERA after 32.1 innings is 1.67. Jeff Hoffman (1.29) and Matt Strahm (1.50) are the remaining pitchers who have been lights out for Philadelphia.
Meanwhile, Aaron Nola has a 4-1 record and a 3.20 ERA. The Phillies' 2.50 ERA remains the best in the National League, second only to the Boston Red Sox's 2.03.
Their dominant pitching led to shutout victories against the Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, and Cincinnati Reds. They are at 21-11, a half-game behind the Braves in their division.
To start their May 2024 schedule, the Phillies won their three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. The Phillies' pitching rotation will try to maintain their stranglehold on opponents when they start a four-game series against the San Francisco Giants on May 3. Nola will be Philadelphia's starter as they aim for their seventh win in eight games.
-Lance Fernandez