Jesus Luzardo has blossomed right into a frontline ace for the Philadelphia Phillies this season, and his first profession complete-game shutout (1-0) in opposition to the Atlanta Braves on Monday helped validate that.
Luzardo additionally recorded 12 strikeouts and solely gave up two hits and one stroll whereas throwing 109 pitches.
Previous to his masterful efficiency in opposition to the division-leading Braves, the left-handed starter had by no means pitched into the ninth inning by his first 149 profession main league begins, so this marked an enormous achievement in his profession.
The 28-year-old has supplied the Phillies with elite manufacturing, boasting a 14-5 document and a pair of.87 ERA with 221 strikeouts and a microscopic 1.08 WHIP. As effectively, his 221 strikeouts rank second-best within the NL and are a career-high.
The gem he threw helped solidify his standing as a bonafide ace, and whereas he isn’t the favourite within the NL Cy Younger race, his dominance has helped carve his approach into the dialog.
