Mon Oct 06 21:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Phillies Banking on Luzardo’s Late-Game Prowess to Avoid NLDS Hole

**PHILADELPHIA -** Facing elimination before even leaving Philadelphia, the Phillies are hoping starter Jesús Luzardo can provide a dominant performance in Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday night. After dropping Game 1, 5-3, the Phillies need a win to avoid traveling to Los Angeles on the brink of elimination.

Manager Rob Thomson is confident in Luzardo’s ability to navigate the middle innings, especially if the game remains close in the sixth and seventh. Analysis shows Luzardo has excelled deeper into games this season, holding opponents to a .189 average when facing them for the third time and a .182 average on pitches 76-100. This could make him a more reliable option than the bullpen, as the Phillies look to bridge the gap to closer Jhoan Duran.

“Getting into a groove, finding my rhythm maybe a little bit later in the game, I think it’s just keeping hitters off balance,” Luzardo said, emphasizing the importance of unpredictability.

Luzardo, acquired in a trade with the Marlins, has been a crucial addition to the Phillies’ rotation this season, posting career highs in starts (32), innings pitched (183⅔), and strikeouts (216). His performance has been a bright spot for the Phillies, especially given injuries to key players and struggles from others.

Thomson acknowledged that everyone, including potential Game 3 starter Ranger Suárez and veteran Aaron Nola, will be available in the bullpen if Luzardo struggles early. However, if the Phillies can get their offense going against Dodgers’ lefty Blake Snell and Luzardo finds his rhythm, he could be the key to leveling the series before it shifts to Los Angeles. The Phillies are betting on Luzardo’s growth and composure to handle the pressure and potentially save their postseason hopes.

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