Ranger Suárez suffers his first loss of 2025 as the Phillies fall to the Astros 5-2 on June 24. Framber Valdez outduels Suárez in a battle of aces.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a streak that felt like it might never end, but all good things must. Ranger Suárez was finally handed his first loss of the season on Tuesday night in Houston, as the Phillies' offense went quiet in a 5-2 series-opening defeat to the Astros. Facing a fellow ace in Framber Valdez, the Phils' bats couldn't find a rhythm, and an early deficit proved too much to overcome.
Ranger Suárez's previously perfect 6-0 record takes its first blemish, as the ace falls to 6-1 on the season.
The much-anticipated duel between Ranger Suárez and Framber Valdez lived up to its billing, but unfortunately for the Phillies, it was the Astros' ace who came out on top. Suárez, who has been nearly untouchable all year, wasn't his sharpest, allowing multiple early runs that put the Phillies in a hole. Houston's timely hitting, led by the hot bat of Mauricio Dubón, made the Phils pay for every mistake. Valdez, meanwhile, kept the Phillies' lineup off balance all night, cruising to his eighth win. The 5-2 final score reflected a night where the Astros simply executed better in key moments.
The bigger story of the night might have been the lack of offensive punch. The top of the order—Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and Alec Bohm—was held in check, and the team failed to generate any significant power. With no home runs and few extra-base hits, the Phillies couldn't string together the big innings they've become known for. It's a testament to Valdez's skill, but also a worrying sign for a team that needs its offense to carry the load, especially with the pitching staff stretched thin.
Amid the team's struggles, there was a new face at first base. Buddy Kennedy, recently called up from Lehigh Valley after the team selected his contract, got the start. His promotion, which sent Weston Wilson back to Triple-A, highlights the team's ongoing effort to patch together an infield dealing with injuries. Kennedy is known for solid contact and defensive versatility, qualities the Phillies desperately need as they navigate this challenging stretch. While his debut was quiet, his presence is a sign of the front office's active approach to maintaining roster depth.
Suárez's first loss is magnified by the continued absence of Aaron Nola, who remains on the 60-day IL with that nagging right ankle sprain. With no clear timeline for Nola's return, the pressure on the remaining starters, particularly Suárez and Zack Wheeler, is immense. Each start feels critical, and an off-night like tonight puts the bullpen in a tough spot and reminds everyone just how thin the margin for error is. The team needs its aces to be nearly perfect, and tonight was a reminder that even the best can have a tough day.
One loss, even a frustrating one, doesn't define a season. The Phillies have a chance to even the series tomorrow and prove this was just a bump in the road. With the lineup they have, the bats won't stay quiet for long. The key will be getting a strong start on the mound and finding a way to manufacture runs against a tough Astros team. It's time to wash this one off and come back fighting.
