The Phillies fell to the Pirates 2-1 on June 8, 2025, as Ranger Suárez's brilliant start was wasted by a quiet offense. Can Philly's bats wake up soon?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It's a frustratingly familiar story: a brilliant performance on the mound squandered by an offense that couldn't find a spark. Ranger Suárez was once again magnificent, but the Philadelphia Phillies' bats went cold in a 2-1 series-finale loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, extending a concerning offensive slump that is starting to define this stretch of the season.
The Phillies have scored just six runs over their last four contests, dropping three of those matchups.
Ranger Suárez deserved better. The Phillies' ace delivered his sixth consecutive quality start, carving up the Pirates' lineup for seven innings. He allowed just two runs on five hits while striking out five, but a solo home run by Henry Davis in the seventh inning was enough to saddle him with his first loss of the 2025 season. It's a tough pill to swallow when your starter lowers his ERA to a sparkling 2.70 and still gets a tally in the loss column due to a complete lack of run support.
The story on the other side of the ball was one of missed opportunities and quiet bats. The entire Phillies offense managed just five hits, with Alec Bohm's RBI single being the lone run-producing play. This wasn't a one-off bad day; it's the continuation of a worrying trend. The team has now scored a paltry six runs over its last four games, a dry spell that's costing them winnable contests. Despite the skid, the Phils still hold a respectable 37-27 record, but the pressure is mounting on the lineup to wake up.
With the offense struggling, the front office is ensuring the pitching staff stays fresh. The team optioned right-hander Alan Rangel back to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Sunday after he pitched three innings of relief on Friday. The move clears a spot for a fresh arm from the minors, with Daniel Robert expected to get the call. It’s a necessary shuffle to keep the bullpen rested while they wait for the bats to provide some breathing room.
While the Phillies remain second in the NL East, this series loss to the Pirates serves as a major wake-up call. Stellar pitching can only carry a team so far. As they head into their next series, all eyes will be on the lineup. The question isn't whether the pitching can hold up; it's whether the bats will finally wake up from their slumber before this slump digs a deeper hole.
