Michael Soroka Is Rolling Into Philly Perfect, and the Phillies' Jesus Luzardo Has Everything to Prove
The Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies are both sitting at 6-6, but they're coming into Friday night's series opener at Citizens Bank Park from completely different directions. Soroka has been a revelation early. Luzardo? He's still trying to justify that contract extension he just signed.
This is the kind of matchup where momentum matters. Arizona's been grinding through a 10-day road trip and has only scratched out one win away from home so far this season. Philadelphia just took it on the chin against San Francisco, losing the series with back-to-back shutouts. They're heading into a nine-game homestand and desperately need to build some rhythm.
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Michael Soroka is off to a terrific start for the D-backs. The 28-year-old is headed into his third start of the year at 2-0, and the numbers are clean. He's logged 10.0 innings through his first two outings, giving up just one earned run with 10 strikeouts. That's the kind of efficiency you dream about in early April. He's the kind of pitcher who can steal a game on the road, and the Phillies are going to feel every bit of that pressure Friday night.
Luzardo Needs This Win
Jesus Luzardo had a rough start to the season after signing that contract extension. But he bounced back with a strong outing last week, pitching 6.2 innings, allowing only one run, and racking up 11 strikeouts. Friday is his chance to build on that momentum and start proving the Phillies made the right call bringing him back.
How to Watch
Game 1 goes down Friday at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, first pitch at 6:40 p.m. ET. Catch it on NBCSP+, Dbacks.TV, or stream it on MLB.com. Radio folks can tune in on 94 WIP or ESPN Phoenix 620.
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