In a stunning display of pitching prowess, Jesús Luzardo led the Philadelphia Phillies to a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday night, marking the end of the Dodgers' undefeated run in the 2025 MLB season. The loss came as the Dodgers, who had started the season with an impressive 8-0 record, faced their first defeat against a formidable Phillies lineup at Citizens Bank Park.
Luzardo, who was acquired from the Miami Marlins during the offseason, showcased his skills by throwing seven shutout innings, striking out eight batters while allowing only two hits and two walks. His fastball consistently reached velocities of up to 98 mph, and he effectively utilized a variety of pitches, including a slider and a changeup, to keep the Dodgers' potent offense off balance.
The game began with the Phillies taking an early lead in the first inning. Trea Turner, who doubled to start the inning, stole third base and scored on a throwing error by Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto. This early run set the tone for the Phillies, who capitalized on their chances throughout the game.
Despite the Dodgers' struggles, they managed to put pressure on Luzardo in the seventh inning. After a two-out double by Teoscar Hernández and a walk to Will Smith, Luzardo found himself in a tight spot. However, he rose to the occasion, striking out Kiké Hernández to escape the jam and maintain the Phillies' lead.
While Luzardo was dominant, the Dodgers were unable to find their rhythm at the plate. The combination of strong pitching from Luzardo and the effects of the wind, which held back deep fly balls from stars like Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts, contributed to the Dodgers' offensive woes. Luzardo's ability to retire 13 consecutive batters at one point exemplified his control and command on the mound.
In the eighth inning, the Dodgers threatened to score, loading the bases with two outs. However, J.T. Realmuto, the Phillies' catcher, made a crucial play by throwing out Ohtani, who attempted to steal second base, ending the inning and preserving the Phillies' lead.
The Phillies extended their advantage in the seventh inning with two additional runs. Bryson Stott delivered an RBI single, and Brandon Marsh added another run with a groundout, pushing the score to 3-0. This cushion proved vital as the Dodgers mounted a late comeback attempt.
In the ninth inning, Tommy Edman hit a two-run homer against reliever Jordan Romano, narrowing the deficit to just one run. The Dodgers, now trailing 3-2, had a chance to tie the game as they brought the tying run to the plate. However, Romano struck out Max Muncy and then threw out Chris Taylor at second base to seal the victory for the Phillies.
This defeat marked the first loss for the Dodgers in 2025, ending their historic eight-game winning streak, which had been the longest undefeated start by a defending champion in MLB history, surpassing a record previously held by the 1933 New York Yankees. The Dodgers now sit at 8-1, while the Phillies improved to 6-1, showcasing their potential as serious contenders this season.
Looking ahead, the Dodgers will send Roki Sasaki to the mound for the second game of the series against the Phillies' Aaron Nola. Sasaki, a rookie right-hander, will look to help the Dodgers bounce back from this tough loss and reclaim their winning momentum.
As the season progresses, both teams will continue to battle for supremacy in the National League, with the Dodgers aiming to rebound and the Phillies looking to build on their success against a team that has been a perennial powerhouse in recent years.
