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2 Studs (and 1 Dud) From Phillies' NLDS-Clinching Win Over Braves

By Isaiah De Los Santos

The Philadelphia Phillies' studs and duds from their NLDS-clinching win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 4.
The Philadelphia Phillies' studs and duds from their NLDS-clinching win over the Atlanta Braves in Game 4. / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
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Stud: Ranger Suarez

The pressure was on Ranger Suarez Thursday night. Philadelphia turned to him, at home, with a chance to win the series -- and he looked completely unfazed by the moment.

The 28-year-old was nearly flawless on a night where the Phillies had little room for error. He tossed 5.0 innings while allowing just three hits to Atlanta, with Riley's solo homer being the only real blemish.

Suarez showed incredible composure all night even when things didn't go his way. Trea Turner's error in the top of the third that allowed Michael Harris II to advance to second is the kind of play we could've looked back at as a turning point, especially on a night where runs were hard to come by. Yet, Suarez stood strong on the mound with likely NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. at the plate and got the inning-ending groundout.

The lefty holding off Atlanta throughout Game 4 bought his team's bats time to finally wake up, and they did just that from the fourth through sixth innings. Who knows how this contest could've turned out instead if the Phillies were dug into an early hole instead.

Suarez had the Braves' number throughout the NLDS, as he blanked them over 3.2 innings in Game 1 as well. His play was essential to ensuring Atlanta's elite offense never broke out while he was pitching.

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