Ranger Suárez fans 11, Marchán drives in 3 as Phillies hold off Nats

Ranger Suárez has been dealing, and Sunday he looked every bit like a co-ace. The lefty set a career high with 11 strikeouts over seven shutout innings as the Phillies beat the Nationals 3-2 at Citizens Bank Park, closing out the series win before heading up to New York.

Ranger Suárez = Filthy

Ranger Suárez (10-6) only allowed three hits and is now working on back-to-back double-digit strikeout games after fanning 10 against Seattle last week. He had everything working, the fastball command, the changeup diving, the curveball landing for strikes. The Nats looked overmatched from the jump.

Ranger Suarez Masterclass

Ranger Suarez. For All Things Holy.#RingTheBell | #Phillies pic.twitter.com/71Vf9vfjT9

— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) August 24, 2025

Marchán Carries the Offense

With J.T. Realmuto getting the day off, backup catcher Rafael Marchán came through big time. He drove in all three Phillies runs starting a two-run double in the second and a bases-loaded walk in the third. That was all the offense the Phils needed.

Marchán rakes in a few to start the afternoon pic.twitter.com/0deUaSK8wj

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 24, 2025

Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm chipped in with doubles, but the Phillies left a ton of runners on base. Washington starter Jake Irvin only lasted 2 1/3 innings, the shortest start of his career, as the Phils worked him over early.

Drama Late

It wouldn’t be Phillies baseball without a little sweat. José Alvarado loaded the bases in the eighth, forcing Rob Thomson to call on Tanner Banks. Banks bailed him out with a clutch double play and flyout to hold the line.

Orion Kerkering gave up a solo homer in the ninth to Luis García Jr. but regrouped for his fourth save.

By the Numbers

• Phillies have won six of their last seven
• Seven-game lead over the Mets in the NL East heading into Monday’s showdown at Citi Field
• Suárez: 10-6, 11 K, 0 R, 3 H in 7 IP
• Marchán: 3 RBI

Up Next

Phillies head to New York for a massive three-game set against the Mets. Monday night will feature Cristopher Sánchez (11-4, 2.46 ERA) vs. Kodai Senga (7-5, 2.58 ERA).

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