Luzardo’s Road Dominance Continues in Phillies’ Win Over Royals
Jul 4, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo (44) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Phillies turned in one of their most complete wins of the season. There were contributions all over the lineup, and pitching turned in 15 strikeouts en route to a 6-1 win to start this series off on the right foot.
The Phillies came into this first game of an awkward three-game series, which started on a Saturday, given the national holiday, but given the way they have been playing on both sides of the ball over the past week, they hoped to keep the streak going.
The Phillies started with the long ball in the fourth inning when J.T. Realmuto hit a two-run home run, giving them the first lead.
Gabriel Rinconces Jr. didn’t wait long to join the party and hit a long solo home run in the fourth, giving the Phils a 3-0 lead in the blink of an eye.
The Royals got one back in the bottom of the fourth when Nick Loftin singled home Lane Thomas. In the sixth inning, the Phils got that run back when Alec Bohm hit a towering home run, making the game 4-1. In the seventh inning, Trea Turner scored on a wild pitch by Lucas Erceg, making the game 5-1. Rincones Jr. added on a run with a double, scoring Bohm, making the game 6-1. That was where the score ended, with the Phillies now being 21 games over .500 since Don Mattingly took over.
Road Warrior Luzardo Sweeps the Royals Away
In every great performance by Jesus Luzardo this season, his success is dependent on how well he can place his kill pitch, his sweeper. In this game, his sweeper may have been the most potent it has been all season. His average spin rate in other games is around 2400 RPM, but in this game, he averaged 2350 PRM, which one would assume that a higher RPM is better, but when it comes to a slower-breaking pitch like Luzardo’s sweeper, more spin sometimes makes the pitch more unpredictable.
In this game, he held the top four hitters to 1-12. With his sweeper bending the way he likes it, he was able to get 15 swings and misses from the sweeper alone; he had 19 total. This allowed him to have six strikeouts in the game, with six coming off the sweeper. This, in addition to the control of his other pitches, allowed him to get through the sixth with under 100 pitches.
Luzardo is a true road warrior this season; after this game, he has a minuscule 1.54 ERA away from Citizens Bank Park. With this win, the Phillies have won the last eight starts by Luzardo, showing how important he is to the team this season.
Phils Flex Power En Route to Win
The Phillies came into the game hitting the ball well in their last few games, hoping to take the power on the road with them on this Fourth of July game in Kansas City. Realmuto provided his own fireworks when he took a Michael Wacha sinker that got too much of the plate and deposited it into the left-center seats. It was significant not only because it gave the Phils the lead, but also because it was at the top of the zone, where Realmuto had been getting quite a few swings and misses up there. This was a mistake that he didn’t miss. The home run by Rincones Jr. was a cutter that got in a spot he has had trouble with all season, low and inside. Bohm’s long home run was a pretty good sinker, but it didn’t matter; he got every stitch of it.
While the long ball was great for the Phils, they were collecting hits that stayed in the yard as well. Kyle Schwarber had three hits, and Bohm and Rincones Jr. each chipped in doubles in addition to their home runs. This is the version of the Phillies offense they need to try and replicate: getting hitters on base and letting the home runs come when they come. One of the hallmarks of these productive offensive games is more likely when the Phils don’t get overly aggressive early in the count. They let the pitcher get themselves into trouble, and in this game, they banged out 12 hits with three walks.
Phillies Bullpen Tightens Up to Pick Up Where Luzardo Left Off
After the rough series against Pittsburgh, the Phils ‘ bullpen came through and picked up where Luzardo left off. After Luzardo left the game, the Phils’ middle relief stepped up, and it started with Jonathan Bowlan taking on his former team and dominating the Royals hitters, striking out the side after giving up a leadoff hit. It was very comforting to see him control the strike zone without nibbling or throwing anything center cut. His fastball seemed to have an extra gear in this game.
When Orion Kerkering came in for the eighth inning, he was in total control, adding two strikeouts with no solid contact. With a five-run lead, Tim Mayza came in to shut the door on the Royals, though he only had one strikeout; the Royals were out of sorts and taking half-hearted swings.
This was a performance that the bullpen can build on. They look to win another series with a win Sunday, when they send Aaron Nola out to turn his season around, taking on Luinder Avila.
Steve Hamilton
Steve may have been born in California, but don’t let that fool you. After dating a local woman and clashing with her and her family over sports for decades, he has an affinity for Philly sports. Balancing love for Philly and Bay Area sports teams may seem impossible, we can all agree that the Cowboys are the true evil.
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