Jesús Luzardo was shelled for 12 earned runs in just 3.1 innings as the Philadelphia Phillies suffered a crushing 17–7 home loss to the Brewers, who clinched the series with the win. Despite the lopsided defeat, the Phillies have one more game left at home to try and snap a two-game losing streak. Luzardo’s final line was brutal: 3.1 IP, 12 H, 12 R, 12 ER, 3 BB, 4 K.
After the game, Luzardo didn’t shy away from accountability, acknowledging the disappointment of another rough outing: “It’s not what you want as a starter,” he said. He also admitted it’s been frustrating to have back-to back poor starts, referencing the 3 runs he gave up to the A’s on May 25.
“Again starting off early putting us down in a hole, frustrating that it’s back-to-back starts,” Luzardo said. “Then kind of unraveled in the fourth. Just not being able to get back on track and give length to the team put the bullpen in a bad position and us in a hole.”
A Historically Bad Day for Luzardo
The loss stung even more for Luzardo on a personal level. According to Anthony SanFilippo of On Pattison, Luzardo became just the fifth pitcher in MLB history to allow 12 or more runs in 3.1 innings or fewer.
That list includes:
- Jesús Luzardo, Philadelphia Phillies (2025)
- Masahiro Tanaka, New York Yankees (2019)
- A.J. Burnett, Pittsburgh Pirates (2012)
- Johnny Miljus, Cleveland Indians (1929)
- Ralph Comstock, Detroit Tigers (1913)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 31: Jesús Luzardo #44 of the Philadelphia Phillies delivers a pitch in the first inning during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citizens Bank Park on May 31, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images)
Luzardo Addresses Controversial Balk Call
“I’ve done this my whole career since 2019, I’ve never been called a balk on it,” Luzardo said. “I understand. I think they did a great job of not throwing me out. In the heat of the moment, I probably was a little hotheaded, but I just wanted an explanation as to what was the balk. I thought I gained ground, even though I fell toward the plate, and always kept my body moving, even though it’s slow.”
The moment also led to Phillies manager Rob Thomson being ejected from the game — the fifth ejection of his managerial career. Thomson offered a brief explanation postgame:
“His explanation to me [From umpire], the third base umpire called it. His explanation to me was that at the top of his leg lift, he stopped. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard of that.”
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Luzardo Still Putting Together a Strong Season
Despite the blowup, Luzardo is still having a solid year with the Phillies. The loss raised his ERA to 3.58, but he holds a 5–1 record and remains the second-most successful pitcher in the rotation behind Zack Wheeler in terms of wins.
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