Phillies 29-0 record in one specific situation thanks largely to Jhoan Duran

The Philadelphia Phillies have been a resurgent team this season, coming all og the way back from a 9-19 start to the season, and Rob Thomson's firing, to become a legitimate postseason contender.

While the NL East title might be a bit out of reach, they're still very much in contention for the playoffs. One of the big reasons why is their 29-0 record in a specific situation.

As USA Today's Bob Nightengale highlighted, when the Phillies are leading after eight innings, the Phillies haven't lost this season. The reason is quite clear: Jhoan Duran has been perfect as the closer this season.

Phillies' 29-0 record when leading after eight innings is thanks to Jhoan Duran

"The Phillies are 29-0 when leading after eight innings this year and are an MLB-best 14-5 in one-run games," Nightengale writes. "Take a bow, closer Jhoan Duran, who's 15-for-15 in save opportunities, retiring 21 of the last 23 batters he's faced."

For years, the Phillies struggled to find a legitimately great closer. They rotated between a few options, with Jose Alvarado, Jeff Hoffman, and others taking up the mantle the last couple of seasons during their return trips to the postseason.

But, with how the 2026 season has gone, it's abundantly clear how great Duran is compared to those other closer options the Phillies sent out.

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Duran is incredible, posting a 1.31 ERA with 33 strikeouts while going a perfect 15-for-15 on save opportunities this season.

And overall, whenever the Phillies are leading after eight innings, they've won the game. A 29-0 record when leading after eight innings is incredible.

That's a recipe for success, as they're not blowing any games in the ninth inning this season. If they're up even one run heading into the ninth inning, fans can have confidence they're going to see a Phillies win.

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