Jesús Luzardo unravels in 3rd inning, offense misses opportunities in Phillies’ loss to Reds

Jesús Luzardo allowed six runs on Friday.(Madeline Ressler/Phillies Nation)

It took Jesús Luzardo 14 pitches to get through the first four batters of his start on Friday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park against the Reds, the site of an eventual 9-6 loss by the Phillies. The second, third and fourth hitters Luzardo faced — Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz and Austin Hays — all struck out swinging.

It was a strong start for the Phillies’ starting pitcher. His finish was much less than that.