Alvarado gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Tuesday to record his 12th save of the season in a 4-1 win over the Red Sox.
The southpaw needed 20 pitches (13 strikes) to put away the BoSox, as he bounced back from his second blown save of the season Sunday. Since getting tagged for five earned runs Opening Day, Alvarado has emerged as the Phillies' primary closer -- he's posted a 1.91 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 31:10 K:BB through 28.1 innings, and his 12 saves are already a new career high.
Alvarado (1-3) suffered the loss Sunday, allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and two walks over two-thirds of an inning against the Mets. He struck out two.
Alvarado entered the game with a one-run lead looking to preserve his 12th save, but things went downhill quickly. After allowing a walk and a single to start the inning, an infield single by Mark Vientos tied the game. Then with the bases loaded and one out, a hit-by-pitch followed by a passed ball allowed two more runners to score, saddling Alvarado with his second blown save and third loss of the season. Sunday's outing came on the heels of five consecutive scoreless appearances since his last blown save, which came May 24 in Colorado. The outing lifted Alvarado's ERA to 3.54 with a 1.14 WHIP and 31 strikeouts through 28 innings this season.
