Jhoan Duran Sets New Record for Fastest Pitch at Citizens Bank Park

Jhoan Duran stood on the mound at Citizens Bank Park, a place where he had previously donned the opposing jersey, and unleashed a fastball that would etch his name into the stadium's history. "It's 104.8," he recalled, reflecting on his fastest pitch, a number that now seems modest compared to what he achieved on Sunday night.

In a stellar performance, Duran secured his second save in three days, demonstrating precisely why the Phillies traded two top-six prospects to bring him on board. His second outing with the team mirrored the intensity of his debut, as he delivered the fastest pitch ever recorded by a Phillies player at this venue.

During a tense at-bat against Tigers left fielder Riley Greene, Duran's fastball clocked in at 103.3 mph on the fifth pitch. The following delivery, a blistering 102.5 mph fastball, left Greene swinging and missing.

Throughout the game, Duran showcased his remarkable speed, throwing six fastballs, five of which exceeded 102 mph. The ease with which he threw these pitches was striking. "It feels normal for me," Duran explained. "I don’t think about how fast I try to throw; I focus more on controlling the fastball and my stuff."

J.T. Realmuto, catching for Duran, pondered whether he had ever caught a pitch as fast as 103.3 mph. "I think [Jose Alvarado] is probably the hardest thrower I've caught," he said with a grin, unsure if Alvarado had ever reached that speed.

Duran's impressive velocity and pitch movement have captivated the Phillies since his arrival. Realmuto noted, "As high as the velocity is, it's still moving a lot. His four-seam carries one way and runs another; his splinker varies every pitch." This unpredictability adds to Duran's effectiveness on the mound.

When Duran enters the game, the atmosphere shifts. Fans pull out their phones to capture the moment as the custom remix of "El Incomprendido" by Farruko and "Hot" by Pitbull and Daddy Yankee fills the air. For the Phillies, it’s a chance to witness Duran’s calm demeanor as he approaches the mound.

"I wanted to see the entrance, see everything," Kyle Schwarber remarked. Having faced Duran before, he acknowledged the challenge he presents. "He just went in there, attacked the zone and is trying to make them beat him." Schwarber emphasized Duran's composure amidst the electric atmosphere of the ballpark.

In previous weeks, manager Rob Thomson might have kept Cristopher Sanchez in for a two-run lead heading into the ninth inning. Now, with Duran available to close, the strategy has shifted dramatically. The Phillies have witnessed firsthand Duran's dominance on the mound.

For Duran, this moment is about enjoyment. "The last time I played here, it was on the other side," he reflected. "Now that I'm on this side? It's more fun."