Friday, October 5, 2018

Game 161 - 2018 Topps Now #606 Aaron Nola

Phillies 3, Braves 0
Game 161 - Saturday Night, September 29th in Philadelphia
Record - 79-82, 3rd place, 11 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Behind a solid pitching performance from Aaron Nola and a three-run 7th inning fueled by a two-run single from Cesar Hernandez, the Phillies downed the Braves, 3-0.

What It Means:  THE PHILLIES WON!

What Happened:  Nola improved to 17-6 on the season after his seven inning outing, allowing just two hits while striking out eight.  Hector Neris and Seranthony Dominguez performed the role of functioning relievers pitching the final two scoreless innings.  Dominguez earned his 15th save of the season.

Featured Card:  There's no question in my mind that Nola was the MVP for the Phillies this season and here's hoping for another dominant season from him in 2019.  Todd Zolecki Tweeted out some impressive numbers, noting that Nola joins Grover Cleveland Alexander (1915) as the only Phillies pitchers to strike out 200+ batters and hold opponents to a batting average of .200 or lower in a season.  Nola is the fourth Phillies right-handed pitcher with at least 224 strikeouts in a season, joining the ranks of Jim Bunning, Alexander and Curt Schilling.

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