Monday, April 19, 2021

Game 15 - 2020 Topps Now #250 Aaron Nola

Phillies 2
, Cardinals 0
Game 15 - Sunday Afternoon, April 18th in Philadelphia
Record - 8-7, 2nd Place, 1 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola threw his first career, nine-inning complete game shutout in this 2-0 win over the Cardinals.

What It Means:  The Phillies won the series, and they'll open up a three-game set against Gabe Kapler and the Giants on Monday night.

What Happened:  Nola's gem came on the day nearly 11,000 fans celebrated the Phanatic's birthday.  Nola allowed a second inning single to center by Yadier Molina and an eighth inning single to left by Paul DeJong.  Other than that, and an error he committed in the third, Nola was perfect.  He struck out 10 while throwing 109 pitches, and I was happy manager Joe Girardi left him in the game to finish it.  The Phillies scored their runs on a long solo home run from Bryce Harper in the first, and an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly in the fifth.

Featured Card:  Technically, Nola's first career complete game shutout came last season during game two of a double header against the Marlins.  On September 11th last season, Nola held the Marlins to three hits over seven innings as the Phillies won in the double-header shortened game.  Nola received a Topps Now card for his efforts, and I'm hoping he receives one for this game as well.

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