Aaron Nola Allows Four Runs, Phillies Drop Game

The Philadelphia Phillies watched another tough night from veteran pitcher Aaron Nola. The right-hander took the loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday.

Even though the Phillies briefly held a lead, Nola’s struggles kept piling up. With the playoffs creeping closer, people can’t help but wonder about his place in the team’s postseason plans.

Aaron Nola’s Tough Outing Against Arizona

Nola’s start against the Diamondbacks just felt all too familiar. He gave up four runs on seven hits, walked two, and only struck out four in 5.1 innings.

Alec Bohm tried to spark the Phillies with an RBI in the fourth, but it didn’t last. Arizona came back in the sixth, scoring two big runs and grabbing the game for good.

Failing to Capitalize on a Brief Lead

Bohm’s RBI pushed the Phillies ahead for a moment, and it felt like maybe they’d steal a win. But Nola just couldn’t get through the middle innings again.

The sixth-inning rally by Arizona was another example of Nola letting a close game slip away. It’s happened more than Phillies fans would like to admit this year.

September Slump Adds to Season-Long Woes

This loss was Nola’s third defeat in his last four September starts. In those games, he’s allowed 16 runs in just 22.1 innings.

His season stats really tell the story: a 6.46 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and an 88-to-28 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 86.1 innings and 16 starts. That’s just not what you want from a veteran starter.

Injuries and Inconsistency

The 2024 season has been rough for Nola. He missed a good chunk of time with a right ankle sprain and a rib stress fracture.

Since coming back in August, his command and durability haven’t really returned. Phillies fans and coaches are pretty uneasy about counting on him when it matters most.

Postseason Implications for the Phillies

Philadelphia still has playoff hopes, but Nola’s recent form puts manager Rob Thomson in a tough spot. In the past, Nola was a postseason go-to guy, someone you could trust when everything was on the line.

This year, though, his struggles make you wonder if he should even be in the playoff rotation. That’s not a question anyone expected to be asking right now.

Looking Ahead to His Final Regular-Season Start

Nola’s lined up to make his last regular-season start at home against the Minnesota Twins. For him, it’s not just another game—it might be his shot to prove he belongs in the postseason mix.

If he delivers, maybe he wins back some trust. But another rough outing could be the last straw.

Key Takeaways

Here are the essential points from Nola’s latest outing and current season:

• Took the loss against Arizona, falling to a 4-10 record
• Allowed 4 runs, 7 hits, and 2 walks in 5.1 innings
• Third loss in four September starts
• Season ERA inflated to 6.46 with a 1.45 WHIP
• Missed significant time due to ankle and rib injuries
• Postseason rotation spot now in jeopardy

Final Thoughts

A few years back, Aaron Nola looked like an ace. Now, he’s a veteran just trying to hang on in the thick of a playoff race.

The Phillies need every pitcher at their best. Nola’s struggles to put together solid starts have become a real worry.

He’s got a big test coming up against the Twins. Maybe he’ll find his groove again and give the Phillies a boost.

If he can’t, well, it’s possible the postseason goes on without one of the team’s most familiar faces in the rotation.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Phillies’ Aaron Nola: Gives up four runs in loss