Aaron Nola struck out 9, allowed 2 runs on 6 hits, and threw 5.2 innings the last time he faced the Atlanta Braves in the 2023 postseason. The year before, he allowed only 1 unearned run on 5 hits in 6.0 innings. Three years down the line, he is not the same pitcher anymore.
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In fact, the All-Star is far from it.
In his latest start against the Braves in the decisive Wild Card Series game, the 33-year-old struggled on the mound, lasting only 1.2 innings. As he took the latest loss for the Philadelphia Phillies, Nola’s absurd home-run stat at Truist Park had fans questioning him. The quick exit was a humbling moment for the All-Star.
“Aaron Nola’s 21 home runs allowed at Truist Park (including Postseason) are the most of any non-Braves pitcher,” observed Talkin’ Baseball on X, ahead of Nola’s latest start. “The next closest is Jacob deGrom with 11.”
Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series was a must-win for the Phillies, after they leveled the series with a 4-3 win on Wednesday.
Game 1 was a bullpen game with Jesus Luzardo starting for the Phillies. A joint effort from Cristopher Sanchez and Andrew Painter helped the Phillies win Game 2. But for Game 3, Nola was the only fully rested starter available, as Zack Wheeler had pitched on Sunday during the season finale.
So instead of the ace, Don Mattingly opted for Nola, who blew the Phillies’ NLDS chances in 38 pitches.
In 1.2 innings, Nola allowed 2 hits, 2 walks, and 3 earned runs. With one out in the bottom of the first, Nola issued back-to-back walks to Ronald Acuna Jr. and Matt Olson, loading the bases. Next up at the plate was Michael Harris II.
He hit a three-run home run off Nola’s 93mph sinker. Mattingly pulled Nola after he allowed a single to Dominic Smith with two outs in the second inning.
His home run record at Truist Park now stands at a whopping 22. Jacob deGrom’s 11 at the Braves’ home is Nola’s closest competitor.
In his last regular-season start against the Tampa Bay Rays, Nola exited the game early.
He took a loss after throwing 21 pitches in a single inning and allowing 3 runs on 4 hits. This season, Nola has allowed 37 home runs and 93 runs, posting a 4.67 ERA in the regular season.
After Nola left the mound, Zack Wheeler pitched for 4 innings and allowed another home run to Ozzie Albies.
Despite allowing 3 hits and 3 walks, Wheeler prevented the Braves from scoring any more runs in his 4 innings.
As Nola’s rough start blew the Phillies’ shot at a deep postseason run this year, fans have flooded social media to express their disappointment.
Fans React to Aaron Nola’s rough start against the Braves
Nola is under a 7-year, $172 million contract with the Phillies. He is signed through the 2030 season. Referring to that, one fan commented,
“Is that what $170 milllion dollar pitcher do in the post season 1 1/2 innings pitch?”
Taking a jab at Nola, another wrote, “Ya really thought Nola was gonna magically become Paul Skenes tonight?”
“Truist Park is literally Aaron Nola’s personal batting practice facility. 21 to 11 is DIABOLICAL” remarked a user.
Another user questioned manager Don Mattingly’s decision to start Aaron Nola in the do-or-die game:
“Perfect idea for retard Don Mattingly to start him in a win or go home game AT TRUIST PARK.”
One wrote, “…and Don Mattingly thought it a good idea to start him in an elimination game. What an absolute bum of a manager he is. Great player. Terrible manager.”
Referring to Nola’s 21-homer record at Truist Park, now that it’s 22, a fan joked, “Would’ve had more if the Braves signed him instead.”
For now, Aaron Nola can only reflect on what went wrong and come back stronger next season. Meanwhile, his teammates have tried their best to support him.
“I think he was just a little too careful. don’t think he was way off because he was just missing. They just did a good job of not chasing and making him come in the zone. When a lineup is good like that and they get on a roll, it’s tough to get them out when they’re not chasing,” said J.T. Realmuto about Aaron Nola, per NBC Sports Philadelphia.