Rob Thomson says Aaron Nola will start Game 1 of the World Series

Aaron Nola will make the start for the Phillies in Game 1 of the World Series, according to Phillies manager Rob Thomson.
“l think that we’ll officially announce it tomorrow, but I think the common sense way to go is to have Nola go Game 1 and give Wheeler the extra day of rest and have him go Game 2” – Rob Thomson on 94.1 WIP’s “The Midday Show”
Aaron Nola Will Start Game 1
The Phillies had the option to start Zack Wheeler on an extra day of rest after his dominant performance in Game 5 of the NLCS, throwing six innings, allowing just three hits, two earned runs, and eight strikeouts. Ultimately, Rob Thomson wants Nola to throw Game 1, which would set up Wheeler for Game 2.
Aaron Nola got roughed up by San Diego in Game 2, allowing seven hits and six earned runs in four and two-thirds. Nola blew up in the fifth, and the bullpen couldn’t pick the Phillies ace up. Before his San Diego start, Nola was dominant, throwing 12.2 combined scoreless innings against Atlanta and St. Louis, allowing just nine hits and striking out 12.
Phillies World Series Pitching Schedule
- Game 1 (HOU): Aaron Nola
- Game 2 (HOU): Zack Wheeler
- Game 3 (PHL): Ranger Suarez
- Game 4 (PHL): Bullpen (Syndergaard?)
- Game 5 (PHL): Aaron Nola
- Game 6 (HOU): Zack Wheeler
- Game 7 (HOU): Ranger Suarez (Everyone)
The last time Aaron Nola faced the Astros, he threw arguably the best start of his entire career. Nola clinched the Phillies’ first trip to the playoffs since 2011 back on October 3rd in Houston, throwing six and two-thirds scoreless innings, striking out nine, and allowing just two hits after holding a perfect game through six.
Times and Dates for All 7 Games of the World Series >>
The Astros have not announced any of their starters just yet, but all signs point to Justin Verlander, the 2022 AL Cy-Young favorite, getting the start vs. Nola in Game 1.
Read: Justin Verlander’s past WS struggles set up favorable matchup for Phillies >>