Clinch Game Dominance: Aaron Nola continues to deliver for the Phillies when it matters most
When the stakes are high, the Philadelphia Phillies rely on Aaron Nola to get it done.
Whether it’s a big game in the postseason or a chance for the Phillies to punch their tickets to Red October, Nola has become the guy the Phillies turn to when the pressure is on.
Since 2022, Nola has made seven starts in games where the Phillies could either clinch a playoff berth, close out a postseason series, or lock down a division title.
He’s been nothing short of spectacular.
In those seven starts, Nola has posted a 4-1 record and holds a 1.62 ERA over 44.1 innings, with 46 strikeouts and only seven walks. That’s a nasty 6.57 strikeout-to-walk ratio when the lights are the brightest.
Here’s a look at his clutch moments:
1. 2024 vs. Chicago Cubs (Clinch NL East)
Nola was in October form last night at Citizens Bank Park as he guided the Phillies to their first NL East title in 13 years, handling the Cubs over six strong innings, allowing seven hits, two earned runs and two walks while striking out seven.
Aaron Nola clinches NL East
2. 2024 Loss @ Milwaukee Brewers (Clinch Playoffs)
The Phillies couldn’t get it done in this one, taking the loss. Nola pitched well enough but didn’t factor into the decision as Philly dropped a key game in their pursuit of the division title.
3. NLCS Game 6 vs. Arizona (2023)
This was a tough one. Nola couldn’t close it out, and the Phillies fell short of clinching a World Series trip in this game against the Diamondbacks. As we all know, the bats were silent which was really the deciding factor.
4. 2023 Wild Card Game 2 vs. Miami
The Phillies needed one win to advance, and Nola delivered. He shut down the Marlins in a series-clinching performance that sent Philly to the NLDS.
5. Regular Season Walk-Off Win vs. Pirates (2023)
While Nola didn’t get the win or loss in this game, the Phillies pulled out a dramatic walk-off victory that pushed them to the postseason. Nola was solid in his outing, keeping the team in it.
6. Clinching the 2022 Wild Card vs. Cardinals
This was Nola at his finest. With their season on the line, he mowed through the Cardinals to punch Philly’s ticket to the next round of the playoffs.
7. Clinching the 2022 Playoff Berth vs. Astros
Back in 2022, Nola gave the Phillies exactly what they needed to get back to the postseason for the first time in over a decade. His dominant outing against the Astros sealed their playoff spot.
Nola’s resume in these high-leverage games speaks for itself. He’s proven time and again that when the Phillies need a strong outing from their starting rotation, he’s the guy who can get it done.
The NL East is not Enough
The Phillies are currently a half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in the National League and in all of Major League Baseball.
The Phillies hold critical tiebreaker advantages over the Dodgers and Brewers when it comes to playoff seeding with just five games left in the 2024 regular season.
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