Aaron Nola gets rocked again as Jung Hoo Lee, Giants roll over Phillies 11-4

If you’re looking for a turning point in the Phillies’ week, don’t look to Aaron Nola. He’s not just searching for answers—he might need a search party.

The veteran right-hander got lit up yet again on Wednesday night as the Giants rolled into Citizens Bank Park and smacked Philly around in an 11-4 beatdown.

Jung Hoo Lee was the star of the night. The 25-year-old outfielder singled, doubled, drove in two, and basically did whatever he wanted at the plate.

This guy has been a problem all series long, and he made life miserable for Aaron Nola, who gave up nine hits and six earned runs in just 5.1 innings of work.

Oh, and don’t forget the walk parade—Nola handed out five free passes. Yikes.

Aaron Nola Key Stat: 6.65 ERA for $172 Million

Let’s talk about it. Aaron Nola signed a seven-year, $172 million extension this offseason. That’s franchise-ace money. Through four starts? He’s 0-4 with a 6.65 ERA.

Aaron Nola’s Miserable 2025 Season:

• 3/30—5.1 IP, 5 ER, 0 BB, 8 SO, 2 HR, L
• 4/5—6.0 IP, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO, 2 HR, L
• 4/11—5.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 BB, 7 SO, 0 HR, L
• 4/16—5.1 IP, 6 ER, 4 BB, 8 SO, 0 HR, L

Total: 21.2 IP, 16 ER, 9 BB, 25 SO, 4 HR 0-4, 6.65 ERA

Not exactly what the front office had in mind when they wrote that check. Wednesday night wasn’t just another loss—it was a warning siren. Aaron Nola can’t get outs when it matters, and his command has been all over the place.

Bryce Harper Tried

Bryce Harper did his part, launching a game-tying two-run homer in the fourth to briefly breathe life into Citizens Bank Park.

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But the Giants responded by putting up seven unanswered runs because that’s what good teams do when you can’t throw strikes and your defense throws the ball away.

Looking at you, Johan Rojas.

Rojas had a brutal error in the fifth that opened the floodgates. With Jung Hoo Lee standing on third, Rojas airmailed a throw into foul territory, handing the Giants the go-ahead run and giving them all the momentum. You can’t give teams like this extra outs—they’ll bury you.

Johan Rojas is like if Odubel Herrera were somehow dumber and a worse hitter just without the DV charges pic.twitter.com/qk1rhC9Nc3

— Life of a Philly Fan (@PhillyFanLife) April 17, 2025

36-Minute First Inning? Woof.

The first inning took 36 minutes to complete. That’s not baseball. That’s a hostage situation. Nola and Robbie Ray combined for 74 pitches and six walks in the first frame alone.

Three of those walks came with the bases loaded. If you were hoping for a crisp night of ball, you clearly haven’t been watching this Phillies pitching staff lately.

Up Next for the Phillies

The Phillies and Giants wrap up the four-game set Thursday. Jordan Hicks (1-1, 5.87 ERA) will go for San Francisco, while Cristopher Sánchez (1-0, 3.12 ERA) gets the ball for the Phillies. At this point, any starter who doesn’t implode in the first two innings is a welcome change.

Final Thought: If Nola can’t figure it out soon, the Phillies are going to be forced into some uncomfortable conversations. You don’t pay nine figures for mediocrity—let alone a guy with a 6.65 ERA who can’t keep the ball in the yard or out of the zone.

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