Phillies outduel Mets behind vintage Aaron Nola, clutch Jhoan Duran

The Phillies limped into Monday night’s opener against the Mets with some pretty brutal news as Trea Turner and Alec Bohm both landed on the injured list.

Not exactly how you want to start a critical September series but thankfully, Aaron Nola wasn’t having any of it.

The guy who’s been more of a $170 million question mark than a co-ace this season finally showed up looking like the pitcher the Phillies keep trying to convince us he still is.

Aaron Nola went six shutout innings, only his second scoreless outing all year and the first since May 3. He was in command, and for a night at least, it felt like old times.

Aaron Nola Masterclass

LET'S GEAUX! pic.twitter.com/6qH8truA3z

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 9, 2025

Shoutout Phillies Bullpen

David Robertson and Matt Strahm kept things quiet before Jhoan Duran came in to do the cardiac closer routine. After giving up a leadoff single and then a one-out double, Duran locked it down for his 28th save.

Mets fans thought they had life, but just like that, game over.

The Durantula

The Durantula 🕷️#RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/KmpxJew9sS

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) September 9, 2025

Standings Check

The win puts the Phillies at 84-60 and pushes their lead in the NL East to a season-high eight games over the Mets (76-68).

With 18 left, the division is Philly’s to lose, and Monday was a statement that even when the injuries pile up, they’ve got the arms to handle business.

It wasn’t flashy and it sure as hell wasn’t easy but it was the kind of September win that good teams stack.

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