PHILADELPHIA -- A crisp, fall breeze blew through the stands Wednesday night at Citizens Bank Park. The first truly chilly night in South Philadelphia in some time, perhaps foreshadowing the way the Phillies' bats would go despite their numerous opportunities against the Milwaukee Brewers.
Aaron Nola snapped one of the more impressive streaks of his career, especially when contrasted with how his season started, surrendering four runs for just the second time since the start of July.
Nola had eight straight starts allowing two runs or fewer coming into tonight, the second-longest streak of his career. He carried a minuscule 1.86 ERA over that stretch
There was a little bit of everything for Nola tonight. He surrendered two home runs, adding to his league-leading total (38). The right-hander ran some deep counts in the third inning and missed his spots in the zone, resulting in two more crossing the plate - four in total through the first three frames.
Around that, however, he still showed that effective poise that has been his trademark for almost half the season now.
“I thought [Nola] was okay” interim manager Don Mattingly said. “Other than [a few small mistakes], he kind of got the game in a good spot for us… he did his job. I didn’t think he had his best stuff, but he battled. He kept us in the game.”
Nola had as many 0-2 counts as he did three-ball counts (4), and retired 12 of 23 batters he faced on four or fewer pitches, including all three batters in his final frame.
Four runs allowed may be unusual for Nola, whose 2.92 ERA was good for No. 14 in the majors since July 1, but it still felt like the game was in reach.
Philadelphia’s offense had plenty of opportunities throughout, but could not capitalize. Their best chance came early in the game. Philly started the second inning with bases loaded and no outs. They pushed just one run across on a groundout.
The Phillies would put a runner in scoring position in five of the final seven innings, four times with fewer than two outs. Not one additional man donning red pinstripes would cross the plate. Philly left 10 men on-base in total, going 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position.
“It’s always frustrating,“ Mattingly responded when asked about his team not coming through in those spots. “Everybody wants to get a hit in those spots. You get chances, and you gotta really try… It's more the ones that you leave yourself opportunities that you feel like you can get a run here and a run there, and it kind of changes the game.”
The Phillies did half of what is required in the postseason: they found ways to get on base. Against another postseason foe, they failed at the part that is required - driving each other in.
Maybe it was the cold. Heck, the Phillies are one of the best teams with runners in scoring position across the majors in 2026. But plenty of cold nights are ahead. To even make it to Red October, they must face the pressure that comes with the September chill.
With four games remaining, all against playoff teams, it does not get easier. It is time to warm up the sticks, regardless of the weather.
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