Phillies Aim to Extend Season Behind Aaron Nola in Game 3 vs. Braves

The Philadelphia Phillies have forced a decisive Game 3 in their National League Wild Card series against the Atlanta Braves, a feat that positions their postseason experience as a key asset. The team mounted a comeback from a 3-1 deficit in Game 2, fueled by consecutive home runs from Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper in the eighth inning, ultimately securing a 4-3 victory in extras.

For the pivotal Game 3, the Phillies have chosen to start veteran pitcher Aaron Nola. Nola is on regular rest, having thrown only 21 pitches in his last outing on Saturday. This decision contrasts with starting Zack Wheeler, who pitched 97 pitches on Sunday and has not previously started a postseason game on short rest.

Nola brings significant postseason experience to the mound, with 11 career playoff starts, holding a 5-4 record and a 3.88 earned run average. He is set to face Ray Kerr, who has no prior playoff experience in his four-year major league career. Despite Nola's credentials, some sportsbooks have the game as a pick'em, while others slightly favor the Braves at home.

Nola's season was characterized by a significant turnaround. After struggling with command and posting a 5.58 ERA in his first 17 starts, he improved his performance by refining his pitch sequencing to avoid late-inning trouble. His recent outings against the Braves have been solid, allowing only three runs over 13 1/3 innings in two starts within the last month. Overall this season, he has pitched 18 innings against Atlanta with a 4.50 ERA, reaching the fifth inning in all three starts.

Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Aaron Nola delivers during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)

This season's performance builds on Nola's history against the Braves in the postseason, where he secured wins in previous playoff matchups in 2022 and 2023. Nola frequently utilizes his knuckle curve, a pitch that contributes to his high chase rate, ranking in the top 22 percent of MLB. The Braves, known for their aggressive approach at the plate, have one of the highest chase rates in the league, frequently swinging at pitches outside the strike zone but making contact at a low rate.

Philadelphia Phillies interim manager Don Mattingly indicated that Game 3 would be an "all hands on deck" situation, with Nola's outs prop set at 11.5. This suggests a potential opener strategy for Nola. However, the Phillies may have less incentive to remove Nola early given the significant usage of key relievers in the previous two games.