PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – For Aaron Nola, the moment is never too big.
When the Phillies need to win something, there seems to be a pitcher on this team who is eager to take the chance to close it out. Even when there is something on the line, you can’t tell by his demeanor.
Just another day at the office. This is Nola in vintage style.
“I just look at it as another game,” said a soaking wet Nola, drenched in beer after celebrating the Phillies’ first division title in 13 years. 6-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Citizens Bank Park on Monday night. “I’m just trying not to allow any runs and get deep into the game like I try to do every time.”
“Honestly, I’m not trying to do anything crazy. I’m just trying to treat this like another game.”
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When the Phillies needed to win the National League East, Nola was there. In his last great performance in a decisive game, Nola pitched six innings and allowed just two runs while allowing seven strikeouts and two walks.
In its last seven games, Nola has clinched either a postseason berth, a division title, or a postseason series – Nola has a 4-1 record, a 1.62 ERA, 46 strikeouts, and seven walks in 44.1 innings pitched.
For Nola, the moment isn’t that big. Not in the slightest.
“He’s a big-game pitcher,” Phillies manager Rob Thomson said. “He’s there when the lights are brightest.”
“I know everyone is talking about the pitcher of the second game because (Cristopher) Sanchez throws so well at home. That’s a topic that needs to be discussed, but Nola is a big-game guy.”
Monday’s decisive game was just Nola’s latest comeback appearance. After Nola had allowed a total of 10 earned runs in consecutive starts, the team now responded with consecutive appearances of six-plus innings while allowing two earned runs or fewer.
When the Phillies needed Nola to play right, he answered. Thanks to Nola, the Phillies now have the NL East secured, with the magic number of two before the first round to secure a bye. That’s what the Phillies are playing for, and they’ve admitted they need it.
“I think the break will help our team a lot,” Bryce Harper said. “I think a lot of our guys are fighting through a lot of stuff. They’re kind of rebooting and taking a minute off.”
The cool, calm and composed Nola smiled as the prospect of the bye came to mind.
“I feel like we have some injuries, especially coming off the All-Star break,” Nola said. “It’ll be good to give some guys some rest.”
That’s something Nola’s teammates will have to sort out in the next few days. Nola did his job and put his team in a position to make the World Series easier, and that’s all the Phillies can ask for.
“We need to get the bye,” Thomson said. “It’s really important for us. The home advantage will help us a lot.”
