Nola's Performance an Encouraging Sign for the Philadelphia Phillies as He Silences Critics

Aaron Nola didn’t flirt with a no-hitter or baffle the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday.

Yet he was very effective.

And that’s an encouraging sign for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Nola gave up two runs in six strong innings and the Phillies prevailed 8-4. His velocity was up, too.

“It felt pretty good coming out of my hand,” said Nola, whose fastball reached 93 miles-per-hour. “I felt behind (the ball). I felt on top of it. My fingers felt on top of my fastball and on my changeup, and my curveball for the most part, too. Delivery-wise, it felt better than it has.”

After a slow start, Nola has posted a 3.24 ERA over his last five starts.

This is the final season of a deal which is worth $16 million.

Nola had been seeking a long-term extension, but negotiations were shut down before the season. The two sides appeared to be far apart. It’s unclear how much money Nola had been seeking, though it’s likely to be in excess of $150 million.

Even with the recent stretch of improved starts, there’s plenty of room for improvement. Especially if Nola wants to secure that kind of huge pay day after the season.

“I feel good,” Nola told reporters. “Body feels good. As long as I keep those little goals going, which is getting the leadoff guy out and getting ahead of hitters and keeping the walks down, keep the home runs down, I think better things will happen.”

Nola’s command isn’t where he wants it just yet. It’s getting close and his teammates are supporting him all the way.

“He’s one of our horses, so if he can go deep into games and eat up those innings, just be himself, it really helps the Phillies,” Nick Castellanos said.

Nola has historically pitched well as the weather improved. Hopefully, this is a sign of stellar outings to come.

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