Philadelphia Phillies Win Series Over Houston Astros with One Game Remaining

The Philadelphia Phillies (78-54) entered Tuesday on a three-game win streak and needed a win to clinch the series victory over the Houston Astros (70-62). With their second ace, Aaron Nola (12-6, 3.30 ERA), taking the mound in a showdown with future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander (3-4, 4.16 ERA), the Phillies would get that much-needed win.

Nola's Night

Nola had his best stuff on Tuesday night. His control was on point, his command was there, and he kept the Astros off the board through seven spectacular innings.

Nola threw 102 pitches on Tuesday, with 52 of them being in the strike zone. The only thing that was missing from Nola tonight was his strikeout ability. He was able to tally six strikeouts on the night, but he only generated 14 whiffs and 11 called strikes giving him a 25 CSW rate.

He kept the exit velocities down, working with an average exit velocity of 85 MPH, and did not allow an exit velocity above 100 MPH. Of the four hits he allowed, none went for extra bases.

Tuesday night Nola was 2018 and 2022 Nola. The Nola that could be a perennial Cy Young contender. The Phillies have only seen it in flashes this season, though he has still had a great season on the whole.

Notables

• The Phillies recorded a double-digit hit total on Tuesday night. It was the fourth time in the last five games that the Phillies have recorded a double-digit hit total.
• Nick Castellanos hit a three-run home run in the third inning. It was his 18th home run of the season.
• Austin Hays hit a double in the third inning. It was his 200th career extra-base hit.
• J.T. Realmuto hit a double in the sixth inning. It was his 250th career double.
• The Phillies have recorded 13 shutouts this season.
• The Phillies have won 30 consecutive games when their starting pitcher goes seven or more innings. They are 30-1 in such games this season.
• With his 102nd career win, Nola moves into sole position of seventh on the all-time pitcher wins leaders list for the Phillies.

WPA Leader of the Night

Tonight's WPA leader of the night was Phillies starter Aaron Nola. A fantastic seven-inning outing was more than enough to put the Phillies in the win column.

Nola's final line held seven scoreless innings with four hits allowed and one walk while striking out six. His WPA score would finish at 28.4.

Next Up

Next up for the Phillies is the chance for the sweep on Wednesday. The first pitch for Wednesday's game is scheduled for 4:05 PM EST. The game will be broadcast nationally on MLB Network (out-of-market only) as well as on NBC Sports Philadelphia and Space City Home Network.

Phillies fans can listen to the game on 94 WIP or WTTM 1680.