Phillies Keep It Close but Drop Game One to Dodgers

The Philadelphia Phillies (66-46) needed a win on Monday night over the Los Angeles Dodgers (66-47) to start their first winning streak in nearly a month. The Dodgers had other plans, taking it to the Phillies 5-3.

Nola's Night to Forget

Despite August statistically being the best month for Aaron Nola (11-5, 3.54 ERA) throughout his career, his first start of August this season was one to forget.

Nola did not have the stuff that the Phillies have come to expect from Nola in Monday's game, allowing four runs on eight hits and no walks while only striking out four in six innings.

All of the damage to Nola would come in the third, which started with a double, a double, a single, a sacrifice fly, and a home run, accounting for all four of the runs Nola allowed.

While the third inning was his worst, he allowed hard contact throughout the night, with an average exit velocity of 97.2. The defense behind Nola stepped up in a huge way and helped keep the game in reach.

WPA Leader of the Night

Monday's WPA leader of the night is Dodgers' left fielder Teoscar Hernandez . After the Phillies jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the second, Teoscar's home run in the third would give the Dodgers a lead they would not relinquish.

His only hit of the night, Teoscar would get every bit of a first pitch knuckle curve from Nola, pulling it into left field at 112.9 MPH, and putting the Dodgers up 4-2. It was the 24th home run of the season for Teoscar, who would finish the night going 1-for-4 with two RBI, the home run, and a 13.8 WPA.

Next Up

Next up for the Phillies is game two of this three game mid-week set on Tuesday. The first pitch for Tuesday's game is scheduled for 10:10 PM EST. The game will be broadcast nationally on MLB Network (out-of-market only) as well as NBC Sports Philadelphia and SportsNet LA. Phillies fans can listen to the game on 94 WIP or WTTM 1680.