Aaron Nola Still Seeking First Win of the Season as Phillies Face Diamondbacks
Aaron Nola is coming off his strongest outing of the year, but he’s still in search of his first win in the 2025 season. He’ll take the mound again Saturday evening when the Philadelphia Phillies continue their three-game home series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The 31-year-old right-hander, a model of consistency over the past decade, signed a $172 million deal to remain with the Phillies in late 2023. Last season, Nola posted a 14-8 record with a 3.57 ERA. However, he’s struggled so far this year, going 0-5 with a 5.40 ERA across six starts. He’s had multiple outings with control issues and has surrendered several multi-home run games.
Despite that, Nola’s most recent performance was a bright spot. In a game against the Cubs last Sunday, he allowed only one run on three hits over a season-best seven innings. The Phillies went on to win the game 3-1 in extra innings.
“He’s just so steady,” manager Rob Thomson said. “He comes in every day with the same mindset and work ethic. That’s why I don’t worry about him.”
Nola has historically struggled against Arizona, holding a 2-3 record with a 7.31 ERA in six career starts versus the team.
The Phillies offense gave him some help in Friday’s series opener, with Kyle Schwarber and Max Kepler each hitting solo home runs in the seventh inning to fuel a 3-2 comeback win. Philadelphia has now won five of its last six games. Schwarber is currently tied for the National League lead in home runs with 10.
Arizona’s Eugenio Suarez, who shares the home run lead with Schwarber, has gone five games without a homer since hitting four in one game last Saturday against Atlanta. The Diamondbacks did get a boost Friday from Lourdes Gurriel Jr., who had three hits and an RBI. They also welcomed back second baseman Ketel Marte, who returned from a month-long absence due to a hamstring injury.
Brandon Pfaadt will start for Arizona on Saturday. The right-hander is 5-1 with a 2.78 ERA this season and has pitched at least six innings in five of his six starts. In his last outing, he allowed three runs (two earned) and nine hits while striking out six in a win over the Braves. Pfaadt has won five straight starts.
Saturday’s game will be Pfaadt’s first regular-season start against the Phillies, though he faced them twice in the 2023 National League Championship Series. In those two postseason appearances, he allowed two earned runs over 9 2/3 innings and struck out 16, but did not earn a decision in either game.
