The Philadelphia Phillies’ march toward the postseason hit a speed bump Saturday night as the Arizona Diamondbacks handed ace Aaron Nola his 10th loss of the season, tightening the National League Wild Card race and injecting fresh drama into the final stretch of September baseball.
Nola Falters, Diamondbacks Capitalize
Aaron Nola, typically a pillar of the Phillies’ rotation, struggled to find his rhythm against a determined Diamondbacks lineup. Over 5.1 innings, Nola surrendered four runs on seven hits and two walks, striking out four but ultimately taking the loss. The defeat marked his 10th of the season and continued a shaky September for the veteran right-hander.
The Diamondbacks, fighting to keep their own playoff hopes alive, jumped on Nola early and never looked back. Their offense was relentless, capitalizing on every opportunity and putting pressure on the Phillies’ bullpen as the game wore on.
Phillies’ Magic Number Stuck at Three
Despite the setback, the Phillies’ magic number to clinch a playoff spot remains at three, but the loss means they’ll need help from other teams—or a quick turnaround—to lock up their postseason berth before heading home. The pressure is mounting, and every game now carries heightened significance.
Gallen’s Resurgence Powers Arizona
On the mound for Arizona, Zac Gallen continued his late-season resurgence. Over his last nine starts, Gallen has posted a 5-2 record with an ERA just over 2.5, thanks in large part to a more aggressive fastball-changeup combination. His dominance has been a key factor in keeping the Diamondbacks in the playoff hunt.
What’s Next: High Stakes and High Drama
With the Diamondbacks now sitting at 78-77, every remaining game is a must-win if they hope to leapfrog into a Wild Card spot. The Phillies, meanwhile, are looking to regroup and avoid a late-season collapse that could jeopardize their postseason dreams.
Key Takeaways
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Aaron Nola’s struggles are a growing concern for the Phillies as the playoffs approach.
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Zac Gallen’s turnaround has been a lifeline for the Diamondbacks’ fading hopes.
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The NL Wild Card race is tighter than ever, with both teams’ fates hanging in the balance.
As the regular season winds down, expect more fireworks—and possibly more surprises—in this high-stakes National League showdown.
Sources
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