The Philadelphia Phillies are preparing for their first World Series since 2009, with Game 1 scheduled for Friday. Manager Rob Thomson has announced that Aaron Nola will start the series opener, with Zack Wheeler going in Game 2 against the Houston Astros.
“Aaron Nola will start Game 1 of the World Series. Zack Wheeler will start Game 2,” per Todd Zolecki.
Nola has been brilliant in these playoffs for the Phillies, going 2-1 with a 3.12 ERA in 17.1 innings, striking out 18 in the process, and allowing a mere three walks. His only bad outing was in the NLCS against the San Diego Padres on the road, giving up six earned in 4.2 innings, including a crucial hit to his brother, Austin Nola.
Wheeler has been brilliant. He has a 1.78 postseason ERA in four starts and a WHIP of just 0.51. The Phillies ace went six innings and surrendered two runs in the World Series-clinching win on Sunday at Citizens Bank Park.
Nola will be on nine days of rest by Game 1, while Wheeler will have six days. The Phillies head into the World Series as a underdog. They’ve proved all the doubters wrong so far after coming into the playoffs as the last NL seed, even eliminating the defending champion Atlanta Braves in the NLDS.
Aaron Nola to get the call for Game 1 of the World Series for the Phillies. Photo courtsey of HARRY HOW / GETTY IMAGES
