Looking to rebound from their tragic extra-innings loss to the Atlanta Braves on Saturday, the first-place Philadelphia Phillies will turn to ace Aaron Nola in the series rubber match on Mother’s Day.
The seven-year veteran, who has a 3-1 record, 2.89 ERA, and 0.985 WHIP ratio this season through seven starts, will look to help the team to its third straight Mother’s Day victory dating back to the 2018 season (a game was not played on the holiday last year due to the season not getting underway until late July).
Mother’s Day 2019: Phillies 6, Royals 1
Making his big-league debut, former Phillies left-hander Cole Irvin shined — allowing just five hits, one walk, and one earned run, while striking out five, through seven innings. Seranthony Dominguez and Juan Nicasio recorded scoreless eighth and ninth innings to seal the interleague win and improve the Phillies record to 23-16.
At the plate, J.T. Realmuto recorded a two-run double, Odubel Herrera a two-run single, Jean Segura a one-run single, and Rhys Hoskins a bases-loaded walk.
Mother’s Day 2018: Phillies 4, Mets 2
Nola earned his sixth win of what would be his only career All-Star and top-three Cy Young Award season so far. Through six innings, he allowed only one run and two walks, along with nine hits, while striking out four of his 25 batters faced. Tommy Hunter, Luis Garcia, and Dominguez recorded holds, while Edubray Ramos recorded his first career save.
Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the sixth, Nick Williams launched a three-run home run. Two innings later, Carlos Santana hit a leadoff home run to left-center opposite Jeurys Familia, giving Phillies pitching a much-needed insurance run.
Perennial Cy Young Award candidate Jacob deGrom started the game, however he lasted just one inning — as he tossed 45 pitches (29 strikes) and allowed three walks.