Phillies Turn to Aaron Nola to Open Critical Braves Series

The Philadelphia Phillies are getting set to open a massive three-game series with the Atlanta Braves this weekend.

Philadelphia enters this series after dropping two of three games against the Houston Astros in disappointing fashion. With the attention now turned toward the Braves, the Phillies will be looking to cut down the lead in the National League East.

Atlanta leads the division by four games entering this matchup, giving each side a chance to make a big statement. For the Phillies, if they can win this series, or even better, sweep, it could bring them within striking distance of overtaking the Braves.

But this group will need a much better showing from the offense than what they provided in the series against Houston. In Thursday's loss, Philadelphia only scored one run, wasting a strong effort from starter Zack Wheeler.

After the game, star Bryce Harper called out the team's offense, with a renewed focus heading into the Braves matchup.

“As an offense, we’ve got to be better,” Harper said. “The last couple games, obviously, didn’t go the way we wanted them to. Just got to turn the page the best we can, and go get Atlanta.”

On the mound for the Phillies to open the series will be starter Aaron Nola, who will be trying to keep his recent string of performances going. Nola hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start over his last eight outings, with five starts allowing only one run.

For the season, the right-hander owns a 4.76 ERA over 29 starts. But in August, Nola recorded a 2.65 ERA in six starts.

Nola just faced the Braves last week, firing seven innings and allowing one run on four hits. Philadelphia will need another strong showing from Nola if they want to get back into the NL East race.

This will be the final time that these two clubs play each other in the regular season, offering the Phillies one last chance to do some damage. Philadelphia needs to seize the opportunity this weekend; otherwise, they will likely enter the postseason as a wild-card team.

The Phillies hold a record of 82-65 for the season, having gone 5-5 over the last 10 games overall. As for the Braves, they enter the series with a record of 86-61, having gone 4-6 over their last 10 contests.

The first pitch for this game is scheduled for 4:15 p.m. PT/7:15 p.m. ET from Truist Park in Atlanta.