On Monday, Aaron Nola of the Philadelphia Phillies looked for his third straight start with at least seven innings pitched. He didn’t disappoint.
Nola shut out the Bucs in seven innings and allowed only four hits, while striking out eight. He’s 3-0 with a 1.27 ERA in his last three starts.
His counterpart, Ivan Nova, gave up four runs on seven in six innings.
The Phils received offensive assistance from Freddy Galvis, who drilled a 2-run homer to right field in the first. But, that’s not the only exciting part of Galvis’s day. On Monday morning, Galvis became a father for the second time, as his daughter, Nicole, was born prior to him coming to Citizens Bank Park.
Galvis is hitting .338 (22 for 65) since June 17.
Maikel Franco launched a 2-run shot in the third off of Nova. The Phils’ third baseman captured his 11th round tripper of the 2017 season. This is Franco’s second consecutive game with two RBI.
The Pirates didn’t have much to cheer for in the game ballgame. Andrew McCutchen continues to improve his trade value. The veteran center fielder collected his 16th double of the season.
Jordy Mercer also achieved his 12 double of his 2017 campaign.
Both bullpens were lights out. Joaquin Benoit and Hector Neris each pitched a shutout frame for Philly. Pirates’ lefty Wade LeBlanc didn’t allow a hit in two scoreless innings.
Before the game, the Pirates activated Francisco Cervelli from the disabled list. The veteran backstop was on the DL after suffering a concussion last month.
Phillies outfielder Nick Williams earned his first major league double in the ballgame. In four games this year, the 23-year-old is batting .357 (5 for 14).
The Philadelphia Phillies have won four of their last six games and will send Mark Leiter, Jr.(1-0, 4.20 ERA) to the mound for a 4th of July matchup with Jameson Taillon (4-2. 2.97 ERA) and the Bucs.