It was easy to forget on Thursday afternoon - at least for 2 hours, 31 minutes - just how ugly the Phillies' season has been. That's how good Aaron Nola pitched in a 5-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals at Citizens Bank Park.
The righthander struck out eight batters and walked two as he allowed one runs on four hits in 71/3 innings. Every fifth day will be a gauge as the Phillies try to learn what they have in Nola, who has the best chance to be special among all of their young arms. Thursday afternoon was a great impression.