Aaron Nola Is Bringing Record Heat In The Postseason

Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola has had one of the finest seasons of his career in 2022.

For starters, he surpassed 200 innings once again, with 205 frames.

He posted a 3.25 ERA and a much better 2.58 FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching).

Had the Phillies had a better infield defense – they fielded Alec Bohm at third base and Rhys Hoskins at first for much of the season – the former number would have been much closer to the latter.

Part of the reason why he has been so successful this season has been his revitalized four-seam fastball.

In fact, during Game 2 of the National League Division Series against the San Diego Padres, Nola threw the third-fastest pitch of his career.

“Fastest pitches of Aaron Nola’s career (reg + post): 96.4 mph — 6/24/22 (swinging K); 96.4 mph — 7/30/18; 96.3 mph — Today (looking K); 96.3 mph — 8/30/19 (swinging K),” MLB stats expert Sarah Langs tweeted.

fastest pitches of Aaron Nola’s career (reg + post):

96.4 mph — 6/24/22 (swinging K)
96.4 mph — 7/30/18
96.3 mph — Today (looking K)
96.3 mph — 8/30/19 (swinging K)

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) October 19, 2022

Better Than Ever

That pitch was good enough to earn him a called strike, as Langs stated.

It was just 0.1 mph slower than the fastest pitch of his career, thrown this year on June 24.

That one left his hand at 96.4 mph.

The 29-year-old Nola seems to be peaking at the right time.

Not only is he throwing as fast as ever, but he is getting excellent results.

In addition to his brilliant regular season, he has been phenomenal in the playoffs.

Before taking the mound today, he had thrown 12.2 scoreless innings for the Phillies.

He is also having a solid game on Wednesday night, mixing his high-velo heat with an incredible, knee-buckling curveball.

There is no doubt that the Phillies have a legitimate ace and one of the most underrated hurlers in MLB in Nola.