Sweet Relief

I don't want to talk about why Aaron Nola can't remember that he's Aaron Nola while pitching on the road because it doesn't make any sense. At hitter-friendly CBP, Nola has a 1.40 ERA with a 0.90 WHIP, holding opponents to a .196 batting average.

Outside of Philadelphia this year is a whole other matter. His road ERA is 5.65, with a 1.26 WHIP and a .277 opponents batting average against. It makes no sense. Maybe the mound in Philly feels better. Maybe he likes starting the game on the mound rather than on the bench. Maybe he hates the gray road uniforms. Who knows? But he needs to figure out how to pitch away from Philadelphia in a hurry. 

Speaking of figuring things out, Phillies relievers have allowed just one run in the last five games, which spans 14.2 innings by my count. I'm sorry if the figure is wrong but I can't math. But it's a big relief (see what I did there?) compared to last year's toxic waste dump of a bullpen.

Hell, even Vince Velasquez is pitching well. His last three starts have been pretty good, even if he can't get past the sixth inning. VV is good and Nola stinks on the road. What the actual hell?