Losing a game in extra innings is never easy, but Monday’s loss for the Philadelphia Phillies was particularly tough.
Aaron Nola pitched beautifully for Philly in a 2-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox in 13 innings. He allowed just one run and four hits over eight innings but left with a no-decision, similar to David Price. The Red Sox won the game in the 13th on a Blake Swihart RBI ground-rule double.
After the loss, Phillies manager Gabe Kapler said the defeat was a “punch in the face.”
"It was probably the pitching performance of the year," Gabe Kapler said. The 13-inning loss, he said, was "a punch in the face."
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) July 31, 2018
What makes it so tough? Not only did Nola have nothing to show for his brilliant performance, but the Phillies used six relievers in the game (as did Boston). When you invest so many resources into one contest, it’s tough to come away with a defeat.
