Game 4 is tonight. Aaron Nola is on the mound vs Christain Javier. And the Phillies lead the series 2-1 after a big win last night. To get the scoop on what is to come tonight in game 4, “The Best Show Ever?” talked to Hall of Fame Baseball Writer Jayson Stark. Stark discussed the Phillies game 3 win, what to expect from Nola tonight, the impact of the fans, and more. Here is some of what Jayson Stark had to say.
On Ranger Suarez
“Rangers is a folk hero. When you watch him go to the mound, he just has this ability to spread his feelings of calm and confidence. Everything is under control. I think there is an argument he has been the Phillies’ best pitcher in this postseason. If you start in the NLCS, he has now faced 44 hitters. Two starts, and two relief appearances. Only two guys have scored, one of those wasn’t even earned. There is just something about him in these moments. How cool he is, and how under control he is. And the ability to do the starter reliever thing. This time of the year, the team that wins, has a guy like that, who can swing from the rotation to the bullpen.”
On What To Expect From Nola vs Javier Tonight
“He has to be great, and certainly has to be good. The way that game unfolded last night, you are not going to see that tonight. Christain Javier, that guy is fantastic. They don’t look for a lot of volume out of him. But he has only given up 1 run since September 7th. In 32 innings, he gave up 1 solo homer. That is it… That puts a lot of pressure on Aaron Nola to be the guy who pitched against the Astros in the post-season clincher.
I do think he has learned some stuff about the Astros. Their game plan is to attack early because they don’t like the pitcher to settle in. They want to scare him. To be afraid of the strike zone… I do think you will see some big adjustments from him. But he has a tall order tonight.”
On the Impact of the Crowd
“It’s amazing. I have spent a lot of time in this ballpark. A lot of nights in the postseason in parks all over America. It is always special. It is always loud. There is always an atmosphere. But this is honestly at another level. All the nights I have spent in this ballpark. I don’t remember one like last night, where 46,000 people pretty much never sat down. You play hundreds of dollars, thousands of dollars for those seats, and they did not sit in them. To see people that into every moment. It gives me goosebumps. And I know it is giving these players goosebumps.”
Listen to the full interview below…
