Phillies First-Round Pick Nola to Start for Fightins Wednesday

(READING, Pa.)---Philadelphia Phillies 2014 first-round pick Aaron Nola is slated to make his Double-A debut in Reading on Wednesday when the Fightin Phils host the Harrisburg Senators at 7:05 p.m. 

The right-handed pitcher will join the Fightins after making seven appearances, six of them being starts, with the Single-A Clearwater Threshers. Nola went 2-3 with a 3.16 ERA across 31 1/3 innings pitched. He also struck out 30 batters to just five walks over his professional debut with Clearwater.

A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Nola was drafted by the Phillies out of LSU in June with the seventh overall selection. With the Tigers in 2014, Nola was 11-1 with a 1.47 ERA in 16 starts. He had 134 strikeouts and 27 walks over his 116 1/3 innings. In three collegiate seasons, the 6'1", 195 lb. starter went 30-6 with a 2.09 ERA and a total of 345 strikeouts. 

A two-time All-American, Nola is the only pitcher in conference history to be awarded SEC Pitcher of the Year honors twice. He was also one of three finalists for the Golden Spikes Award, presented annually to the best collegiate player in the United States. 

Tickets for Nola's start on Wednesday night are available by visiting Fightins.com, calling 610-370-BALL, or by stopping by the Fightins Ticket Office at FirstEnergy Stadium. Wednesday will also feature a post-game fireworks show thanks to Commonwealth Connections Academy and a pre-game play catch on the field, sponsored by Bellco Federal Credit Union.