Nola baffled by struggles after worst start of career: 'Terrible'

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola was left wondering what's going on with his performance this season after the worst start of his career.

"I don't really have another answer for tonight besides: Terrible," Nola said on Wednesday, according to MLB.com's Todd Zolecki.

The 31-year-old allowed 12 hits and nine earned runs during a 14-7 Phillies loss to the St. Louis Cardinals during Game 2 of a doubleheader.

The 12 hits and nine earned runs allowed were both career highs for the one-time All-Star, who also tied another career high by giving up three home runs in a single game.

"I mean, what can go wrong went wrong," Nola said.

The Louisiana native has been a steady presence in the Phillies' rotation his entire career, but 2025 has been a different story.

Nola lost his first five starts this season after allowing 20 earned runs and six homers before he righted the ship for two outings. He's since allowed 13 earned runs and five homers in his last two starts.

The veteran hurler believes he needs to do a better job of putting away hitters and missing bats, and he plans to figure out his issues. Manager Ron Thomson trusts he'll do just that.

"I think he'll find it," Thomson said. "You've got trust that he's going to find it. He's going to work at it, that's for sure. He's going to figure it out."