Former LSU Ace Aaron Nola Makes Pro Debut

Aaron Nola

CLEARWATER, Fl — Philadelphia Phillies top draft pick Aaron Nola made his pro debut for Class A Clearwater. Nola allowed five runs (four earned), three hits, three walks, and one hit batter in 2 1/3 innings of work.

Nola was selected out of Louisiana State University with the seventh overall pick of the 2014 First-Year Player Draft.

Nola was named SEC Pitcher of the Year twice, the only player with multiple honors. He was one of three finalists for the Golden Spikes Award, awarded each year to the top player in college baseball.

In 16 starts for LSU this season 116 1/3 innings the 21-year-old Nola went 11-1 with a 1.47 ERA and 134 strikeouts. He struck out 345 batters over three years of college baseball and posted a record of 30-6 with a 2.09 ERA in that span.

“It felt good, I made some bad pitches here and there, and they capitalized on them,” said Nola. “I’m just going to take it start to start and do my best. ”

Nola will pitch again on Saturday at Bright House Field against the Brevard County Manatees.

About the Author

Don Miller
Don is a lifelong baseball fan and that life is getting pretty long. He makes his living at home in New Port Richey, Florida. A Tampa native he served as a fantasy correspondent for ESPN for the Tampa Bay Rays, back when they were called the Devil Rays. He loves college baseball, Tampa sports and follows them both with unrivaled passion. Don is also a member of the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, and his work has been featured on a number of baseball, sports, business and financial venues.
  • Matthew Gray

    Aaron is going to get lit up at first by the big league hitters. But look to see him settle in shortly. A magnificent pitcher!