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Nola vs. Scherzer VII: Is This the Final Chapter?
The Final Chapter: Aaron Nola vs. Max Scherzer Face Off One Last Time
Why This Game Matters
Important Point: This Saturday’s game isn’t just another regular season matchup. It’s likely the final time two legendary pitchers will ever face each other on a baseball field.
Imagine two kids who grew up playing catch in the backyard, but instead of a backyard, it’s a Major League stadium. Aaron Nola (Philadelphia Phillies) and Max Scherzer (Toronto Blue Jays) are those kids—except they’re grown-ups who have been throwing fastballs at each other for nearly a decade.
The Tale of the Tape
| Aaron Nola | Max Scherzer |
|---|---|
| Age: 31 | Age: 42 |
| Team: Philadelphia Phillies | Team: Toronto Blue Jays |
| Contract: Signed through 2030 | Contract: Likely final season |
| Status: In his prime | Status: Living legend, winding down |
A Rivalry Built on History
These two have faced off six times before. Here’s the story of their battles:
1. The Beginning (2016) — Nationals vs. Phillies
- Scherzer dominates: 7 innings, 1 run, 7 strikeouts
- Fun fact: Bryce Harper (now a Phillie!) hit a 2-run homer off Nola for the Nationals
- Nationals win 8-1
2. The Masterpiece (August 2018) — Nola’s Best Game Ever
- Nola strikes out 9 in 8 shutout innings
- The moment: Struck out Bryce Harper with runners on base to end the 8th inning
- Phillies win 2-0 on an Odúbel Herrera home run
- Both pitchers finish with identical 2.13 ERAs that day!
3. The Heartbreaker (Five Days Later)
- Nola pitches great again (7 innings, 1 earned run)
- But… Vince Velasquez leaves second base too early on a tag-up play
- Game-ending double play, Phillies lose 5-4
4. The Slugfest (2019)
- Both pitchers struggle in a doubleheader
- Brad Miller hits TWO home runs for Phillies
- Nationals win 6-5 anyway
5. The Rain-Shortened Game (2021)
- Scherzer now with the Dodgers
- Rain cuts game short after 4 innings
- Both pitchers dealing: Nola (4 shutout innings), Scherzer (3⅓ shutout innings)
- Dodgers win 5-0
6. The Mets Era (2022)
- Scherzer signs huge $130 million deal with Mets
- Only face Nola once: Scherzer wins, 5 innings, 1 run, 7 Ks
- Nola struggles: 3⅓ innings, 9-6 loss
Why This Is Probably The End
Callout: The Writing on the Wall
- Father Time is undefeated — Scherzer is 42 years old
- Rough season — 7.92 ERA in 8 starts this year
- No 2027 guarantee — Even if baseball returns next year, teams might not want a 43-year-old with a high ERA
- Schedule says goodbye — Phillies don’t play the Blue Jays again this season
- Nola stays, Scherzer goes — Nola locked in through 2030; Scherzer’s future uncertain
What to Watch For Saturday
Numbered Steps: How to Enjoy This Historic Moment
- Tune in early — Pregame shows will highlight the rivalry
- Watch the first inning closely — Sets the tone for both veterans
- Look for the "stare down" — These two know each other’s habits perfectly
- Appreciate the chess match — It’s not just throwing hard; it’s outsmarting each other
- Soak in the atmosphere — Citizens Bank Park knows this is special
- Stay for the handshake — If it’s truly the end, the post-game respect will be genuine
The Numbers Behind the Rivalry
- Total matchups: 6 (Saturday = #7)
- Scherzer teams faced: Nationals, Dodgers, Mets, Blue Jays
- Nola teams faced: Always Phillies (loyalty!)
- Ballparks: 3 at Citizens Bank Park, 3 on the road
- Combined Cy Young Awards: 4 (Scherzer 3, Nola 0 but top-3 finishes)
Summary
Saturday’s game is a love letter to baseball history. Two pitchers who defined an era in the NL East—one a fiery competitor with different colored eyes (Scherzer), the other a steady, silent assassin (Nola)—sharing the mound one final time.
Nola isn’t going anywhere. He’ll be pitching in Philadelphia for years to come. But Scherzer? This might be the last dance. Whether he announces retirement tomorrow or pitches until he’s 45, the odds of these two crossing paths again are slim to none.
So grab a snack, settle in, and watch two masters at work. You’re not just watching a game; you’re witnessing the closing chapter of a beautiful rivalry.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
How many times have Nola and Scherzer faced each other before Saturday?
Six times. This will be their seventh matchup. The first four were when Scherzer played for the Washington Nationals.
Why is this likely their last matchup?
Max Scherzer is 42 years old with a 7.92 ERA this season. He hasn’t announced retirement, but at his age and performance level, teams may not offer him a contract for 2026. Plus, the Phillies and Blue Jays don’t play each other again this season.
Who has won more of their head-to-head matchups?
It’s been pretty even! Both have had dominant outings against each other. Nola had two incredible starts in 2018 (back-to-back!), while Scherzer dominated in 2016 and 2022. The win-loss records often depended on which team scored runs that day.
Is Aaron Nola staying with the Phillies?
Yes! Nola signed a long-term contract that keeps him in Philadelphia through 2030. He’s the face of the franchise’s pitching staff for years to come.
What makes Max Scherzer so special even at 42?
"Mad Max" is a three-time Cy Young winner (best pitcher award), eight-time All-Star, and World Series champion (2019 with Nationals). He’s famous for his intense competitiveness, different colored eyes (heterochromia), and being one of the greatest strikeout pitchers ever. Even in a down year, he’s a living legend.
Enjoy the game, baseball fans. Moments like this don’t come around often.
