By Sam Bush
Phillies hurler Aaron Nola looks ready for opening day.
He went five strong innings in a 4-3 loss yesterday to the Minnesota Twins. Nola allowed two runs on four hits with two walks and three strikeouts to lower his spring ERA to 4.50.
The Phillies (9-14) managed only two hits in four innings of Twins starter Jake Odorizzi. Right fielder Jesmuel Valentin delivered a three-run homer in the seventh to account for most of the offense, tying the game at 3. Scott Kingery added two hits to boost his spring average to .378
Gregorio Petit’s eighth-inning solo shot off Jason Thompson was the game-winner for the Twins.
