Phillies’ Nola allows six runs in 2 1/3 innings in his return, Bohm homers in his first game back

WASHINGTON (AP) — Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola’s first start after returning from the injured list didn’t last long.

Third baseman Alec Bohm, meanwhile, made a big contribution in his first game back.

Nola allowed six runs in 2 1/3 innings in Sunday’s 11-9 victory over the Washington Nationals, a start that ended when seven consecutive batters reached safely.

“I scattered a couple of hits and it just kind of unraveled a little bit,” the right-hander said. “They found some holes.”

Nola struck out four in his first major league outing since May 14.

The former All-Star was one of the majors’ most durable pitchers entering the season, making at least 32 starts and throwing at least 180 2/3 innings in each of the last six full seasons. But a sprained right ankle and fractured rib cost him three months this season.

His return became even more significant Saturday when Philadelphia placed ace Zack Wheeler on the injured list with a blood clot in his right arm. Nola already had been scheduled to start after making three minor league rehabilitation appearances, though the Phillies scrapped their plans to use a six-man rotation.

Nola gave up Luis García Jr.’s leadoff single in the first inning, then appeared to settle in. He retired the next seven batters as Philadelphia built a 6-0 lead.

The Nationals stitched together three consecutive singles in the third, the last by CJ Abrams to score a run. That led to a mound visit from pitching coach Caleb Cotham, but Nola then walked Paul DeJong before giving up Daylen Lile’s two-run single and Dylan Crews’ two-run double. José Tena followed with a tying double to end Nola’s day.

“He was actually getting ahead in the count,” manager Rob Thomson said. “It was just a lot of plate on a lot of pitches.”

Nola allowed seven hits while throwing 53 pitches. His ERA rose to 6.92.

“My body felt good,” Nola said. “The rib and ankle felt really good. I just had trouble stopping it today and to either get a swing-and-miss or get a ball to one of our guys and they capitalized on some pitches.”

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In addition to Nola taking Wheeler’s roster spot, the Phillies activated Bohm from the IL before the series finale against Washington. Bohm, who also had a fractured rib, smashed a three-run homer in the second inning and went 2 for 4 in his first game since July 18.

“Especially not being here for a while, it feels really good to contribute and help the team win a game,” Bohm said. “I’m just happy to be back and happy to be healthy.”

The Phillies also optioned infielder Otto Kemp to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. To make room on the 40-man roster for Nola, Philadelphia released outfielder Cal Stevenson.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb