Gabe Kapler and Chris Young conferred in the dugout and they agreed it was the right time to push Aaron Nola. It was Tuesday and hours earlier they had been mathematically eliminated from the postseason.



The Phillies have an algorithm that calculates a number on a 1-to-100 scale to rate every potential batter-pitcher matchup in that day’s game. It is a guide for Kapler, the manager, and Young, the pitching coach, to navigate the most treacherous moments. But, at that moment, the idea that Nola needed to feel good about the hypothetical end to his season outweighed all.



Few things in 2019 had unfolded as planned. This could represent a small victory.



Nola’s pitch count rose to season-high levels as he pitched into the sixth inning. Kapler and Young rose to the top step of the Phillies dugout. They were enraged about the strike zone. Nola walked Howie Kendrick after two close pitches were called balls.



The Phillies believed they had...