Nola averaged a season-best 92.3 mph with his fastball today, though he threw that and his sinker a little less than usual, relying more on his curve and cutter. He’s definitely a better bet going forward if he can continue to hit 92 consistently, rather than the 90.7 mph he had been averaging this season. He’ll take a 1-5 record and a 4.61 ERA into his next start versus the Guardians.

The 31-year-old right-hander racked up six strikeouts in what was his finest start of the season while allowing only one base on balls. The only damage done against him came on an RBI double off the bat of Pete Crow-Armstrong in the second inning. Aside from that, Nola was in complete command. He got 16 swings and misses on 99 pitches on the night — four or more on each of his changeup, knuckle curve and cutter — while posting a CSW of 30 percent. He’ll look to further improve upon his 5.40 ERA and 1.40 WHIP when he takes on the Diamondbacks at home on Saturday.

Nola just can’t get on a roll this season. He barely made it out of the first inning after allowing four runs, facing nine batters, and throwing 35 pitches. Then, he settled in nicely and threw just 22 pitches over his next two innings which inspired hope he’d be able to right the ship. That was until the wheels fell off in the sixth inning when he loaded the bases with one out, was pulled, and reliever Jose Ruiz let two more runs score. Nola now has an ugly 6.65 ERA through four starts and is scheduled to face the Mets in his next go-around.