Phillies RHP Aaron Nola to start World Series opener

Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola will start Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night at Houston.

Phillies manager Rob Thomson also confirmed Wednesday that right-hander Zack Wheeler will be the Game 2 starter on Saturday.

The Houston Astros have yet to officially name their starter for the opener, with veteran right-hander Justin Verlander a likely candidate.

Nola, 29, was 11-13 with a 3.25 ERA and one shutout in 32 starts during the regular season, striking out 235 batters in 205 innings. He is 2-1 in the postseason with a 3.12 ERA in three starts.

Nola won his only start against the Astros this season, allowing two hits in 6 2/3 shutout innings in a 3-0 victory in Houston on Oct. 3. He struck out nine and walked none.