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| 1982 Donruss #585 |
Pitchers and catchers report to Clearwater in about 125 days.
Friday, October 10, 2025
Thursday, October 9, 2025
NLDS Game 4 - Season Ends on Heartbreaking Walk-Off Error
| Philadelphia Phillies | 1 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 2 |
11 Innings
Thursday Night, October 9th
Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
Dodgers win series, 3-1
Dodgers win series, 3-1
One Sentence Summary: The Phillies and Dodgers battled through 10 innings, only for the game, the series, and the season, to end on a walk-off error from reliever Orion Kekerking in the bottom of the 11th.
What It Means: I tend to compose these posts the day or days after the end of a game, as I'm typically too tired to put thoughts together after 9pm on most nights. Tonight, I'm writing this partly because I don't know what else to do, but mostly because I want to get it out of the way. This is the fourth year in a row the Phillies season ended without a World Series victory despite the highest of hopes, and each time the season has ended in 2022, 2023, 2024 and now 2025, it's gotten progressively more gut-wrenching.
What Happened: In case there were any lingering doubts, Cristopher Sanchez cemented himself as the staff ace in this game, pitching six scoreless innings and allowing only four hits until the seventh. He was lifted from the game with one out in the seventh with runners on first and second. Jhoan Duran entered, recorded the second out on a ground out and intentionally walked Shohei Ohtani to load the bases. Duran walked Mookie Betts with the bases loaded, tying the game at 1-1. The Phillies had scored their lone run in the top of the seventh when Nick Castellanos doubled home J.T. Realmuto, who had singled to start the inning. The Phillies offense had four hits and went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position.
What It Means: I tend to compose these posts the day or days after the end of a game, as I'm typically too tired to put thoughts together after 9pm on most nights. Tonight, I'm writing this partly because I don't know what else to do, but mostly because I want to get it out of the way. This is the fourth year in a row the Phillies season ended without a World Series victory despite the highest of hopes, and each time the season has ended in 2022, 2023, 2024 and now 2025, it's gotten progressively more gut-wrenching.
What Happened: In case there were any lingering doubts, Cristopher Sanchez cemented himself as the staff ace in this game, pitching six scoreless innings and allowing only four hits until the seventh. He was lifted from the game with one out in the seventh with runners on first and second. Jhoan Duran entered, recorded the second out on a ground out and intentionally walked Shohei Ohtani to load the bases. Duran walked Mookie Betts with the bases loaded, tying the game at 1-1. The Phillies had scored their lone run in the top of the seventh when Nick Castellanos doubled home J.T. Realmuto, who had singled to start the inning. The Phillies offense had four hits and went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position.
The two teams traded scoreless frames in the ninth, tenth and 11th innings, with Duran, Matt Strahm and Jesus Luzardo, the scheduled Game 5 starter, shutting down the Dodgers. The Phillies had the go-ahead run at second base in Bryce Harper in the top of the 11th, but pinch-hitter Harrison Bader struck out to end the threat.
In the bottom of the 11th, Luzardo recorded two outs, but singles from Tommy Edman and Max Muncy put runners on first and third. Kerkering entered and walked Kiké Hernandez to load the bases. With pinch-runner Hyeseong Kim on third, Andy Pages bounced a ball back to Kerkering. The pitcher fielded the ball, and rather than throw to first for the sure out, he opted to throw wildly home, allowing Kim to score the winning run. Game over, series over, season over.
Featured Card: I'm going to take a little break from this blog and the Phillies for a few weeks. This one hurts, and reminds me of the heartbreak of losing the 2011 NLDS to the Cardinals.
Featured Card: I'm going to take a little break from this blog and the Phillies for a few weeks. This one hurts, and reminds me of the heartbreak of losing the 2011 NLDS to the Cardinals.
NLDS Game 3 - Phils Battle Back, Offense Shows Life in Win
| Philadelphia Phillies | 8 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 2 |
Late Wednesday Night, October 8th
Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
Dodgers lead series, 2-1
Dodgers lead series, 2-1
One Sentence Summary: Crooked numbers from the Phillies offense in the fourth and eighth innings, paired with gutsy outings from Aaron Nola and Ranger Suarez, led to this season-saving 8-2 win over the Dodgers.
What It Means: There's hope. Cristopher Sanchez takes the mound for Game 4 for the next must-win game tonight.
What Happened: Facing elimination from the postseason and in danger of being swept, the Phillies sent Aaron Nola to the mound as their unlikely Game 3 opener with the task of navigating successfully through the Dodgers' line-up just once. Nola did that, pitching two scoreless innings, before yielding to Ranger Suarez. Suarez was greeted by a Tommy Edman home run on the first pitch he threw in the bottom of the third, and he then settled in to shut down the Dodgers through the seventh inning. Combined, Nola and Suarez pitched seven innings, allowing a run on six hits while striking out seven.
What It Means: There's hope. Cristopher Sanchez takes the mound for Game 4 for the next must-win game tonight.
What Happened: Facing elimination from the postseason and in danger of being swept, the Phillies sent Aaron Nola to the mound as their unlikely Game 3 opener with the task of navigating successfully through the Dodgers' line-up just once. Nola did that, pitching two scoreless innings, before yielding to Ranger Suarez. Suarez was greeted by a Tommy Edman home run on the first pitch he threw in the bottom of the third, and he then settled in to shut down the Dodgers through the seventh inning. Combined, Nola and Suarez pitched seven innings, allowing a run on six hits while striking out seven.
Down 1-0 and with no sign of life from the Phillies' bats, Kyle Schwarber shifted the narrative immediately with an absolute moon shot of a home run off Dodgers' starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto to start the fourth. Schwarber's bomb could hopefully serve as a momentum shift for the entire series, as the Phillies would go on to score twice more that inning and threaten to score more in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings. Following Schwarber's big home run, Bryce Harper singled to left and he'd come around to score on Alec Bohm's single, coupled with a throwing error from center fielder Andy Pages. Bohm went to third on the error and came home on a Brandon Marsh sacrifice fly, giving the Phillies a tenuous 3-1 lead.
Phillies fans collectively exhaled in the eighth when the offense piled on five more runs off future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw. J.T. Realmuto led off with a home run, and a few batters later Trea Turner singled home a pair of runs to make it 6-1, Phillies. Schwarber capped the scoring and sealed the win with his second home run of the game.
Featured Card: These cards are way more fun to create following a win.
Featured Card: These cards are way more fun to create following a win.
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers - Hoping for a Game 5
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Wednesday, October 8th - 9:08
Thursday, October 9th - 6:08
Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
The Phillies hope to win the next two games to send the NLDS back home for Game 5.
Philadelphia Phillies 96-66
National League East Champions
Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (5-10, 6.01)
Ranger Suarez (12-8, 3.20)
Phillies Postseason Leaders
Average: J.T. Realmuto - .375
Runs: Alec Bohm and J.T. Realmuto - 2
Home Runs: N/A
RBIs: Nick Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto - 2
Stolen Bases: Trea Turner - 1
Wins: N/A
ERA: Jesus Luzardo - 3.00
Strikeouts: Cristopher Sanchez - 8
Saves: N/A
National League East Champions
Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (5-10, 6.01)
Ranger Suarez (12-8, 3.20)
Phillies Postseason Leaders
Average: J.T. Realmuto - .375
Runs: Alec Bohm and J.T. Realmuto - 2
Home Runs: N/A
RBIs: Nick Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto - 2
Stolen Bases: Trea Turner - 1
Wins: N/A
ERA: Jesus Luzardo - 3.00
Saves: N/A
Los Angeles Dodgers 93-69
National League West Champions
Dodgers Probables
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (12-8, 2.49)
Tyler Glasnow (4-3, 3.19)
Dodgers Postseason Leaders
Average: Teoscar Hernandez - .412
Runs: Enrique Hernandez and Teoscar Hernandez - 4
Home Runs: Teoscar Hernandez - 3
RBIs: Teoscar Hernandez - 9
Stolen Bases: N/A
Wins: Blake Snell - 2
ERA: Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 0.00
Strikeouts: Blake Snell - 18
Saves: Roki Sasaki - 2
National League West Champions
Dodgers Probables
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (12-8, 2.49)
Tyler Glasnow (4-3, 3.19)
Dodgers Postseason Leaders
Average: Teoscar Hernandez - .412
Runs: Enrique Hernandez and Teoscar Hernandez - 4
Home Runs: Teoscar Hernandez - 3
RBIs: Teoscar Hernandez - 9
Stolen Bases: N/A
Wins: Blake Snell - 2
ERA: Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 0.00
Saves: Roki Sasaki - 2
NLDS Game 2 - Too Little, Too Late in Latest Loss
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 4 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 3 |
Monday Night, October 6th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Dodgers lead series, 2-0
Dodgers lead series, 2-0
One Sentence Summary: The offense continued to sputter and the bullpen again couldn't get the job done in this 4-3 loss to the Dodgers.
What It Means: The Phillies head to Los Angeles where they need to win both games in order to force a Game 5 back in Philadelphia on Saturday night. I could insert a lengthy rant here, but I've already spent too much energy trying to figure out why this team has crapped out two years in a row in the NLDS.
What Happened: Jesus Luzardo was fantastic. He matched Blake Snell through six scoreless innings, departing with runners on second and third and no outs in the top of the seventh, after Teoscar Hernandez singled and Freddie Freeman reached on a double that should have been a single, if not for Nick Castellanos playing in right field. (Castellanos is only playing because Harrison Bader injured his groin in Game 1.) Orion Kerkering entered, allowed both inherited runners to score, and yielded to Matt Strahm. Shohei Ohtani greeted Strahm with a single and just like that it was 4-0, Dodgers, and given the anemic Phillies offense, the game was all but over.
What It Means: The Phillies head to Los Angeles where they need to win both games in order to force a Game 5 back in Philadelphia on Saturday night. I could insert a lengthy rant here, but I've already spent too much energy trying to figure out why this team has crapped out two years in a row in the NLDS.
What Happened: Jesus Luzardo was fantastic. He matched Blake Snell through six scoreless innings, departing with runners on second and third and no outs in the top of the seventh, after Teoscar Hernandez singled and Freddie Freeman reached on a double that should have been a single, if not for Nick Castellanos playing in right field. (Castellanos is only playing because Harrison Bader injured his groin in Game 1.) Orion Kerkering entered, allowed both inherited runners to score, and yielded to Matt Strahm. Shohei Ohtani greeted Strahm with a single and just like that it was 4-0, Dodgers, and given the anemic Phillies offense, the game was all but over.
Snell held the Phillies to one hit through six innings, a bloop single from Edmundo Sosa with two outs in the fifth. The Phillies had a chance once they got to the Dodgers' bullpen, as pinch-hitter Max Kepler tripled and was singled home by Trea Turner with Emmet Sheehan on the mound in the eighth. In the ninth, with Blake Treinan pitching, Alec Bohm singled, followed by back-to-back doubles from J.T. Realmuto and Castellanos to make it 4-3, Dodgers. An odd decision to have Bryson Stott bunt with nobody out and Castellanos on second backfired when Stott bunted into a fielder's choice to erase Castellanos from third. A few batters later, with runners on the corners and two outs, Roki Sasaki got Trea Turner to weakly ground to second, ending the threat and the ballgame.
Featured Card: Turner, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are a combined 2 for 21 in the first two games of the NLDS with 11 strikeouts. Five of those strikeouts belong to Schwarber, who is 0 for 7.
Featured Card: Turner, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are a combined 2 for 21 in the first two games of the NLDS with 11 strikeouts. Five of those strikeouts belong to Schwarber, who is 0 for 7.
Sunday, October 5, 2025
NLDS Game 1 - Offense, Bullpen Stumble in Loss to Dodgers
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 5 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 3 |
Saturday Night, October 4th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Dodgers lead series, 1-0
Dodgers lead series, 1-0
One Sentence Summary: The top of the Phillies line-up was 1 for 11 with six strikeouts, while David Robertson and Matt Strahm couldn't contain the Dodgers in the seventh inning in this gut-wrenching 5-3 loss to the Dodgers in Game 1.
What It Means: Emphasis on gut-wrenching.
What Happened: Game 1 starter Christopher Sanchez was locked in until the sixth inning, allowing one hit, a walk and a hit batter through the first five. In the bottom of the second, the fans got their only real chance to go wild when Alec Bohm drew a lead-off walk, Brandon Marsh singled to center and J.T. Realmuto tripled to the center field wall on a ball Teoscar Hernandez seemed uninterested in cutting off. Harrison Bader next just missed a home run, settling for a sacrifice fly to score Realmuto. That 3-0 score held until the top of the sixth. With two outs, Freddie Freeman walked, Tommy Edman singled, and Kiké Hernandez brought them both home with a double to left.
What It Means: Emphasis on gut-wrenching.
What Happened: Game 1 starter Christopher Sanchez was locked in until the sixth inning, allowing one hit, a walk and a hit batter through the first five. In the bottom of the second, the fans got their only real chance to go wild when Alec Bohm drew a lead-off walk, Brandon Marsh singled to center and J.T. Realmuto tripled to the center field wall on a ball Teoscar Hernandez seemed uninterested in cutting off. Harrison Bader next just missed a home run, settling for a sacrifice fly to score Realmuto. That 3-0 score held until the top of the sixth. With two outs, Freddie Freeman walked, Tommy Edman singled, and Kiké Hernandez brought them both home with a double to left.
That chased Sanchez (prematurely?) from the game, and Robertson entered. Robertson got out of that inning but was immediately in trouble in the top of the seventh. He allowed a lead-off single to Andy Pages and then hit Will Smith to put two runners on. Matt Strahm replaced Robertson, struck out Shohei Ohtani looking and got Mookie Betts to pop up to third. Hernandez launched the first pitch he saw from Strahm into the right-center field stands and that was essentially the ballgame.
Ohtani got the win, allowing the three runs on three hits and striking out nine. Trea Turner (0 for 3), Kyle Schwarber (0 for 4) and Bryce Harper (1 for 4) came up small in the loss, with a combined six strikeouts.
Featured Card: I hate making these cards when the Phillies lose.
Featured Card: I hate making these cards when the Phillies lose.
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Field Report: Doug and I watched/agonized over this game from our preferred Section 315. I reminded him before the game we were lucky to be attending postseason games for the fourth year in a row, to which he responded, like a true Phillies fan, "But we haven't won anything yet." We did a full, pregame lap of the ballpark, buying a few NLDS souvenirs and choosing Uncle Charlie's Steaks as our playoff dinner.
As usual, the pregame ceremony was fantastic, the crowd was raucous and the energy levels were high. Similar to a year ago in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets, the crowd fell flat when the Phillies went inning after inning without scoring any more runs. If all is right with the world, our next game will be NLCS Game 1 against either the Cubs or Brewers.
Transaction: Garrett Stubbs (c) and Lou Trivino (rhp) were omitted from the postseason roster with the Phillies opting to go with Otto Kemp (inf) and Tim Mayza (lhp).
Transaction: Garrett Stubbs (c) and Lou Trivino (rhp) were omitted from the postseason roster with the Phillies opting to go with Otto Kemp (inf) and Tim Mayza (lhp).
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies - 2025 NLDS
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Saturday, October 4th - 6:38
Monday, October 6th - 6:08
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
The Dodgers defeated the Reds, 2-0, in the Wild Card Series to advance to the NLDS. This is the fifth time the Phillies and Dodgers have faced off in the postseason. The Dodgers won the 1977 and 1978 NLCS, but the Phillies have won the last three NLCS match-ups, in 1983, 2008 and 2009.
Los Angeles Dodgers 93-69
National League West Champions
Dodgers Probables
Shohei Ohtani (1-1, 2.87)
TBD
Dodgers Leaders
Average: Freddie Freeman - .295
Runs: Shohei Ohtani - 146
Home Runs: Shohei Ohtani - 55
RBIs: Shohei Ohtani - 102
Stolen Bases: Shohei Ohtani - 20
Wins: Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 12
ERA: Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 2.49
Strikeouts: Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 201
Saves: Tanner Scott - 23
National League West Champions
Dodgers Probables
Shohei Ohtani (1-1, 2.87)
TBD
Dodgers Leaders
Average: Freddie Freeman - .295
Runs: Shohei Ohtani - 146
Home Runs: Shohei Ohtani - 55
RBIs: Shohei Ohtani - 102
Stolen Bases: Shohei Ohtani - 20
Wins: Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 12
ERA: Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 2.49
Saves: Tanner Scott - 23
Philadelphia Phillies 96-66
National League East Champions
Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (13-5, 2.50)
TBD
Phillies Leaders
Average: Trea Turner - .304
Runs: Kyle Schwarber - 111
Home Runs: Kyle Schwarber - 56
RBIs: Kyle Schwarber - 132
Stolen Bases: Trea Turner - 36
Wins: Jesus Luzardo - 15
ERA: Cristopher Sanchez - 2.50
Strikeouts: Jesus Luzardo - 216
Saves: Jhoan Duran - 16
National League East Champions
Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (13-5, 2.50)
TBD
Phillies Leaders
Average: Trea Turner - .304
Runs: Kyle Schwarber - 111
Home Runs: Kyle Schwarber - 56
RBIs: Kyle Schwarber - 132
Stolen Bases: Trea Turner - 36
Wins: Jesus Luzardo - 15
ERA: Cristopher Sanchez - 2.50
Strikeouts: Jesus Luzardo - 216
Saves: Jhoan Duran - 16
Monday, September 29, 2025
Game 162 - Phils Walk It Off; Turner Wins Batting Title
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| Minnesota Twins | 1 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 2 |
10 Innings
Sunday Afternoon, September 28th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
96-66, 1st Place, 13 games ahead of the Mets
96-66, 1st Place, 13 games ahead of the Mets
One Sentence Summary: A quiet day offensively for the Phillies nevertheless ended with a walk-off win over the Twins as the 2025 regular season came to a close.
What It Means: We were there, and while waiting for the Phillies to try and get a few hits, we watched the out of town scoreboards as the Brewers defeated the Reds, and the Marlins took care of the Mets. The Mets will completely miss the postseason, with the Reds heading to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers in the Wild Card Series. The Phillies will play the winner of that series in Philadelphia beginning on Saturday.
What Happened: Cristopher Sanchez threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and could have gone longer, but he'll now rest up for NLDS Game 1. Lou Trivino entered from the bullpen and the Twins had a 1-0 lead before Sanchez was finished getting congratulatory handshakes in the dugout. Max Kepler hit a solo home run against his former team in the bottom of the eighth to tie it. Tanner Banks and Orion Kerkering pitched two scoreless innings of relief, with Kerkering striking out the side in the 10th.
What It Means: We were there, and while waiting for the Phillies to try and get a few hits, we watched the out of town scoreboards as the Brewers defeated the Reds, and the Marlins took care of the Mets. The Mets will completely miss the postseason, with the Reds heading to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers in the Wild Card Series. The Phillies will play the winner of that series in Philadelphia beginning on Saturday.
What Happened: Cristopher Sanchez threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and could have gone longer, but he'll now rest up for NLDS Game 1. Lou Trivino entered from the bullpen and the Twins had a 1-0 lead before Sanchez was finished getting congratulatory handshakes in the dugout. Max Kepler hit a solo home run against his former team in the bottom of the eighth to tie it. Tanner Banks and Orion Kerkering pitched two scoreless innings of relief, with Kerkering striking out the side in the 10th.
With ghost-pinch-runner Harrison Bader on second to start the bottom of the 10th, Weston Wilson bunted him to third and Nick Castellanos brought him home with a sacrifice fly to right field, winning the last game of the season.
Featured Card: Kyle Schwarber won the league's home run title (56) and RBI title (132) with Trea Turner winning the team's first batting title since 1958 with a .304 mark. Richie Ashburn won the title that year, beating out Willie Mays on the final day of the season. Schwarber's feats are impressive, but I wanted to create a Highlight card for Turner's crown, given the time that has passed since the last Phillies player led the league.
Featured Card: Kyle Schwarber won the league's home run title (56) and RBI title (132) with Trea Turner winning the team's first batting title since 1958 with a .304 mark. Richie Ashburn won the title that year, beating out Willie Mays on the final day of the season. Schwarber's feats are impressive, but I wanted to create a Highlight card for Turner's crown, given the time that has passed since the last Phillies player led the league.
Field Report: After an obligatory stop at the team store to use a 25% coupon received earlier in the season, we had one last regular season meal at Bull's BBQ and then settled into our Diamond Club (it'll always be the Diamond Club to me) seats in Section C. Not a lot happened after that until the 10th inning, but I was thrilled to have all four of us together for the game.
Transaction: Turner (ss) was activated from the injured list and Max Lazar (rhp) was optioned to Clearwater to stay hot for the postseason.
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Memory Lane - Game 162
- October 4, 2009 - Catcher Paul Hoover singled in the winning run in the 10th in a 7-6 win over the Marlins.
- October 3, 2010 - The Phillies lost 8-7 to the Braves in their final tune-up before facing the Reds in the NLDS.
- September 28, 2011 - The Phillies closed out the 2011 regular season with a 13-inning victory against the Braves, setting a franchise record with their 102nd regular season win.
- October 3, 2012 - The Phillies closed out their 2012 season with a lethargic 5-1 loss to the N.L. East Champion Nationals.
- September 29, 2013 - Zach Miner got the ball for the Phillies and lasted 2 1/3 innings in a 12-5 loss to the Braves.
- September 28, 2014 - Cole Hamels pitched another fine game and suffered through another outing with minimal run support.
- October 4, 2015 - Phillies avoid 100 losses and Ichiro makes his pitching debut in a 7-2 victory.
- October 2, 2016 - Phillies bid an emotional farewell to franchise icon Ryan Howard.
- October 1, 2017 - Phils clobber Mets in Pete Mackanin's final game as manager.
- September 30, 2018 - Lame duck Phillies win season finale in Gabe Kapler's frustrating debut season.
- September 29, 2019 - Phillies miss postseason for 8th year in a row, Brad Miller finishes the season red hot.
- September 27, 2020 - Shortened 60-game season ends with Phillies swept out by the Rays.
- October 3, 2021 - Hector Neris sets Phils' reliever strikeout record in the 10th straight season without postseason baseball.
- October 5, 2022 - Michael Plassmeyer eats innings, Maton vs. Maton in final game before Wild Card Series.
- October 1, 2023 - Nick Nelson, Phils beat Mets; Await Marlins in Wild Card Series.
- September 29, 2024 - Nola defeats Marlins, division-winning Phils waiting to find out NLDS opponent.
- September 28, 2025 - Division winning Phils defeat Twins in extra innings, Turner wins batting title; Dodgers or Reds next in NLDS.
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Game 161 - Phils Aren't Abel to Defeat Twins
| Minnesota Twins | 5 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 0 |
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| 2024 Donruss #121 |
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
95-66, 1st Place, 12 games ahead of the Mets
95-66, 1st Place, 12 games ahead of the Mets
One Sentence Summary: Mick Abel enjoyed some revenge against his former team, pitching six shutout innings in this 5-0 punchless Phillies loss.
What It Means: It was a long-shot, but this loss let the Brewers clinch the #1 seed in the National League playoff bracket. The Brewers also lost to the Reds, making it even more frustrating. Instead of facing off against the Cubs or Padres, the Phillies will wait to face the Dodgers, Mets or Reds in the NLDS.
What Happened: Abel has struggled in his three appearances with the Twins, owning a 14.63 ERA in eight innings pitched. But he handled his ex-teamates in this game, allowing three hits and striking out nine. Ranger Suarez labored through 4 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on nine hits, including a pair of home runs. He exited the game in the fifth after taking a liner off his groin. (The injury was diagnosed post-game as a contusion.) The Phillies had seven hits in this game, going 0 for 3 with runners in scoring position.
Featured Card: He only pitched in six games for the Phillies this season, but I still managed to accumulate 29 of Abel's cards during his time with the organization. This is his logo-less card from last year's Donruss set, which I picked for this post because it kind of looks like he's wearing a Twins uniform.
What It Means: It was a long-shot, but this loss let the Brewers clinch the #1 seed in the National League playoff bracket. The Brewers also lost to the Reds, making it even more frustrating. Instead of facing off against the Cubs or Padres, the Phillies will wait to face the Dodgers, Mets or Reds in the NLDS.
What Happened: Abel has struggled in his three appearances with the Twins, owning a 14.63 ERA in eight innings pitched. But he handled his ex-teamates in this game, allowing three hits and striking out nine. Ranger Suarez labored through 4 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on nine hits, including a pair of home runs. He exited the game in the fifth after taking a liner off his groin. (The injury was diagnosed post-game as a contusion.) The Phillies had seven hits in this game, going 0 for 3 with runners in scoring position.
Featured Card: He only pitched in six games for the Phillies this season, but I still managed to accumulate 29 of Abel's cards during his time with the organization. This is his logo-less card from last year's Donruss set, which I picked for this post because it kind of looks like he's wearing a Twins uniform.
Game 160 - Nola Returns to Pre-2025 Form
| Minnesota Twins | 1 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 3 |
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| 2023 Topps Heritage Clubhouse Collection Relics Gold #CCR-AN |
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
95-65, 1st Place, 13 games ahead of the Mets
95-65, 1st Place, 13 games ahead of the Mets
One Sentence Summary: Aaron Nola was fantastic in this 3-1 win over the Twins.
What It Means: The Phillies have two more regular season games, and then they'll play an intrasquad game, open to the public for $10 per seat, on October 1st. This marks the third time in franchise history the Phillies have had back-to-back 95 win seasons. They did it in 1976-77 and 2011-12, and now 2024-25.
What Happened: Nola was throwing a perfect game until Christian Vazquez hit a solo home run with two outs in the sixth. He'd pitch eight innings, allowing two hits while striking out nine. He also tied and then passed Robin Roberts for second place on the Phillies' all-time strikeout leaders list. Nola has 1,876 to the 1,871 by Hall of Famer Roberts. Steve Carlton is first on the list, with 3,031, a mark that will likely not be broken.
What It Means: The Phillies have two more regular season games, and then they'll play an intrasquad game, open to the public for $10 per seat, on October 1st. This marks the third time in franchise history the Phillies have had back-to-back 95 win seasons. They did it in 1976-77 and 2011-12, and now 2024-25.
What Happened: Nola was throwing a perfect game until Christian Vazquez hit a solo home run with two outs in the sixth. He'd pitch eight innings, allowing two hits while striking out nine. He also tied and then passed Robin Roberts for second place on the Phillies' all-time strikeout leaders list. Nola has 1,876 to the 1,871 by Hall of Famer Roberts. Steve Carlton is first on the list, with 3,031, a mark that will likely not be broken.
In the first, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper singled and Schwarber scored the game's first run on an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly. The red hot Edmundo Sosa hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth. After Nola gave up the Vazquez home run in the top of the sixth, the Phillies got the run back in the bottom of the inning when Bohm singled and Brandon Marsh doubled him home. Jhoan Duran allowed a few baserunners in the ninth, but shut down his former team to record his 16th save with the Phillies.
Featured Card: Of course it's Nola. I don't buy many singles via eBay, focusing on Phillies team sets, but this card found its way into my eBay cart recently given the reasonably low price coupled with other discounts. I find it strange Topps had an employee hand write "80/99" instead of having it stamped in the printing process.
Featured Card: Of course it's Nola. I don't buy many singles via eBay, focusing on Phillies team sets, but this card found its way into my eBay cart recently given the reasonably low price coupled with other discounts. I find it strange Topps had an employee hand write "80/99" instead of having it stamped in the printing process.
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Game 159 - Buehler, Walker Handle Marlins
| Miami Marlins | 0 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 1 |
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| 2024 Topps #196 |
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
94-65, 1st Place, 12 games ahead of the Mets
94-65, 1st Place, 12 games ahead of the Mets
One Sentence Summary: A first inning run was enough for Walker Buehler, Taijuan Walker, Matt Strahm and David Robertson in this 1-0 combined shutout win over the Marlins.
What It Means: The Twins come to town for a final, regular season weekend series. Barring a three-game sweep of the Twins, combined with a three-game sweep of the Brewers by the Reds, it would seem as if the Phillies are securely the second seed in the playoff bracket. Said another way, the Brewers magic number to clinch the first seed is just one.
What Happened: In the bottom of the first, Harrison Bader singled, went to third on a single by Bryce Harper, and scored on an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly. That was it for the scoring for the rest of the game. Buehler improved to 3-0 with the Phillies, throwing five shutout innings, and allowing three hits and three walks. Walker was next, pitching a pair of scoreless innings. Strahm and Robertson finished it out, with Robertson earning his second save with the club.
Featured Card: Buehler has the possibility of receiving a Phillies baseball card in either the 2025 Topps Update set or even 2026 Topps Series One. Here's his card from the fantastic 2024 Topps set.
What It Means: The Twins come to town for a final, regular season weekend series. Barring a three-game sweep of the Twins, combined with a three-game sweep of the Brewers by the Reds, it would seem as if the Phillies are securely the second seed in the playoff bracket. Said another way, the Brewers magic number to clinch the first seed is just one.
What Happened: In the bottom of the first, Harrison Bader singled, went to third on a single by Bryce Harper, and scored on an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly. That was it for the scoring for the rest of the game. Buehler improved to 3-0 with the Phillies, throwing five shutout innings, and allowing three hits and three walks. Walker was next, pitching a pair of scoreless innings. Strahm and Robertson finished it out, with Robertson earning his second save with the club.
Featured Card: Buehler has the possibility of receiving a Phillies baseball card in either the 2025 Topps Update set or even 2026 Topps Series One. Here's his card from the fantastic 2024 Topps set.
Field Report: Jenna took a trio of happy Villanova roommates to the game, and they braved the first, three-minute rain delay, but not the second, hour-plus rain delay.
Game 158 - Phils Set Franchise Record with 8 Home Runs; Sosa Hits 3!
| Miami Marlins | 1 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 11 |
Wednesday Night, September 24th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
93-65, 1st Place, 12 games ahead of the Mets
93-65, 1st Place, 12 games ahead of the Mets
One Sentence Summary: The Phillies set a franchise record by hitting eight home runs in a game, led by Edmundo Sosa's amazing three home run performance in this 11-1 trouncing of the Marlins.
What It Means: Good vibes all around. Records were set and the Phillies officially clinched a first round bye in the postseason. They'll host the Dodgers, Mets or Reds in Game 1 of the NLDS on October 4th.
What Happened: Jesus Luzardo was the beneficiary of the run support, picking up his team-leading 15th win while striking out ten. He now has 216 strikeouts for the season, tied for the league lead, and a personal career best. The record setting home runs started in the third when Kyle Schwarber hit a solo shot, his 55th of the season. In the fourth, Edmundo Sosa hit the first of his trio, followed a few batters later by Bryson Stott's 13th home run of the year, to give the Phillies a 3-1 lead.
What It Means: Good vibes all around. Records were set and the Phillies officially clinched a first round bye in the postseason. They'll host the Dodgers, Mets or Reds in Game 1 of the NLDS on October 4th.
What Happened: Jesus Luzardo was the beneficiary of the run support, picking up his team-leading 15th win while striking out ten. He now has 216 strikeouts for the season, tied for the league lead, and a personal career best. The record setting home runs started in the third when Kyle Schwarber hit a solo shot, his 55th of the season. In the fourth, Edmundo Sosa hit the first of his trio, followed a few batters later by Bryson Stott's 13th home run of the year, to give the Phillies a 3-1 lead.
Sosa hit his second of the game in the fifth. In the seventh, the Phillies put the game out of reach when Schwarber and Bohm went back-to-back. Nick Castellanos reached on an error, and then Otto Kemp and Sosa went back-to-back. Marlins' reliever Valente Bellozo was on the mound for all four seventh inning home runs. Schwarber's 56 home runs are two behind Ryan Howard for the most by a Phillies player in a single season. Sosa became the first Phillies shortstop with three home runs in a game.
Featured Card: A highlight card was definitely needed, and I'm disappointed Topps didn't use this photo for a Topps Now card.
Transaction: Sosa (inf) was activated from the injured list and Donovan Walton (inf) was designated for assignment. I think Sosa is healthy!
Featured Card: A highlight card was definitely needed, and I'm disappointed Topps didn't use this photo for a Topps Now card.
Transaction: Sosa (inf) was activated from the injured list and Donovan Walton (inf) was designated for assignment. I think Sosa is healthy!
2025 Chachi #57 Rafael Lantigua / 2025 Chachi #59
Friday, September 26, 2025
Minnesota Twins at Philadelphia Phillies - '25 Regular Season Ends
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Friday, September 26th - 6:45
Saturday, September 27th - 6:05
Sunday, September 28th - 3:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Sunday is the annual Fan Appreciation Day and all fans will receive a 2026 Phillies schedule magnet.
Minnesota Twins 69-90
4th Place in the A.L. Central, 17 games behind the Guardians and Tigers
Twins Probables
Joe Ryan (13-9, 3.47)
Mick Abel (0-2, 14.63)
Simeon Woods Richardson (7-4, 4.27)
Twins Leaders
Average: Byron Buxton - .265
Runs: Byron Buxton - 96
Home Runs: Byron Buxton - 34
RBIs: Byron Buxton - 82
Stolen Bases: Byron Buxton - 24
Wins: Joe Ryan - 13
ERA: Joe Ryan - 3.47
Strikeouts: Joe Ryan - 185
Saves: Jhoan Duran - 16
4th Place in the A.L. Central, 17 games behind the Guardians and Tigers
Twins Probables
Joe Ryan (13-9, 3.47)
Mick Abel (0-2, 14.63)
Simeon Woods Richardson (7-4, 4.27)
Twins Leaders
Average: Byron Buxton - .265
Runs: Byron Buxton - 96
Home Runs: Byron Buxton - 34
RBIs: Byron Buxton - 82
Stolen Bases: Byron Buxton - 24
Wins: Joe Ryan - 13
ERA: Joe Ryan - 3.47
Saves: Jhoan Duran - 16
Philadelphia Phillies 94-65
1st Place in the N.L. East, 12 games ahead of the Mets
Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (4-10, 6.46)
Ranger Suarez (12-7, 3.12)
Cristopher Sanchez (13-5, 2.57)
Phillies Leaders
Average: Trea Turner - .305
Runs: Kyle Schwarber - 110
Home Runs: Kyle Schwarber - 56
RBIs: Kyle Schwarber - 132
Stolen Bases: Trea Turner - 36
Wins: Jesus Luzardo - 15
ERA: Cristopher Sanchez - 2.57
Strikeouts: Jesus Luzardo - 216
Saves: Jhoan Duran - 15
1st Place in the N.L. East, 12 games ahead of the Mets
Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (4-10, 6.46)
Ranger Suarez (12-7, 3.12)
Cristopher Sanchez (13-5, 2.57)
Phillies Leaders
Average: Trea Turner - .305
Runs: Kyle Schwarber - 110
Home Runs: Kyle Schwarber - 56
RBIs: Kyle Schwarber - 132
Stolen Bases: Trea Turner - 36
Wins: Jesus Luzardo - 15
ERA: Cristopher Sanchez - 2.57
Strikeouts: Jesus Luzardo - 216
Saves: Jhoan Duran - 15
1956 Topps - 4th Series Phillies Alumni
After 10 years and exactly 342 posts for each of the 342 cards in the set, my 1956 Topps blog is coming to a close. Within the next few weeks, I'll wrap up the final few posts and put the finishing touches on both a 4th Series review and an overall review of this wonderful baseball card set.
As I've done with the prior three series, I wanted to display a gallery of Phillies Alumni from the set's fourth series, or cards #261 to #340. Here are those 16 players who either played, coached or managed the Phillies.
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Phillies Alumni in 1956 Topps Set
1st Series - 18
2nd Series - 14
3rd Series - 14
4th Series - 16
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Game 157 - Phils' Bullpen Falters in Late Inning Loss to Fish
| Miami Marlins | 6 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 5 |
11 Innings
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| 2025 Chachi Almost #1 |
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
92-65, 1st Place, 11 games ahead of the Mets
92-65, 1st Place, 11 games ahead of the Mets
One Sentence Summary: Cristopher Sanchez threw seven shutout innings, but the bullpen allowed the Marlins to come back and win this miserable game.
What It Means: The Dodgers lost as well, so the Phillies' Magic Number to clinch a first round playoff bye is down to one.
What Happened: Sanchez was fantastic, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out six. The Phillies' offense though scored three runs in the first two innings and then seemingly shut it down for the night. Kyle Schwarber hit his 54th home run of the season in the first, giving the Phillies a quick 1-0 lead. In the second, Max Kepler reached on a double and came home on Otto Kemp's two-run home run. David Robertson gave up a pair of Marlins runs in a lengthy eighth inning. With one out in the top of the ninth and Jhoan Duran on the mound, Heriberto Hernandez hit a solo home run, handing the closer his second blown save with the Phillies.
What It Means: The Dodgers lost as well, so the Phillies' Magic Number to clinch a first round playoff bye is down to one.
What Happened: Sanchez was fantastic, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out six. The Phillies' offense though scored three runs in the first two innings and then seemingly shut it down for the night. Kyle Schwarber hit his 54th home run of the season in the first, giving the Phillies a quick 1-0 lead. In the second, Max Kepler reached on a double and came home on Otto Kemp's two-run home run. David Robertson gave up a pair of Marlins runs in a lengthy eighth inning. With one out in the top of the ninth and Jhoan Duran on the mound, Heriberto Hernandez hit a solo home run, handing the closer his second blown save with the Phillies.
Orion Kerkering gave up two more runs to the Marlins in the top of the 10th, but the Phillies tied the score again in the bottom of the inning thanks to clutch RBI singles from Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos. In the top of the 11th, the Marlins plated another run with Lou Trivino on the mound, and the Phillies couldn't get anything done in the bottom of the inning.
Featured Card: Marlins' reliever Tyler Phillips pitched a scoreless fifth inning, striking out a trio of Phillies batters - Kemp, Harrison Bader and Schwarber. Phillips is 2-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 52 games and 75 1/3 innings pitched for the Fish this season. Here's his rare 2025 Chachi Almost card, created before his contract was purchased by Miami back on March 26th.
Featured Card: Marlins' reliever Tyler Phillips pitched a scoreless fifth inning, striking out a trio of Phillies batters - Kemp, Harrison Bader and Schwarber. Phillips is 2-1 with a 2.87 ERA in 52 games and 75 1/3 innings pitched for the Fish this season. Here's his rare 2025 Chachi Almost card, created before his contract was purchased by Miami back on March 26th.
Field Report: Jenna and I enjoyed this game from Section 315 before Robertson's entrance and the hour-plus rain delay in the ninth inning. We had what could have been our last leisurely dinner at Pass & Stow for the season, as once the postseason arrives we'll need to be in our seats early to lock in for the first pitch.
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Miami Marlins at Philadelphia Phillies - Last Home Stand of Regular Season
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Tuesday, September 23rd - 6:45
Wednesday, September 24th - 6:45
Thursday, September 25th - 6:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
There are two theme nights for this series - Band Night on Tuesday and Jewish Community Celebration on Thursday.
Miami Marlins 76-80
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 16 games behind the Phillies
Marlins Probables
Edward Cabrera (7-7, 3.57)
Ryan Weathers (2-1, 3.21)
Janson Junk (6-3, 4.27)
Marlins Leaders
Average: Xavier Edwards - .281
Runs: Xavier Edwards - 74
Home Runs: Kyle Sowers - 25
RBIs: Otto Lopez - 77
Stolen Bases: Xavier Edwards - 26
Wins: Sanday Alcantara - 8
ERA: Sanday Alcantara - 5.66
Strikeouts: Edward Cabrera - 140
Saves: Calvin Faucher - 13
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 16 games behind the Phillies
Marlins Probables
Edward Cabrera (7-7, 3.57)
Ryan Weathers (2-1, 3.21)
Janson Junk (6-3, 4.27)
Marlins Leaders
Average: Xavier Edwards - .281
Runs: Xavier Edwards - 74
Home Runs: Kyle Sowers - 25
RBIs: Otto Lopez - 77
Stolen Bases: Xavier Edwards - 26
Wins: Sanday Alcantara - 8
ERA: Sanday Alcantara - 5.66
Strikeouts: Edward Cabrera - 140
Saves: Calvin Faucher - 13
Philadelphia Phillies 92-64
1st Place in the N.L. East, 12 games ahead of the Mets
Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (13-5, 2.66)
Jesus Luzardo (14-7, 4.08)
Taijuan Walker (5-8, 4.18)
Phillies Leaders
Average: Trea Turner - .305
Runs: Kyle Schwarber - 107
Home Runs: Kyle Schwarber - 53
RBIs: Kyle Schwarber - 129
Stolen Bases: Trea Turner - 36
Wins: Jesus Luzardo - 14
ERA: Cristopher Sanchez - 2.66
Strikeouts: Jesus Luzardo - 206
Saves: Jhoan Duran - 15
1st Place in the N.L. East, 12 games ahead of the Mets
Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (13-5, 2.66)
Jesus Luzardo (14-7, 4.08)
Taijuan Walker (5-8, 4.18)
Phillies Leaders
Average: Trea Turner - .305
Runs: Kyle Schwarber - 107
Home Runs: Kyle Schwarber - 53
RBIs: Kyle Schwarber - 129
Stolen Bases: Trea Turner - 36
Wins: Jesus Luzardo - 14
ERA: Cristopher Sanchez - 2.66
Strikeouts: Jesus Luzardo - 206
Saves: Jhoan Duran - 15
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