Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Philadelphia Phillies at Houston Astros - Messing with Texas

2005 Topps #117
2005 Topps #381

Tuesday, June 24th - 8:10
Wednesday, June 25th - 8:10
Thursday, June 26th - 2:10

Daikin Park - Houston, TX
The Astros host a Dollar Dog Night tonight at the ballpark formerly known as Enron Field (2000-02), Astros Field (2002, briefly) and Minute Maid Park (2002-24).
Philadelphia Phillies 47-31
1st Place in the N.L. East, 1 game ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (6-1, 2.20)
Cristopher Sanchez (6-2, 2.87)
Zack Wheeler (7-2, 2.61)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .300
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 57
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 24
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 55
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 19

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo and Zack Wheeler - 7
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.61
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 118
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8
Houston Astros 45-33
1st Place in the N.L. West, 5 games ahead of the Mariners

Astros Probables
Framber Valdez (8-4, 3.09)
Colton Gordon (2-1, 4.54)
Hunter Brown (8-3, 1.88)

Astros Leaders
Average:  Jeremy Pena - .326
Runs:  Jeremy Pena - 47
Home Runs:  Isaac Paredes - 16
RBIs:  Isaac Paredes - 45
Stolen Bases:  Jeremy Pena - 15

Wins:  Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez - 8
ERA:  Hunter Brown - 1.88
Strikeouts:  Hunter Brown - 109
Saves:  Josh Hader - 19
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Monday, June 23, 2025

Game 78 - Luzardo's Arm, Sosa's Bat Lead Phils Back to First

New York Mets  1 
Philadelphia Phillies  7 

2025 Topps Heritage #250
Sunday Night, June 22nd
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
47-31, Tied for 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo pitched a gem and Edmundo Sosa fell a triple short of the cycle in this 7-1 drubbing of the Mets.

What It Means:  What a wonderful game!  The Phillies re-took first place, and following a day off on Monday they'll open a three-game series in Houston.

What Happened:  Luzardo improved to 7-3, pitching 6 2/3 fantastic innings, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out seven.  The highlight of the night for him was striking out Juan Soto to end the sixth inning on a nearly 98mph fastball.  Max Lazar gave up a solo home run to Francisco Lindor, the Mets' only run.

The Phillies scored five times in the fourth inning.  Kyle Schwarber led off the inning with a solo home run, his 24th of the season.  Nick  Castellanos doubled and Otto Kemp singled him home.  With J.T. Realmuto and Kemp on board, Edmundo Sosa hit a three-run home run to right center field, giving the Phillies a 5-0 lead.  In the seventh, Alec Bohm drove home a run with a sacrifice fly and Castellanos capped the scoring with an RBI-double.  Sosa, needing a triple for the cycle, struck out looking in the eighth.

Featured Card:  I'll give the nod to the offensive star of the game, Sosa.

Transaction:  Alan Rangel (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Michael Mercado (rhp) was optioned back down.

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Sunday, June 22, 2025

Game 77 - Mets Batters Mash 7 Solo Homers, Crushing Phils

New York Mets  11 
Philadelphia Phillies  4 

2016 Topps Gypsy Queen #234
Saturday Night, June 21st
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
46-31, Tied for 1st Place, 10 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Mets hit seven solo home runs, four off Phillies' starter Mick Abel in the first three innings of the game, in this 11-4 thrashing.

What It Means:  Flush it.  And I despise the Mets.

What Happened:  Abel was hit hard, allowing the four solo home runs and departing with his team trailing, 4-3.  Joe Ross, Michael Mercado and Taijuan Walker contributed to the barrage, each allowing a solo home in the later innings.  The Phillies scored twice in the first, on an RBI double from Nick Castellanos and an RBI ground out from Max Kepler.  They briefly took the lead in the second when Otto Kemp doubled, went to third on a ground out and scored on a wild pitch.

Featured Card:  Matt Gelb posted on Bluesky that Abel is the fifth pitcher in Phillies history to allow four or more home runs in three innings pitched or fewer.  He joins the club also occupied by Jerad Eickhoff (2019), Brian Sanches (2007), Vicente Padilla (2005) and Robert Person (1999).
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Saturday, June 21, 2025

Game 76 - Phils Retake 1st Place with Big Win Over Mets

New York Mets  2 
Philadelphia Phillies  10 

2025 Topps Now #326
Friday Night, June 20th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
46-30, 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A six-run seventh inning powered the Phillies to a huge 10-2 win over the division rival Mets in this series opener.

What It Means:  The Phillies are in sole possession of first place for the first time since May 30th.  They'll try to widen their lead with a few more wins this weekend.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler battled through five innings before handing things over to the bullpen.  With the Phillies holding a slim 2-0 lead, Taijuan Walker allowed back-to-back home runs to Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil in the top of the sixth, tying the score.  In the bottom of the seventh, Brandon Marsh doubled and Trea Turner doubled him home to retake the lead.  Big hits followed - RBI singles from Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos, and then a two-run double from Bryson Stott, scoring Castellanos and Realmuto within seconds of each other.  Castellanos piled on two more runs with a two-run home run in the eighth.

Featured Card:  I was going to go with a Tanner Banks card, as the reliever came up huge, throwing 1 2/3 scoreless innings after Walker had given up the pair of home runs.  But this Topps Now card is likely going to be one of my favorite cards of the year.

Field Report:  We were there!  Primarily motivated by the need to pick up some more 2025 photo cards, but also interested in attending a big game on a nice Friday night, Jenna and I impulsively bought standing room only tickets for the game.  I had reached out to the Phillies asking if there was any chance they had some extra photo cards for a long-time collector and partial season ticket holder, and to my surprise they accommodated my request.  New cards in hand, we enjoyed a leisurely dinner at Pass and Stow before settling in at the Kona Wave bar to enjoy the atmosphere and the win.

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Friday, June 20, 2025

New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies - First Place Showdown

2005 Topps Update #UH27
2005 Topps #481

Friday, June 20th - 7:15
Saturday, June 21st - 7:15
Sunday, June 22nd - 7:10

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Tonight is the annual Pride Night at the ballpark.  There are surprisingly no giveaways on Saturday or Sunday.  All three of these games will be on national broadcasts.
New York Mets 45-30
Tied for 1st Place in the N.L. East, 10 games ahead of the Braves

Mets Probables
Blade Tidwell (0-1, 14.73)
Griffin Canning (6-3, 3.80)
David Peterson (5-2, 2.60)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Pete Alonso - .291
Runs:  Juan Soto - 52
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 17
RBIs:  Pete Alonso - 63
Stolen Bases:  Francisco Lindor - 13

Wins:  Clay Holmes and Kodai Senga - 7
ERA:  David Peterson - 2.60
Strikeouts:  Tylor Megill - 89
Saves:  Edwin Diaz - 15
Philadelphia Phillies 45-30
Tied for 1st Place in the N.L. East, 10 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (7-2, 2.76)
Mick Abel (2-0, 2.21)
Jesus Luzardo (6-3, 4.41)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .300
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 52
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 23
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 54
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 19

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 7
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.76
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 110
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8
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Game 75 - Sanchez Baffles Fish in Victory

Philadelphia Phillies  2 
Miami Marlins  1 

2025 Topps Heritage #407
Thursday Night, June 19th
loanDepot park - Miami, FL
45-30, Tied for 1st Place, 10 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez made his case to be a repeat All-Star and Kyle Schwarber hit a tie-breaking, eighth inning home run in this 2-1 win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Phillies took three out of four from the Marlins, and now return home for an important weekend series with the Mets.  Both teams have identical records, and the Mets have lost six in a  row.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez picked up his sixth win, and probably could have gone for the complete game.  He allowed a run on five hits while striking out four and yielded to Orion Kerkering after having thrown 91 pitches.  Kerkering allowed a base runner in the ninth, but retired the side to earn his second save.  The Phillies had trouble getting going against Marlins' starter Edward Cabrera.  Cabrera was lifted with one out in the seventh and the Marlins holding a slim 1-0 lead.  With Alec Bohm on first, reliever Cade Gibson gave up a Max Kepler single, threw a wild pitch and hit Otto Kemp to load the bases.  Bryson Stott grounded out to score Bohm and tie the score.

Schwarber's 23rd home run of the year came at the perfect time, giving the Phillies a 2-1 lead in the eighth.

Featured Card:  I flipped a coin and went with Sanchez over Schwarber, as the lanky lefty kept the Marlins' offense off-balance all game.  This is his short-printed card from the Topps Heritage set.

Transaction:  The Phillies selected the contract of Buddy Kennedy (inf) from Lehigh Valley and optioned Weston Wilson (of) down in a swap of bench players.  To make room for Kennedy on the 40-man roster, Aaron Nola (rhp) was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

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Game 74 - Suarez, Stott Lead Phils to Win in Miami

Philadelphia Phillies  4 
Miami Marlins  2 

2025 Topps
Philadelphia Phillies #PHI-6
Wednesday Night, June 18th
loanDepot park - Miami, FL
44-30, 2nd Place, 1 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Bryson Stott connected for a three-run home run and Ranger Suarez threw seven spectacular innings in this 4-2 win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Phillies would go for the series win on Thursday and also hope to climb back into a tie for first place if the Mets lost.  (Spoiler alert: They would and they did.)

What Happened:  Suarez improved to 6-1, giving up a solo home run and only three other hits while striking out eight.  Matt Strahm once again made it interesting in the ninth, allowing a run on three hits, before retiring the side and earning his fourth save.  The Phillies scored all their runs in the fourth.  J.T. Realmuto singled home Nick Castellanos.  With Max Kepler and Realmuto on base, Stott hit his fifth home run of the season, giving the Phillies a 4-0 lead.

Featured Card:  I don't have a Topps Series 2 Phillies team set yet, but I'd think this is what the Stott card will look like.  This is from the Topps retail team set, available for sale at the ballpark.

Transaction:  The Phillies acquired Nolan Hoffman (rhp) from the Texas Rangers for cash and optioned him to the IronPigs.  Hoffman has pitched in the Mariners, Orioles and Rangers organizations for parts of the past seven seasons.

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Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Game 73 - Phils Fall Flat Against Fish

Philadelphia Phillies  3 
Miami Marlins  8 

2025 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215
Tuesday Night, June 17th
loanDepot park - Miami, FL
43-30, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo was rudely welcomed back to Miami, and the Phillies offense struggled in the clutch in this 8-3 loss.

What It Means:  With the series split, these two teams will match up two more times today and tomorrow.  The Phillies will then come home for a crucial weekend series against the first place Mets.

What Happened:  Luzardo departed the game with the Phillies holding a slim 3-2 lead and runners on first and second (via walks) in the top of the sixth inning.  Tanner Banks allowed both inherited runners to score and allowed another run himself, giving the Marlins a 5-3 lead once the inning ended.  Relievers Joe Ross and Michael Mercado allowed the Marlins to pile on with three more runs over the final two innings.

Trea Turner homered again in the fourth.  Johan Rojas and Kyle Schwarber added RBI singles in the fifth, giving the Phillies a temporary lead.

Featured Card:  Manager Rob Thomson benched Nick Castellanos for this game, following what the manager deemed as an "inappropriate" remark from Castellanos after he was removed from the game for a defensive upgrade on Monday.  The benching ended Castellanos' 236-game starting streak, which had been the second longest active streak in baseball.
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Game 72 - Turner Stays Hot, Abel Stays Consistent in Phillies Win

Philadelphia Phillies  5 
Miami Marlins  2 

2025 Topps Heritage #48
Monday Night, June 16th
loanDepot park - Miami, FL
43-29, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner hit a lead-off home run and Mick Abel pitched five solid innings in this 5-2 series opening win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  With the Mets inactive, the Phillies pulled to within two games of first place in the East.

What Happened:  Turner homered to center on the second pitch of the game.  Max Kepler gave the Phillies a 2-1 lead with his solo home run in the fourth.  In the seventh, Brandon Marsh tripled and came home on Turner's single, his third hit of the game.  Alec Bohm, the team's hottest hitter, added a pair of insurance runs with a two-run single in the top of the ninth.

Abel improved to 2-0, and dropped his ERA to 2.21.  He allowed a run on three hits, while striking out three.  Orion Kerkering pitched a clean ninth and earned his first career save.  Of note for Tuesday's game, Nick Castellanos was lifted in the eighth inning and replaced by Johan Rojas for a defensive upgrade.

Featured Card:  With his average up to .308 through Tuesday, to go along with his nine home runs, 34 RBIs and 19 stolen bases, Turner is making a case for himself to be present in Atlanta for the All-Star Game.

Transaction:  Carlos Hernandez (rhp), designated for assignment by the Phillies last week, was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Tigers.

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Monday, June 16, 2025

Philadelphia Phillies at Miami Marlins - Phils Look to Spear Fish

2025 Chachi 2005 Topps Missing Links #9
2005 Topps Update #UH28

Monday, June 16th - 6:40
Tuesday, June 17th - 6:10
Wednesday, June 18th - 6:40
Thursday, June 19th - 6:40

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
There is not a single promotion, theme night or giveaway during this four-game series with the Marlins in Miami.
Philadelphia Phillies 42-29
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Mick Abel (1-0, 2.35)
Jesus Luzardo (6-2, 4.23)
Ranger Suarez (5-1, 2.32)
Cristopher Sanchez (5-2, 3.05)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .300
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 51
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 22
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 52
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 19

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 7
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.76
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 110
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8
Miami Marlins 28-41
5th Place in the N.L. East, 15 1/2 games behind the Mets

Marlins Probables
Sandy Alcantara (3-7, 7.14)
Cal Quantrill (3-7, 5.61)
Edward Cabrera (2-2, 4.10)
TBD

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Xavier Edwards - .279
Runs:  Kyle Sowers and Eric Wagaman - 27
Home Runs:  Agustin Ramirez and Kyle Sowers - 10
RBIs:  Kyle Sowers - 33
Stolen Bases:  Xavier Edwards - 11

Wins:  Five tied with - 3
ERA:  N/A
Strikeouts:  Max Meyer - 68
Saves:  Calvin Faucher - 7
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Game 71 - Kemp, Casty Have Big Days at the Plate, Phils Sweep Jays

Toronto Blue Jays  4 
Philadelphia Phillies  11 

2025 Topps Heritage #315
Sunday Afternoon, June 15th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
42-29, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler handled the Blue Jays' line-up, Nick Castellanos hit a grand slam and Otto Kemp enjoyed a four-hit day in this 11-4 win, completing the series sweep.

What It Means:  With the Phillies seemingly back on track after winning five out of six on this homestead against the Cubs and Blu Jays, they'll head to Miami for a four-game set against the last place Marlins.

What Happened:  Wheeler improved to 7-2 and likely left the game only due to the length of the bottom of the sixth inning, during which the Phillies nearly batted around and Castellanos hit his slam.  Wheeler allowed four hits while striking out nine.  Kemp went 4 for 5 with three runs scored and a  pair of RBIs, raising his big league average to .345.  Five other Phillies had multi-hit games - Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Alec Bohm, Max Kepler and J.T. Realmuto.  Bohm hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning.

Featured Card:  Castellanos hit his grand slam, his second of the year, in the sixth, just clearing the left center field wall and giving the Phillies a 10-2 lead.  Here's his 1976 Topps-inspired card from the Topps Heritage set.
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Sunday, June 15, 2025

Game 70 - Kepler's Homer Breaks Tie, Sends Phils to Victory

Toronto Blue Jays  2 
Philadelphia Phillies  3 

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards
Saturday Afternoon, June 14th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
41-29, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Max Kepler's eighth inning home run was the difference in this 3-2 win over the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  The Phillies will go for the series sweep on Sunday afternoon, Father's Day, with Zack Wheeler on the mound.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez turned in another great performance, allowing two runs on five hits while striking out five.  Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm kept the Jays off the board over the final two innings.  

The Phillies scored their first two runs in the fourth solely on the wildness of Blue Jays' pitcher Bowden Francis.  With two outs, Nick Castellanos and Kepler walked and J.T. Realmuto was hit by a pitch to load the bases.  Bryson Stott walked to tie the game at 1-1, and Otto Kemp was hit by a pitch to give the Phillies a temporary 2-1 lead.  The Blue Jays tied the game in the top of the fifth on Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s RBI double.

Featured Card:  Hopefully Kepler is getting hot?  He hit the ball hard all weekend, and his home run in the eighth, his eighth of the year, was the difference in this game.  This is his 4x6 team-issued photo card, which surprisingly uses a different photo than his standard-sized Kids Club card.
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Saturday, June 14, 2025

Game 69 - Vintage Ranger and Offense Shuts Down Jays

Toronto Blue Jays  0 
Philadelphia Phillies  8 

2025 Topps #56
Friday Night, June 13th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
40-29, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez pitched seven shutout innings and the Phillies offense produced a bunch of timely hits in this 8-0 series opening win over the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  The Phillies will try to add on to their modest two-game win streak this afternoon with Cristopher Sanchez on the mound.

What Happened:  Suarez improved to 5-1, allowing four hits, one walk and striking out six.  Joe Ross and Taijuan Walker pitched the final two innings for the combined shutout.  The Phillies scored four in the second inning.  J.T. Realmuto walked and went to third on Otto Kemp's double.  Brandon Marsh doubled to score Realmuto and Kemp was thrown out at the plate.  Trea Turner walked and Kyle Schwarber launched a three-run home run, his 22nd of the season.  Kemp singled home Realmuto in the sixth for his first big league RBI.  Three more runs scored in the eighth, highlighted by Realmuto's RBI double.

Featured Card:  Here's Suarez's card from this year's Topps flagship set.

Field Report:  Jenna and I enjoyed this game from Section 315, changing things up a bit with a pregame meal from Bull's BBQ instead of the usual Pass & Stow's.  We can highly recommend the new BBQ chips.  From a collecting standpoint, I now have 14 of the 19 cards currently available with a Kids Club/Club 215 membership.  According to the Phillies employee manning the station where the cards are handed out, the Turner stack is the only one getting a little low at this point.

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Friday, June 13, 2025

Toronto Blue Jays at Philadelphia Phillies - Jays in Town for Weekend

2005 Topps #19
2005 Topps Retired Signature #78

Friday, June 13th - 6:45
Saturday, June 14th - 4:05
Sunday, June 15th - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
On Saturday, all kids will receive a cool Kyle Schwarber "Card Show" bobble head, featuring a combination baseball card/bobble design.  On Sunday, men 15 and over will receive a pair of Phillies board shorts.
Toronto Blue Jays 38-30
2nd Place in the A.L. East,  4 games behind the Yankees

Blue Jays Probables
Kevin Gausman (5-4, 3.87)
Bowden Francis (2-8, 6.12)
Jose Berrios (2-2, 3.38)

Blue Jays Leaders
Average:  Alejandro Kirk - .325
Runs:  Vladimir Guerrero - 41
Home Runs:  George Springer - 10
RBIs:  Bo Bichette - 40
Stolen Bases:  Andres Gimenez - 9

Wins:  Chris Bassitt - 7
ERA:  Jose Berrios - 3.38
Strikeouts:  Chris Bassitt - 78
Saves:  Jeff Hoffman - 17
Philadelphia Phillies 39-29
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 5 1/2 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (4-1, 2.70)
Cristopher Sanchez (5-2, 3.10)
Zack Wheeler (6-2, 2.85)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .303
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 48
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 21
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 47
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 19

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo and Zack Wheeler - 6
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.85
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 101
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8
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Thursday, June 12, 2025

Game 68 - Luzardo Rebounds to Pitch Phils to Win Over Cubs

Chicago Cubs  2 
Philadelphia Phillies  7 

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards
Wednesday Afternoon, June 11th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
39-29, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo made an adjustment, course correcting after two horrendous starts, and striking out 10 Cubs batters in this 7-2 win.

What It Means:  That's more like it.  The Phillies started to dig themselves out of their self-imposed hole, taking two out of three from the Cubs after their deflating weekend sweep by the Pirates.  The Blue Jays come to town next for three games.

What Happened:  Luzardo improved to 6-2, pitching six innings and allowing a run on five hits.  He didn't walk a batter.  The Phillies went up 3-0 in the first, getting clutch hits from Max Kepler (two-run double) and J.T. Realmuto (RBI single) with two outs.  Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run in the third, and Alec Bohm added a two-run single in the fourth.  Bohm would homer in the seventh, his sixth of the year, giving the Phillies a comfortable lead for the first time in what seemed like forever.  Bohm is batting .359 (14 for 39) so far in June, with a double, a home run and seven RBIs.

Featured Card:  Here's Luzardo's first baseball card featuring him actually wearing a Phillies uniform, from the somewhat rare 2025 team-issued photo card set.

Transaction:  In need of bullpen reinforcements, Michael Mercado (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Carlos Hernandez (rhp) was designated for assignment.  In 25 games with the Phillies, Hernandez was 1-0 with a 5.26 ERA with 23 strikeouts and 13 walks in 25 2/3 innings pitched.

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Game 67 - Cubs Ride Four Homers to Victory Over Phils

Chicago Cubs  8 
Philadelphia Phillies  4 

2021 Topps Heritage #519
Tuesday Night, June 10th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
38-29, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Mick Abel allowed three home runs in his four innings of work, and the Phillies offense wasn't able to come up with many clutch hits in this 8-4 loss.

What It Means:  Why did I watch this entire game?

What Happened:  Abel would get a no-decision, allowing three runs on six hits and three walks in four innings.  Max Kepler hit a two-run home run in the second and Alec Bohm connected for a two-run single in the fifth to give the Phillies a brief 4-3 lead.  In the sixth, Ian Happ hit a two-run home run off Taijuan Walker, Happ's second home run of the day, giving the Cubs a 5-4 lead.

Featured Card:  In what may have been his final appearance with the Phillies, reliever Carlos Hernandez pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing no runs on two hits.  He did allow both inherited runners from Joe Ross to score, putting this game eventually out of reach. Hernandez was designated for assignment on Wednesday, and unless he clears waivers AND Topps somehow decides to give him a card in their Update set, Hernandez will likely never appear on a Phillies baseball card.  Hernandez hasn't appeared on a baseball card at all since 2022, and he's a little larger these days than he was on his 2021 Topps Heritage card.
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Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Game 66 - Phils Use Small Ball, Solid Effort from Wheeler in Win

Chicago Cubs  3 
Philadelphia Phillies  4 
11 Innings

2025 Topps Now #277
Monday Night, June 9th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
38-28, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Otto Kemp had three hits, including a key ninth inning bunt hit, and Zack Wheeler struck out seven as the Phillies walked off with a 4-3 win over the Cubs in 11 innings.

What It Means:  The five-game losing streak ended, but unfortunately this new winning streak would be short-lived.

What Happened:  Wheeler got a no decision, but he kept his team in the game with six strong innings, allowing a first inning solo home run to Kyle Tucker and two other hits.  The Phillies took a 2-1 lead in the fifth on a Weston Wilson RBI single, scoring Kemp.  Matt Strahm entered the game in the eighth and promptly allowed a solo home run to Ian Happ to tie the score at 2-2.  The Cubs briefly took the lead in the top of the 11th, but in the bottom of the inning, J.T. Realmuto singled home ghost runner Nick Castellanos to tie the score at 3-3.  Bryson Stott and Kemp both bunted for hits, loading the bases, and Brandon Marsh singled home Realmuto with the winning run.  Along with Stott's and Kemp's bunt base hits, Johan Rojas contributed two sacrifices.

Featured Card:  Kemp and Wheeler both received Topps Now cards for this game.  Kemp for his three-hit performance and Wheeler for becoming the fastest Phillies pitcher in franchise history to strike out 1,000 batters.  I'll go with the Kemp card here.

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards
Field Report:  We were there, and it was great to pay tribute and celebrate the patients, caregivers and families affected by ALS.  The Phillies have partnered with ALS United Mid-Atlantic for over 40 years at this point, and with the help of the family-owned Asplundh company, $800,004 was raised to help with ALS research and care services.  Grab bags were once again sold before the game, and my family and I came away with a nice haul.  Highlights from our bags were signed balls from Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos, along with a signed hat from J.T. Realmuto.

The Phillies again produced a whole set of photo cards to be included in the grab bags as an identifier for the autographed item.  I learned from the team last year their contract with Fanatics precludes them from selling these sets at the ballpark, which is a real shame.  High quality cards are produced for the sole purpose of identifying autographs and then they're either left languishing on a shelf in a closet at the ballpark or thrown away.  As I've done the last few years, I'm trying to build a complete set checklist over at the TCDB.

Transaction:  Wheeler (rhp) was activated from the paternity list and Daniel Robert (rhp) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley.

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Monday, June 9, 2025

Chicago Cubs at Philadelphia Phillies - Phils Limp Home

2005 Topps Retired Signature #25
2005 Topps #64

Monday, June 9th - 6:45
Tuesday, June 10th - 6:45
Wednesday, June 11th - 1:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Tonight is ALS Awareness Night, recognizing patients, families and caregivers battling this disease.  Following Wednesday afternoon's game, fans 55 and over are invited onto the field to stroll the bases.
Chicago Cubs 40-25
1st Place in the N.L. Central, 4 games ahead of the Cardinals

Cubs Probables
Matthew Boyd (5-3, 3.01)
Colin Rea (4-2, 3.59)
Ben Brown (3-4, 5.37)

Cubs Leaders
Average:  Nico Hoerner - .286
Runs:  Pete Crow-Armstrong - 50
Home Runs:  Pete Crow-Armstrong - 17
RBIs:  Seiya Suzuki - 55
Stolen Bases:  Pete Crow-Armstrong - 21

Wins:  Jameson Taillon - 6
ERA:  Matthew Boyd - 3.01
Strikeouts:  Ben Brown - 78
Saves:  Daniel Palencia - 5
Philadelphia Phillies 37-28
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (6-2, 2.96)
Mick Abel (1-0, 0.79)
Jesus Luzardo (5-2, 4.46)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .300
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 20
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 46
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 17

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 6
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.96
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 94
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8
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Game 65 - Phils Swept Out of Pittsburgh

Philadelphia Phillies  1 
Pittsburgh Pirates  2 

2019 Topps Gallery
Heritage #HT-25
Sunday Afternoon, June 8th
PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
37-28, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Paul Skenes made easy work of the scuffling Phillies offense and Cristopher Sanchez was the hardluck loser in this 2-1 loss to the Pirates.

What It Means:  The Phillies have lost nine of their last ten games, and they were swept by a not great Pirates team.  They've lost five games in a row, scoring just one run in four of those games.  They return home on Monday for three with the Cubs, followed by three more with the Blue Jays.

What Happened:  The Phillies managed a single run in this game when Brandon Marsh singled in the third and came around to score on Rafael Marchan's double to right, coupled with an error by Pirates' second baseman Nick Gonzales.  The only other hit from the Phillies was a double by Trea Turner in the ninth, but Alec Bohm grounded into a double play to end the threat and the ballgame.  Skenes was cruising and was oddly removed after 97 pitches, having given up the unearned run and striking out seven.  Sanchez just about matched him, allowing two runs on six hits while striking out nine.

Featured Card:  With the score tied at 1-1 in the bottom of the eighth, Oneil Cruz walked, stole second and scored on Andrew McCutchen's single to right.  Now in his 17th season, McCutchen is batting .255 with five home runs and 21 RBIs.
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Sunday, June 8, 2025

Game 64 - Phils Looking for Answers as Losing Continues

Philadelphia Phillies  1 
Pittsburgh Pirates  2 

2023 Choice
Clearwater Threshers #13
Saturday Afternoon, June 7th
PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
37-27, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A lack of Phillies offense continued to be a troubling theme in this rapid-fire, 2-1 loss to the Pirates.

What It Means:  The Phillies have lost eight of their last nine games, and they'll attempt to avoid a sweep by the Pirates this afternoon.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez was the hard luck loser, giving up a pair of runs on five hits in five innings of work.  The crushing blow was a solo home run from Henry Davis in the seventh inning.  Kyle Schwarber, the second batter of the game, hit a solo home run in the first, his 20th of the season.  The offense pretty much shut it down from there with only an Alec Bohm double in the top of the seventh generating any excitement.  With no outs, Bohm went to third on a wild pitch, but was stranded there after Nick Castellanos struck out, J.T. Realmuto popped up to shallow right and Bryson Stott flied out.

Featured Card:  Otto Kemp made his big league debut, starting at third base and batting seventh.  He went 0 for 3 with a pair of strikeouts, but made all his plays in the field.  Kemp was signed by the Phillies as an undrafted free agent in July 2022, and his hard work in the minors earned him a promotion.  He had been batting .313 with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs at Lehigh Valley.  This is the first card of his in my collection, from the 2023 Clearwater Threshers team set.

Transaction:  In a flurry of roster moves before this game, Bryce Harper (1b) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right wrist injury and Kemp (inf) had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley.  Alan Rangel (rhp) was sent back down, and Daniel Robert (rhp) came back up through the revolving bullpen door.  And Jose Ruiz (rhp) was claimed off waivers by the Braves.

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Saturday, June 7, 2025

Game 63 - Bullpen Falters in Loss to Bucs

Philadelphia Phillies  4 
Pittsburgh Pirates  5 

2025 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #38
Friday Night, June 6th
PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
37-26, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The offense continued to look for clutch hits and Jordan Romano once again failed to pitch a clean ninth inning in this series-opening 5-4 loss to the last place Pirates.

What It Means:  The bullpen is a huge problem, and Romano is not the answer as the team's closer.  The Phillies have lost three in a row.

What Happened:  A bullpen game from the outset with Zack Wheeler out on paternity leave, Joe Ross and four relievers did their best to hold the Pirates at bay in what was a back and forth game from the first inning onwards.  In each top of the inning where the Phillies scored, taking a lead, the Pirates would tie the game in the bottom of the inning.  This happened in the first, third and fourth innings, with the Pirates breaking through for the winning, walk-off run off Romano in the ninth.  

Trea Turner had a big day at the plate, going 3 for 5 with a double and two RBIs.  Bailey Falter started for the Pirates and was chased from the game in the fourth inning.

Featured Card:  Alan Rangel made his big league debut, pitching three innings in relief and allowing a two-run home run to Henry Davis in the fourth.  Rangel had spent 9 1/2 seasons in the minors before getting the call from the Phillies, and he has a card in this year's IronPigs team set.

Transaction:  In need of bullpen reinforcements, Rangel (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Seth Johnson (rhp) was optioned back down.  Additionally, the Phillies resigned Jose Rodriguez (inf) to a minor league contract after he had been activated from the restricted list and non-tendered a few days ago.

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