Friday, July 4, 2025

Cincinnati Reds at Philadelphia Phillies

2005 Topps #376
2025 Chachi 2005 Topps Missing Links #13

Friday, July 4th - 1:05
Saturday, July 5th - 4:05
Sunday, July 6th - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
The Phillies play three straight afternoon games over the holiday weekend.  On Sunday, all kids will receive a Phanatic beach towel.
Cincinnati Reds

1995 Reds Leaders
Average:  Barry Larkin - .319
Runs:  Barry Larkin - 98
Home Runs:  Ron Gant - 29
RBIs:  Reggie Sanders - 99
Stolen Bases:  Barry Larkin - 51

Wins:  Pete Schourek - 18
ERA:  Pete Schourek - 3.22
Strikeouts:  Pete Schourek - 160
Saves:  Jeff Brantley - 28
Philadelphia Phillies

1995 Phillies Leaders
Average:  Gregg Jefferies - .306
Runs:  Gregg Jefferies - 69
Home Runs:  Three tied with - 11
RBIs:  Charlie Hayes - 85
Stolen Bases:  Lenny Dykstra and Jim Eisenreich - 10

Wins:  Paul Quantrill - 11
ERA:  Paul Quantrill - 4.67
Strikeouts:  Curt Schilling - 114
Saves:  Heathfliff Slocumb - 32
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Monday, June 30, 2025

San Diego Padres at Philadelphia Phillies

2005 Topps Retired Signature #61
2005 Topps #170

Monday, June 30th - 6:35
Tuesday, July 1st - 6:35
Wednesday, July 2nd - 1:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
The extremely popular and incredibly impressive Xfinity Fireworks Shows are tonight and Tuesday night.  On Wednesday, all kids are invited to run the bases following the game.
San Diego Padres

1985 Padres Leaders
Average:  Tony Gwynn - .317
Runs:  Tony Gwynn - 90
Home Runs:  Carmelo Martinez - 21
RBIs:  Steve Garvey - 81
Stolen Bases:  Garry Templeton - 16

Wins:  Andy Hawkins - 18
ERA:  Dave Dravecky - 2.93
Strikeouts:  Eric Show - 141
Saves:  Rich Gossage - 26
Philadelphia Phillies

1985 Phillies Leaders
Average:  Mike Schmidt - .277
Runs:  Juan Samuel - 101
Home Runs:  Mike Schmidt - 33
RBIs:  Glenn Wilson - 102
Stolen Bases:  Juan Samuel - 53

Wins:  Kevin Gross - 15
ERA:  Shane Rawley - 3.31
Strikeouts:  Kevin Gross - 151
Saves:  Kent Tekulve - 14
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Saturday, June 28, 2025

Game 82 - Phils Explode with Five Home Runs, 13 Runs in Win

Philadelphia Phillies  13 
Atlanta Braves  0 

2025 Topps
Summer Superstars #SS-32
Friday Night, June 27th
Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
48-34, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies finally scores runs in bunches, punishing the Braves with a 13-0 victory.

What It Means:  They'll try to continue swinging the bats tonight with Jesus Luzardo on the mound.  The Phillies Room will be down for routine summer maintenance over the next week-plus, returning to live posting following a long holiday weekend.

What Happened:  After a 2 hour, 19 minute rain delay at the outset, the Phillies opted to let Mick Abel have the night off and went with a bullpen game.  The Phillies jumped on Braves' starter Bryce Elder quickly, scoring 10 runs off him in his two innings of work.  After a quiet series in Houston, the Phillies hit five home runs - two from Trea Turner and one each from Nick Castellanos, Otto Kemp and Kyle Schwarber.  Castellanos' and Kemp's home runs were both three-run shots, with Kemp collecting his first big league long ball.  J.T. Realmuto was 3 for 4 at the plate before the veteran regulars were lifted with the game well in hand.

Alan Rangel pitched five scoreless innings of relief, earning a rare save in a blow-out game.  Luke Williams pitched the ninth for the Braves, allowing Turner's second home run.

Featured Card:  Turner needed a triple for the cycle when he came to bat against Williams, and he admitted following the game he had very briefly considered not stepping on home following his home run, so that it would be scored a triple.  He was 4 for 6 in this game with four runs scored.  This is an appropriately-themed insert card from the recently released Topps Series Two.
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Friday, June 27, 2025

Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves - Time to Score Some Runs

2005 Topps #689
2005 Topps Update #UH2

Friday, June 27th - 7:15
Saturday, June 28th - 7:15
Sunday, June 29th - 1:35

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
The Braves shoot off fireworks after every Friday night home game.  On Sunday, the first 3,000 kids will receive a Spencer Strider growth chart.
Philadelphia Phillies 47-34
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 1/2 game behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Mick Abel (2-1, 3.47)
Jesus Luzardo (7-3, 4.08)
Ranger Suarez (6-2, 2.08)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .295
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 - 2.55
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 126
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8
Atlanta Braves 37-43
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 10 games behind the Mets

Braves Probables
Bryce Elder (2-4, 4.77)
Spencer Schwellenbach (6-4, 3.21)
Spencer Strider (3-5, 4.07)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Austin Riley - .269
Runs:  Matt Olson - 46
Home Runs:  Matt Olson - 15
RBIs:  Michael Harris - 52
Stolen Bases:  Michael Harris - 11

Wins:  Spencer Schwellenbach - 6
ERA:  Chris Sale - 2.52
Strikeouts:  Chris Sale - 114
Saves:  Raisel Iglesias - 9
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Game 81 - Phils Nearly Suffer Shutout Sweep, Exit Houston in 2nd Place

Philadelphia Phillies  1 
Houston Astros  2 

1974 Topps #47 Ruthven
Thursday Afternoon, June 26th
Daikin Park - Houston, TX
47-34, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Hunter Brown baffled Phillies' batters and the Astros nearly pulled off a shutout sweep in this deflating 2-1 loss.

What It Means:  It's not going well.  This game marked the mathematical half-way point of the season, and the only thing I'm confident about is the Phillies' starting pitching.  Bryce Harper may return to the line-up as soon as Monday, but he'll be missing again for the upcoming weekend series against the Braves.

What Happened:  Following Ranger Suarez and Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez was the latest Phillies pitcher to throw a gem and get rewarded with a no-decision.  Sanchez struck out 11 in six innings, allowing a run on five hits.  Max Lazar pitched a scoreless seventh, and Orion Kerkering allowed the winning run to score in the bottom of the eighth.  After being shut out for the first 25 innings of this series, the Phillies pushed across a lone run in the top of the eighth.  Bryson Stott walked, went to third on a Rafael Marchan single, and scored on a Brandon Marsh sacrifice fly.

Featured Card:  Incredible note from @schmenk-bsky on Bluesky, showing this is the first time the Phillies have been swept in a three-game series while giving up only five runs.  The Astros pulled off the shutout sweep back in August 1974, scoring seven runs to the Phillies' none.  The final scores of those games - 1-0, 1-0, 5-0, and the losing pitchers were Dick Ruthven, Steve Carlton and Wayne Twitchell.
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Thursday, June 26, 2025

Game 80 - Houston, We Have No Offense

Philadelphia Phillies  0 
Houston Astros  2 

1996 Leaf Signature Series
Extended Series Autographs
Wednesday Night, June 25th
Daikin Park - Houston, TX
47-33, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies were shut out for the second consecutive night, this time by Colton Gordon and four Astros' relievers in this 2-0 loss.

What It Means:  They'll try to avoid the three-game sweep this afternoon, and hope the Braves take care of the Mets tonight.

What Happened:  The offensive performance from the Phillies was only slightly better than Tuesday night.  The line-up managed seven singles, two each from Kyle Schwarber and Brandon Marsh, while going 1 for 5 with runners in scoring position.  Zack Wheeler gave up a run on four hits in his six innings of work, striking out eight.  Matt Strahm gave up a solo home run to Victor Caratini in the bottom of the eighth.

Featured Card:  The Phillies were shut out for the first time in consecutive games since August 13 and 14, 2022.  Had Strahm not allowed the eighth inning home run, they would have lost consecutive games by 1-0 scores for the first time since April 19 and 20, 1996, according to this post on Bluesky.  Those games came against the Cardinals and the losing pitchers were Russ Springer and Ricky Bottalico.
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Game 79 - Phils Fall Short, Wasting Ranger's Pitching Gem

Philadelphia Phillies  0 
Houston Astros  1 

2024 Topps
Golden Mirror #661
Tuesday Night, June 24th
Daikin Park - Houston, TX
47-32, 1st Place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted a stellar pitching performance from Ranger Suarez in this 1-0 loss to the Astros.

What It Means:  Where's the offense?

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez dropped to 6-2 and his ERA went down to 2.08 as he allowed just a run on four hits, while striking out seven in 7 2/3 innings of work.  He allowed a solo home run to Cooper Hummel in the bottom of the eighth inning for the only run of the game.  The Phillies were once again handled by Astros' starter Framber Valdez, collecting only four hits, and going 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Phillies Room favorite Whit Merrifield announced his retirement from baseball, having last played in 42 games for the Braves last season after his release by the Phillies.  I was thrilled when the Phillies signed Merrifield, but it didn't pan out for him here, as he batted .199 in 53 games before the team released him last July 12th.  In his retirement announcement, Merrifield addressed the Phillies fans, saying, "Philly, I liked you way more than you like me.  Sorry I stunk for you."  All the best in your retirement, Whit!
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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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