Game 83 - Punchless Phils Fall to Fish

1965 Topps #4

Marlins 3, Phillies 2
Game 83 - Saturday Afternoon, June 29th in Philadelphia
Record - 54-29, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A lack of offense doomed the Phillies in this 3-2 loss to the Marlins.

What It Means:  They'll try to tie up the series on Sunday afternoon, assuming the thunderstorms stay away long enough.

What Happened:  Garrett Stubbs caused some temporary excitement when his solo home run tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the third.  The Phillies took a 2-1 lead in the fifth on an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly.  In the top of the sixth, Aaron Nola was chased from the game on back-to-back doubles by Otto Lopez and Nick Fortes to tie the game.  Matt Strahm entered and gave up a single to Jazz Chisolm, scoring Fortess and giving the Marlins a 3-2 lead.  The Phillies' offense went down quietly over the final three innings.

Featured Card:  With no reason to feature a Phillies card for this game, I'll instead pay tribute to Orlando Cepeda, who passed away on Saturday.  Cepeda's passing comes 11 days after the death of his long-time teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Willie Mays.  This card is in my Phillies collection because of Johnny Callison, and it features both former Giants greats.

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Game 82 - Sanchez Shuts Out Fish

2024 Philadelphia Phillies Photo Cards

Phillies 2, Marlins 0
Game 82 - Friday Night, June 28th in Philadelphia
Record - 54-28, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez was masterful in his complete game shutout against the Marlins, and the Phillies manufactured a pair of runs to win, 2-0.

What It Means:  The Phillies can win the series with a victory either today or tomorrow.

What Happened:  Sanchez needed 101 pitches to complete his gem, and he scattered three singles throughout the game.  He struck out nine, one short of his previous career-best of 10.  The Phillies scored the only run they needed in the fifth when Whit Merrifield and Garrett Stubbs started the inning with back-to-back singles and Bryson Stott brought Merrifield home with a ground out.  In the eighth, Johan Rojas earned a hustle double, went to third on a wild pitch and scored on a Stott sacrifice fly.

Featured Card:  Here's perhaps one of Sanchez's rarest cards so far from 2024, his team-issued photo card which as far as I know were only set loose to the public on ALS Night, June 2nd.  The cards were included as identifiers within grab bags of signed memorabilia, and one of the bags we snagged had this card and a hat signed by Sanchez.  I'm attempting to build the checklist for the set over at the TCDB.  I'm also actively seeking these cards if you have any looking for a good home!

Transaction:  Bryce Harper (1b) and Kyle Schwarber (dh) were placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain and a left groin strain, respectively.  Kody Clemens (1b) was activated from the injured list and Rojas (of) was recalled from Lehigh Valley.

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Game 81 - Disaster Strikes as Phils Lose Game, Schwarber and Harper

2023 Topps Now #1030

Marlins 7, Phillies 4
Game 81 - Thursday Night, June 27th in Philadelphia
Record - 53-28, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies suffered their worst defeat of the season, losing the game late to the Marlins and losing both Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper to injuries.

What It Means:  It's the official half-way point of the season, which seems appropriate given the Phillies hit a turning point with this game.  Schwarber was the first to go down, departing after the eighth inning with tightness in his left groin.  Harper was the final out of the ballgame, grounding out to second, and pulling a hamstring on his run to first base.  Both stars will miss at least a few weeks.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler was cruising, holding a 3-0 lead with two outs in the seventh inning.  The Marlins took advantage of a wide strike zone, loading the bases on two singles and a hit by pitch.  With Matt Strahm taking over on the mound, Bryan De La Cruz laced a bases-clearing double to center to tie the score at 3-3.  A batter later, Josh Bell doubled home De La Cruz to give the Marlins the lead.  The Phillies would temporarily tie the game in the bottom of the seventh, but Jake Burger led off the eighth with a solo home run off Jeff Hoffman to give the Marlins the lead for good.

Featured Card:  Hopefully the rest of the Phillies line-up can keep things going with Realmuto, Schwarber and Harper now all out of the picture for a bit.

Transaction:  Spencer Turnbull was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right lat strain and Yunior Marte (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley.

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Game 80 - Marsh Leads Phils Over Tigers

2024 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club

Phillies 6, Tigers 2
Game 80 - Wednesday Afternoon, June 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 53-27, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Brandon Marsh collected four hits and had four RBIs and the bullpen managed the Tigers after Spencer Turnbull departed with an injury in this 6-2 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies returned home on Thursday night for a four-game weekend series with the Marlins.

What Happened:  Turnbull, reinstated into the starting pitching rotation following the injury to Taijuan Walker, had to leave after three innings with a right lat strain.  Six relievers held the Tigers at bay, with Jose Ruiz getting credited with the win.  Marsh hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning to give the Phillies a 3-1 lead, and they wouldn't look back after that.  Marsh drove in two more runs in the fifth with a two-run single.  David Dahl plated one more run in the eighth on a sacrifice fly scoring Bryson Stott.

Featured Card:  Here's Marsh's Kids Club card, available throughout the season at the ballpark to Kids Club and Club 215 members.  This card is surprisingly similar to his Topps flagship card.

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Game 79 - Skubal Stifles Phils

2024 Topps Heritage #231

Tigers 4, Phillies 1
Game 79 - Tuesday Night, June 25th in Detroit
Record - 52-27, 1st Place, 7 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Tarik Skubal out-dueled Ranger Suarez as the Phillies fell to the Tigers, 4-1.

What It Means:  With the series tied up, the Phillies would look to take another series win on Wednesday afternoon.

What Happened:  Skubal allowed three hits and struck out seven in seven innings, departing with his team holding a 4-0 lead.  Suarez fell to 10-2 and saw his ERA creep over 2 (2.01) by allowing four runs on nine hits in six innings.  Bryce Harper hit a solo home run in the ninth, his 20th of the season.

Featured Card:  Phillies Room favorite Matt Vierling is batting lead-off and playing center field for the Tigers these days, and following this series he was batting .254 with 10 home runs and 32 RBIs.  Vierling has also made starts for the Tigers in left field, right field and third base.  This is his awesome, colorful 2024 Topps Heritage card.

Transaction:  Yunior Marte (rhp) was activated from the 15-day Injured List and optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 78 - Nola Cruises, Harper and Bohm Homer in Win

2024 Topps #463

Phillies 8, Tigers 1
Game 78 - Monday Night, June 24th in Detroit
Record - 52-26, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola cruised to his ninth victory behind the 15-hit onslaught from the Phillies offense in this 8-1 win.

What It Means:  We'll look back on this game as one of the better wins before a disastrous Thursday night pushed pause on the team's good vibes.

What Happened:  Nola pitched seven innings, allowing a run on six hits while striking out six.  Michael Mercado made his major league debut, pitching a perfect eighth inning.  Bryce Harper was 3 for 5 with five RBIs, including a three-run home run in the sixth inning.  Alec Bohm was 4 for 5 with three RBIs, including a two-run home run in the first.  Both Harper and Bohm should be heading to Arlington in a few weeks for the All-Star Game.

Featured Card:  The newest Nola card in my collection is from Topps Series Two.

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Marlins at Phillies - June 27th to June 30th

2024 Chachi Series Preview #3

2024 Chachi 1984 Topps Missing Links #10

Thursday and Friday 6:20, Saturday 4:05 and Sunday 1:35
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Tonight and tomorrow night are Fireworks nights, and the Phillies put on one of the most impressive fireworks displays in the area.  On Sunday, all kids will receive a Bryce Harper cooling headband.

Miami Marlins 28-52
5th Place in the N.L. East, 25 games behind the Phillies

Marlins Probables
Trevor Rogers (1-8, 4.90)
Kyle Tyler (0-0, 4.50)
Roddery Munoz (1-3, 5.80)
Yonny Chirinos (0-0, 2.70)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Jazz Chisolm - .264
Runs:  Jazz Chisolm and Bryan De La Cruz - 35
Home Runs:  Bryan De La Cruz - 14
RBIs:  Jazz Chisolm - 37
Stolen Bases:  Jazz Chisolm - 14

Wins:  Tanner Scott - 6
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  Ryan Weathers - 67
Saves:  Tanner Scott - 10

Philadelphia Phillies 53-27
1st Place in the N.L. East, 8 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (9-4, 2.73)
Cristopher Sanchez (5-3, 2.67)
Aaron Nola (9-3, 3.39)
Ranger Suarez (10-2, 2.01)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .305
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 60
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 20
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 64
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 20

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 10
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 2.01
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 107
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 12

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Phillies at Tigers - June 24th to June 26th

1984 Topps #199

1984 Topps #563

Monday and Tuesday 6:40, Wednesday 1:10
Comerica Park - Detroit, MI

At the Ballpark:  There's a special ticket package for Educator Appreciation Day on Monday night that comes with a Tigers quarter zip.

Philadelphia Phillies 51-26
1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (8-3, 3.54)
Ranger Suarez (10-1, 1.75)
Spencer Turnbull (3-0, 2.63)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .304
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 57
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 18
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 61
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 18

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 10
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 1.75
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 107
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 12

Detroit Tigers 36-41
4th Place in the A.L. Central, 14 games behind the Guardians

Tigers Probables
Casey Mize (1-5, 4.43)
Tarik Skubal (8-3, 2.50)
Jack Flaherty (5-4, 2.92)

Tigers Leaders
Average:  Riley Greene - .261
Runs:  Riley Greene - 50
Home Runs:  Riley Greene - 15
RBIs:  Riley Greene - 40
Stolen Bases:  Javier Baez and Wenceel Perez - 6

Wins:  Tarik Skubal - 8
ERA:  Tarik Skubal - 2.50

Strikeouts:  Jack Flaherty - 108
Saves:  Jason Foley - 13

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Game 77 - Sanchez Tames Snakes

2024 Topps Philadelphia Phillies #PHI-9

Phillies 4, Diamondbacks 1
Game 77 - Sunday Morning, June 23rd in Philadelphia
Record - 51-26, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez shut down the Diamondbacks for seven innings and the offense came up with a few timely hits in this 4-1 win.

What It Means:  We're experiencing an intense heat wave in the area, and I can't imagine how hot it was at the Phillies games this weekend.  The Phillies pulled off the series win and head out on the road for a quick trip to Detroit next.

What Happened:  Sanchez improved to 5-3 and dropped his ERA to 2.67 in this outing, allowing three singles while striking out four.  The Phillies scored first in the second inning when Alec Bohm doubled and Nick Castellanos singled him home.  David Dahl delivered a two-run single in the sixth, and Bryson Stott singled home Bryce Harper in the seventh for an insurance run.  Harper had doubled to start the inning.

Featured Card:  Sanchez's baseball card appearances have been rare to date, and hopefully that changes soon.  The Phillies announced on Saturday a four-year contract extension with Sanchez with club options for 2029 and 2030.  The 27-year-old has gone from potential bullpen depth to a key cog of the Phillies' starting pitching rotation over the past year.  Here's his card from the Topps Phillies retail team set, somewhat of an oddity now as Sanchez wasn't included in the Topps flagship set this year.

Transaction:  The Phillies placed Taijuan Walker (rhp) on the 15-day Injured List with right index finger inflammation and recalled Michael Mercado (rhp) from the IronPigs.  Mercado was acquired from the Rays in early November for fellow minor-league pitcher Adam Leverett.

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Game 76 - Phils Unload on D-Backs, Wheeler Pitches a Gem

2024 Topps 1989 Topps
Baseball 35th Anniversary
All-Stars #89ASB-40

Phillies 12, Diamondbacks 1
Game 76 - Saturday Afternoon, June 22nd in Philadelphia
Record - 50-26, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies unloaded for four home runs to support Zack Wheeler's latest stellar outing in this 12-1 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies are the first team in the National League with 50 wins and only the Yankees, with 52 wins, have more in the majors.

What Happened:  Wheeler didn't need the run support, as he pitched seven innings, allowing a run on two hits while striking out eight.  He notched his ninth win of the season.  Bryce Harper, Alec Bohm, Nick Castellanos and David Dahl all homered.  Castellanos had five RBIs in this game, including his two-run home run in the fifth and a two-run single in the sixth.  Dahl hit his home run in the eighth off catcher Tucker Barnhart.

Featured Card:  My Topps Series Two Phillies master team set arrived in the mail on Saturday, and this is one of the many Harper inserts featured.  Topps continues its season-long tribute to the 1989 Topps set and they've given this card an unnecessarily long name and number.  I would have gone with just 2024 Topps '89 All-Star Tribute #40, but that's me.

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Game 75 - Hamels Officially Retires; D-Backs Down Phils

2020 Topps Now Turn
Back the Clock #199

Diamondbacks 5, Phillies 4
Game 75 - Friday Night, June 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 49-26, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Taijuan Walker couldn't hold off the Diamondbacks on the night Cole Hamels officially retired and was honored in a pre-game ceremony.

What It Means:  We'd find out a few days later that Walker has a blister on a finger on his pitching hand, requiring an Injured List stint.

What Happened:  Walker only lasted four innings, allowing four runs on three home runs.  Spencer Turnball, slated to take his spot in the rotation, pitched three shutout innings.  For the Phillies, Trea Turner hit a two-run home run in the third, and the suddenly hot Nick Castellanos connected for a solo home run, his 10th of the season, in the eighth.

Featured Card:  Like they did for Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Ryan Howard in 2019, the Phillies honored Cole Hamels with a cool pre-game ceremony.  Hamels gave a great speech, thanking the Phillies fans, as his ex-teammates and other former Phillies greats looked on.  Steve Carlton delivered the ceremonial first pitch ball to Hamels, with Hamels winding up and throwing to his former battery-mate, Carlos Ruiz.  The Phillies are incredible at putting on these ceremonies, and while we weren't there in person, it was great to watch on TV before a busy weekend.

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Diamondbacks at Phillies - June 21st to June 23rd

2012 Topps Archives #182

1984 Topps #101

Friday 6:40, Saturday 4:05, Sunday 11:35
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Tonight is Cole Hamels Retirement Night, and the former Phillies great will officially retire as a member of the Phillies.  There's a pregame ceremony planned and all fans will receive a 2009 National League Champions replica ring.  Tomorrow, there's a Riley Green postgame concert following the ballgame.  And on Sunday, it's Father's Appreciation Day with all men 15 and over receiving a Phillies hat.

Arizona Diamondbacks 37-38
Tied for 2nd Place in the N.L. West, 9 games behind the Dodgers

Diamondbacks Probables
Jordan Montgomery (5-4, 6.00)
Tommy Henry (2-2, 6.23)
Slade Cecconi (2-5, 5.90)

Diamondbacks Leaders
Average:  Ketel Marte - .280
Runs:  Ketel Marte - 50
Home Runs:  Christian Walker - 17
RBIs:  Christian Walker - 50
Stolen Bases:  Corbin Carroll - 13

Wins:  Four tied with - 5
ERA:  Brandon Pfaadt - 4.37
Strikeouts:  Brandon Pfaadt - 84
Saves:  Paul Sewald - 8

Philadelphia Phillies 49-25
1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Taijuan Walker (3-2, 5.33)
Zack Wheeler (8-4, 2.84)
Cristopher Sanchez (4-3, 2.91)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .306
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 53
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber - 17
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 60
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 18

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 10
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 1.75
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 99
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 12

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Game 74 - Costly Error from Bohm Helps Pads Avoid Sweep

1959 Topps #317

Padres 5, Phillies 2
Game 74 - Wednesday Afternoon, June 19th in Philadelphia
Record - 49-25, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies couldn't complete the sweep against the Padres, dropping this sweltering hot matinee by a 5-2 score.

What It Means:  The heat wave continues in Philadelphia as the Diamondbacks come to town on Friday night for a three-game weekend series.

What Happened:  The Phillies couldn't get much going against Padres' starter Matt Waldron.  Bryce Harper hit a solo home run in the third inning, his 16th of the season.  Ranger Suarez pitched well again, departing after six innings with the score tied, 1-1.  The Padres took the lead in the seventh off reliever Orion Kerkering and a costly error in the eighth by Alec Bohm led to three unearned runs.  Harper would homer again in the bottom of the eighth inning, his 17th, but it wouldn't be nearly enough.

Featured Card:  The baseball world is mourning the loss of Willie Mays, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 93.  One of the greatest to ever play the game, he shows up on four baseball cards in my Phillies collection, including this wonderful card from the 1959 Topps set.

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Game 73 - Phils Stun Padres with Walk-Off Win

2024 Topps Heritage #270

Phillies 4, Padres 3
Game 73 - Tuesday Night, June 18th in Philadelphia
Record - 49-24, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies strung together four straight ninth inning hits, capped by a game-winning double from Nick Castellanos, to walk-off with a 4-3 win over the Padres.

What It Means:  Trailing 3-1 heading to the bottom of the eighth, the Phillies rallied for three runs to take the walk-off win.  They'd go for a series sweep on Wednesday afternoon, but fall a little short.

What Happened:  Castellanos doubled in the fourth and Brandon Marsh singled him home to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead.  In the sixth, the Padres touched starter Aaron Nola for three runs, including a two-run home run from Luis Campusano.  Kyle Schwarber got a run back in the eighth with a solo home run, his 17th of the season.

In the ninth, with Padres' closer Robert Suarez on the mound, Bryce Harper singled, Alec Bohm singled and Bryson Stott singled to drive home Harper and tie the game.  Castellanos quickly followed with his game-winning double, and the Phillies needed just seven pitches to hand Suarez his first blown save of the season.

Featured Card:  Castellanos is hitting .250 (17 for 68) so far in June, with seven doubles, a pair of home runs and seven RBIs.  He was 4 for 5 in this game, and this is his card from this year's Topps Heritage set.

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Game 72 - Phils Pound Out 18 Hits Against Padres

2021 Topps Heritage #718

Phillies 9, Padres 2
Game 72 - Monday Night, June 17th in Philadelphia
Record - 48-24, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber hit a pair of home runs, Trea Turner returned to the line-up and Cristopher Sanchez had a solid outing against the Padres in this 9-2 win.

What It Means:  From the third inning onwards, this was one of those games there was absolutely no doubt the Phillies were going to win.

What Happened:   Sanchez picked up his fourth win of the season, pitching seven innings and allowing two runs (one earned) on six hits while striking out five.  Turner went 2 for 5 in his return and seven of the nine players in the starting line-up had at least two hits.  Schwarber hit his 15th and 16th home runs, both two-run shots, in the third and sixth innings.  Alec Bohm added a three-run home run in the fifth.

Featured Card:  Catcher Rafael Marchan, filling in for an injured J.T. Realmuto, had his first four-hit game of his career, scored twice and drove in a pair of runs.  This is the first time he's been featured on the blog in nearly two years!

Transaction:  Turner (ss) was activated from the Injured List and Johan Rojas (of), who has never played in Triple-A, was optioned down to Lehigh Valley to work on his offense.

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Padres at Phillies - June 17th to June 19th

1984 Topps Traded #75T

1984 Topps #185

Monday and Tuesday 6:40, Wednesday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  It's Pride Night tonight with holders of a special theme ticket receiving a Phillies Pride Night fanny pack.  Tuesday is Jewish Heritage Night and kids can run the bases following Wednesday's matinee.

San Diego Padres 37-38
2nd Place in the N.L. West, 7 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Padres Probables
Randy Vasquez (1-3, 4.93)
Michael King (5-4, 3.58)
Matt Waldron (4-6, 3.66)

Padres Leaders
Average:  Jurickson Profar - .321
Runs:  Fernando Tatis - 48
Home Runs:  Fernando Tatis - 13
RBIs:  Jurickson Profar - 46
Stolen Bases:  Ha-Seong Kim - 14

Wins:  Dylan Cease - 6
ERA:  Michael King - 3.58

Strikeouts:  Dylan Cease - 106
Saves:  Robert Suarez - 17

Philadelphia Phillies 47-24
1st Place in the N.L. East, 8 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (3-3, 3.07)
Aaron Nola (8-3, 3.48)
Ranger Suarez (10-1, 1.77)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .302
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 50
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 15
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 57
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 18

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 10
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 1.77
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 99
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 12

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Game 71 - Phils Falter on Father's Day

Orioles 8, Phillies 3
Game 71 - Sunday Afternoon, June 16th in Baltimore
Record - 47-24, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler gave up a career-high four home runs and the Phillies offense went 2 for 14 with runners in scoring position in this 8-3 Father's Day loss to the Orioles.

What It Means:  That ends the London-Boston-Baltimore road trip, with the Phillies going 3-5 over the 11-day stretch.  It will be good to come back home and open a series against the Padres on Monday night.

What Happened:  Wheeler gave up all eight runs and didn't make it out of the fifth inning.  Gunnar Henderson, Colston Cowser, Adley Rutschman and Jordan Westburg accounted for seven of the eight runs scored by the Orioles with their blasts.  The Phillies scored a pair of runs in the fifth on a Nick Castellanos ground out and a Alec Bohm single.  In the seventh, Bryce Harper doubled and Bohm doubled him home for the Phillies' third and final run.  The Phillies loaded the bases in the ninth but Edmundo Sosa struck out swinging to end the game.

Featured Card:  After a frustrating day of questionable strike calls by home plate umpire Mike Estabrook, manager Rob Thomson had had enough.  Garrett Stubbs was seemingly hit by a pitch and awarded first base in the sixth inning, with Estabrook and the umpiring crew reversing the original call.  Thomson came out to argue, going nose-to-nose with the umpire, and earning his first ejection of 2024 and his fourth ejection as a Phillies manager.

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Game 70 - Phils Come Up Short Against O's

1984 Fleer #643

Orioles 6, Phillies 2
Game 70 - Saturday Afternoon, June 15th in Baltimore
Record - 47-23, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A late surge from the Orioles led to this 6-2 defeat.

What It Means:  The post-London hangover seemingly continues as the Phillies looked flat against an impressively good Orioles team.

What Happened:  Taijuan Walker went 5 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits.  He had been staked to a 2-0 Phillies lead when Alec Bohm singled home Bryce Harper in the first and Edmundo Sosa hit a solo home run in the second.  The Orioles scored three unanswered runs off Walker, giving them a 3-2 lead, and the Phillies offense took the rest of the afternoon off.

Reliever Jose Ruiz gave up three more runs in the eighth.  In a non-save situation, Craig Kimbrel struck out the side in the ninth to hand the loss to the Phillies.

Featured Card:  The Orioles are young and very good, and I wouldn't mind a re-match of the 1983 World Series this year.

Transaction:  Brandon Marsh (of) was activated from the Injured List and Weston Wilson (inf) was returned to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 69 - Phils Battle to 11th Inning Win in Baltimore

2024 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club

Phillies 5, Orioles 3 (11 Innings)
Game 69 - Friday Night, June 14th in Baltimore
Record - 47-22, 1st Place, 9 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  In what seemed like a postseason game, the Phillies prevailed in 11 innings when Alec Bohm connected for a dramatic, game-winning, two-run double.

What It Means:  From what I saw and what I've read, it would seem as if Phillies fans outnumbered Orioles fans last night at Camden Yards.  The first thing manager Rob Thomson commented on in his post-game interview was the energy of the Phillies fans at the ballpark, "the greatest fans in the world."

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez was again stellar, allowing a run on six hits over 6 2/3 innings of work.  He departed with the Phillies holding a 2-1 lead.  Kyle Schwarber led off the game with a home run and Rafael Marchan hit his first home run of the season, and first since 2021 in the majors, in the fifth inning.  The Orioles tied it up in the eighth when Matt Strahm surrendered a solo home run to Anthony Santander, and it was Strahm's first earned run allowed since opening day.

The Phillies took a brief lead in the top of the 10th when Schwarber singled home Edmundo Sosa, but the Orioles tied it again in the bottom of the 10th on an Orion Kerkering wild pitch.

Featured Card:  The 11th inning was delayed by an hour-plus rain delay, and when play resumed, pinch-runner Whit Merrifield was at second as the ghost runner and the Orioles intentionally walked Bryce Harper.  Alec Bohm doubled to left to score both runners, giving the Phillies a 5-3 lead.  Seranthony Dominguez pitched a perfect bottom of the 11th to secure the win and record his first save of the season.

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Game 68 - Sox Easily Handle Nola, Phils

2016 Chachi Photo Day #23

Red Sox 9, Phillies 3
Game 68 - Thursday Night, June 13th in Boston
Record - 46-22, 1st Place, 9 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola was hit early and often as the Phillies endured a rare lopsided loss, falling 9-3 to the Red Sox.

What It Means:  Flush it.  This was the team's worst loss since falling to the Reds, 8-1 on April 23rd.  Nola's eight earned runs allowed tied a career high, previously set on August 30, 2022.

What Happened:  Nola allowed four runs in the second and another four runs in the fourth.  The lone Phillies highlight came in the top of the fourth when Kyle Schwarber laced a bases-clearing double to center field, pulling the Phillies to within a run at 4-3.  Nola couldn't turn in a shut-down inning though, and the Red Sox quickly had an 8-3 lead after they batted in the bottom of the fourth.

Featured Card:  Current Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey spent part of the 2016 season with the Phillies, going 3-1 with a 6.40 ERA in 33 relief appearances.  He was released by the club on August 6th.  Less than a month earlier, on July 16, 2016, Bailey posed with our two sons who will both be High School students when school starts again in September.  Hard to believe, Harry.

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Game 67 - Phils Stumble in Boston

2019 Topps 1984 Topps Baseball
35th Anniversary Autographs
#84A-NP

Red Sox 8, Phillies 6
Game 67 - Wednesday Night, June 12th in Boston
Record - 46-21, 1st Place, 10 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies' pitching had a rare off-night as the Red Sox won, 8-6.

What It Means:  It's been an amazing run for the Phillies so far in 2024, but they're not perfect and losses are still going to happen.

What Happened:  The Phillies held a 4-1 lead after four innings on RBIs from Bryce Harper, Bryson Stott, Whit Merrifield and David Dahl.  The wheels came off in the bottom of the fifth as the Red Sox started the inning with three straight singles and two runs scored on an errant throw from Merrifield.  Cristopher Sanchez was chased from the game and reliever Jose Ruiz gave up three more runs on a sacrifice fly and a two-run double by Emmanuel Valdez.  The Red Sox piled on in the sixth when David Hamilton hit a two-run home run off Spencer Turnbull.

Featured Card:  Former Phillie Nick Pivetta started this game, going four innings and allowing four runs on six hits and four walks.  Pivetta is 3-4 so far this season with a 3.88 ERA.  Since I've paying tribute all season to the 1984 Topps set, I thought this card was fitting for this post, and I can't honestly remember why or how I added this card to my collection.

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Phillies at Orioles - June 14th to June 16th

2024 Chachi 1984 Topps Missing Links #14

1984 Topps #773

Friday 7:05, Saturday 4:05, Sunday 1:35
Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore, MD

At the Ballpark:  This series is sold out, and quite a few Phillies fans are expected to be in attendance.  On Sunday, the first 15,000 fans will receive an Orioles hat and kids can run the bases following the game.

Philadelphia Phillies 46-22
1st Place in the N.L. East, 9 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (10-1, 1.81)
Taijuan Walker (3-1, 5.40)
Zack Wheeler (8-3, 2.16)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .286
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 48
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 15
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 52
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 18

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 10
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 1.81
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 95
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 12

Baltimore Orioles 45-23
2nd Place in the A.L. East, 2 1/5 games behind the Yankees

Orioles Probables
Kyle Bradish (2-0, 2.62)
Grayson Rodriguez (7-2, 3.27)
Corbin Burnes (7-2, 2.08)

Orioles Leaders
Average:  Adley Rutschman - .294
Runs:  Gunnar Henderson - 55
Home Runs:  Gunnar Henderson - 21
RBIs:  Adley Rutschman - 50
Stolen Bases:  Cedric Mullins - 13

Wins:  Corbin Burnes and Grayson Rodriguez - 7
ERA:  Corbin Burnes - 2.08

Strikeouts:  Corbin Burnes - 82
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 16

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Game 66 - Wheeler, Schwarber Handle Sox in Boston

2024 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club

Phillies 4, Red Sox 1
Game 66 - Tuesday Night, June 11th in Boston
Record - 46-20, 1st Place, 10 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler was masterful again and Kyle Schwarber hit a pair of home runs as the Phillies defeated the Red Sox, 4-1.

What It Means:  The Braves lost, giving the Phillies a 10-game lead in the division for the first time since the 2011 season.

What Happened:  Schwarber hit the first pitch of the game into the right-center field bleachers for his 12th home run of the season.  Two more Phillies runs scored in the fourth when Red Sox first baseman Dominic Smith missed a relay throw from the second baseman that should have ended the inning.  Schwarber connected for his 13th home run of the season to lead off the fifth inning.

Wheeler won his eighth game, allowing a run on three hits while striking out four.  Matt Strahm struck out the side in the eighth, to lower his season ERA to 0.67.  And Jose Alvarado closed it out in the ninth for his 12th save.

Featured Card:  Here's Schwarber's card from the team-issued Kids Club set, and I hope this is the start of a featured card run for the slugger as he typically heats up every June.

Transaction:  The injury bug continues to strike the Phillies, with J.T. Realmuto (c) going on the Injured List with a right knee injury.  He'll have surgery to correct the issue and is expected to miss about a month.  Rafael Marchan (c) was added to the active roster to take his place.

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Phillies at Red Sox - June 11th to June 13th

2012 Topps Archives #177

1984 Topps #82

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:10
Fenway Park - Boston, MA

At the Ballpark:  Tonight is Pride Night at the ballpark and holders of special theme tickets will receive an exclusive Red Sox jersey in Pride colors.  And I'm happy to have three nights in a row with the Phillies starting at the same time each night.

Philadelphia Phillies 45-20
1st Place in the N.L. East, 9 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (7-3, 2.23)
Cristopher Sanchez (3-3, 2.71)
Aaron Nola (8-2, 2.77)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .291
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 15
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 51
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 18

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 10
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 1.81
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 91
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 11

Boston Red Sox 33-33
3rd Place in the A.L. East, 12 1/2 games behind the Yankees

Red Sox Probables
Kutter Crawford (2-5, 3.51)
Nick Pivetta (3-4, 3.40)
Tanner Houck (6-5, 1.91)

Red Sox Leaders
Average:  Rafel Devers - .284
Runs:  Jarren Duran - 42
Home Runs:  Rafael Devers - 13
RBIs:  Ceddanne Rafaela - 37
Stolen Bases:  Jarren Duran - 15

Wins:  Brayan Bello and Tanner Houck - 6
ERA:  Tanner Houck - 1.91

Strikeouts:  Tanner Houck - 84
Saves:  Kenley Jansen - 9

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Game 65 - Bullpen Spoils British Invasion

2024 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #10

Mets 6, Phillies 5
Game 65 - Sunday Morning, June 9th in London
Record - 45-20, 1st Place, 9 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Gregory Soto and Jose Alvarado couldn't hold back the Mets, as the Phillies dropped the second London Series game, 6-5.

What It Means:  That was fun, until it wasn't.  I enjoyed the 10am start time, and this is the first Phillies game I've watched while enjoying my morning coffee.  The Phillies should have won both games of this series, but instead fell late to the Mets.

What Happened:  Taijuan Walker and David Dahl deserved to be the stars of this game.  Walker pitched well and was pulled after 5 2/3 innings with two runners on base and the Phillies holding a 3-0 lead.  He had struck out six and allowed only two hits.  Soto allowed both inherited runners to score, along with a run of his own, to tie the game at 3-3.  Dahl hit a dramatic, go-ahead pinch-hit home run in the seventh to once again give the Phillies the lead.

But Alvarado had a rare bad outing, allowing a pair of hits, a pair of walks and three runs.  One of the runs was unearned due to a passed ball by J.T. Realmuto.  The Phillies had their chance to come back in the bottom of the ninth.  With the bases loaded and one out, Nick Castellanos hit a squibber in front of the plate that resulted in a 2-3 game-ending double play.

Featured Card:  Dahl should have been the hero of this game, so I'll still give him the card.  This is his only card so far from 2024, from the IronPigs team set.

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Game 64 - Phils, Harper Take London

2022 Topps Home Field
Advantage #HA-3

Phillies 7, Mets 2
Game 64 - Saturday Afternoon, June 8th in London
Record - 45-19, 1st Place, 9 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies and Bryce Harper took London by storm, with The Showman living up to his name with a big day at the plate.

What It Means:  This was fun to watch, although we quickly switched over to the Phillies radio broadcast to avoid the Fox announcers.  The Phillies had a contingent of former players on hand, and I spent Saturday morning following along with the events in London on social media.  This two-game series has the feel of an All-Star Weekend, except with the Phillies as the main characters and the Mets in town since the Phillies needed an opponent.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez gave up a first inning run, but then settled down to pitch 5 2/3 innings while striking out six.  The win improved his record to 10-1.  The Phillies' offense seemed to struggle at first given the early evening sun glare, but once that went away, they jumped on Mets' starter Sean Manaea for six runs in the fourth inning.

Bryce Harper hit a solo home run to right to tie the game at 1-1, sliding into a football/soccer goal celebration as he returned to the Phillies dugout.  An RBI single followed from Edmundo Sosa to score Alec Bohm, and then Whit Merrifield hit a three-run home run to give the Phillies a 5-1 lead.  Cristian Pache doubled and Kyle Schwarber singled him home, chasing Manaea from the game.  Nick Castellanos capped the Phillies scoring with a solo home run to left in the eighth inning.

Featured Card:  Harper doubled in the first, becoming the first Phillies player with a hit in Europe.  His thrilling home run in the fourth will be replayed for years, and I'm waiting for the e-mail from Topps with the celebration image on an inevitable Topps Now card.  Here's a card with several symbols from the first time Philadelphia and England mixed things up.

Transaction:  The Phillies and Mets were both given an extra roster spot for this series, with the Phillies recalling Rafael Marchan (c).  Nick Nelson (rhp) and Darick Hall (1b) are also in London as a two-player taxi squad, just in case they're needed.

L to R: Ryan Howard, Carlos Ruiz, Shane Victorino, Jimmy Rollins, Chase Utley and Cole Hamels

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