Monday, August 25, 2025

Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets - N.L. East Showdown

2005 Topps #588
2005 Topps Retired Signature #23

Monday, August 25th - 7:10
Tuesday, August 26th - 7:10
Wednesday, August 27th - 7:10

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
The Mets have a few theme nights schedule for this series with Pokemon GO theme night tonight and Sesame Street theme night on Wednesday night.  On Tuesday, the first 15,000 fans will receive a "player pin" of one of the Mets broadcasters, Gary, Keith or Ron.
Philadelphia Phillies 76-54
1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (11-4, 2.46)
Jesus Luzardo (12-6, 4.10)
Taijuan Walker (4-6, 3.44)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .300
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 89
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 109
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 32

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 12
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.46
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 195
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8
New York Mets 69-61
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 7 games behind the Phillies

Mets Probables
Kodai Senga (7-5, 2.58)
Sean Manaea (1-2, 5.15)
Nolan McLean (2-0, 1.46)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Francisco Lindor - .265
Runs:  Juan Soto - 94
Home Runs:  Juan Soto - 32
RBIs:  Pete Alonso - 103
Stolen Bases:  Francisco Lindor - 23

Wins:  Clay Holmes - 11
ERA:  David Peterson - 3.18
Strikeouts:  David Peterson - 135
Saves:  Edwin Diaz - 24
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Game 130 - Suarez, Bullpen Hold Off Nats

Washington Nationals  2 
Philadelphia Phillies  3 

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards
Sunday Afternoon, August 24th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
76-54, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez struck out a career-high 11 and Tanner Banks starred in relief in this 3-2 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  The Phillies will look to widen the gap in the East between them and the Mets with three games in Flushing beginning on Monday night.

What Happened:  Suarez improved to 10-6, allowing three hits with no runs or walks while striking out a career-best 11 over seven innings.  Jose Alvarado loaded the bases in the eighth and departed without recording an out.  Banks entered, cleaned up the mess by only allowing a run, and got the Phillies out of the inning.  Orion Kerkering allowed a ninth inning solo home run to Luis Garcia Jr. before recording the final out and earning his fourth save.

The Phillies scored all their runs early, thanks to back-up catcher Rafael Marchan.  Marchan doubled home a pair in the second inning, and he walked with the bases loaded in the third inning.

Featured Card:  So far, this is Marchan's only 2025 baseball card, and it's a tough one to find at that.  He's not appeared on a mainstream baseball card since 2022, and hopefully he gets included on the Topps Update checklist or the Topps Heritage High Numbers release.
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Sunday, August 24, 2025

Game 129 - Sosa's Blast Backs Nola's Solid Start

Washington Nationals  4 
Philadelphia Phillies  6 

2025 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215
Saturday Night, August 23rd
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
75-54, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Edmundo Sosa's three-run home run in the fourth backed Aaron Nola's first win since early May in this 6-4 defeat of the Nationals.

What It Means:  The Phillies go for a series win this afternoon with Ranger Suarez on the mound.

What Happened:  By his own admittance, Nola has had a horrible season, so it was great to see him pitch four scoreless innings before allowing an unearned run in the top of the fifth.  He'd give up a pair of solo home runs in the sixth before exiting with his team holding a 6-3 lead.

The Phillies offense had been held in check by Nationals' starter Mitchell Parker until the fourth inning.  With one out, Bryce Harper singled to right and scored on a J.T. Realmuto double to center.  Alec Bohm doubled home Realmuto to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead.  Harrison Bader singled to put runners on the corners, and then Sosa launched his home run to left-center, giving the Phillies a 5-0 lead.  Trea Turner hit a solo home run in the sixth, just inside the left field foul pole.

Featured Card:  I flipped a coin between Sosa and Nola, and Nola got the nod.

Field Report:  Jenna and I enjoyed some Bull's BBQ before settling into our seats in Section 315.  It was a great night for a ballgame, made even better by the big fourth inning and Jhoan Duran's successful save.  We strategically started for the exit in the top of the ninth, pausing to watch Duran's dramatic entrance and watch him seal the win before beating traffic.
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Game 128 - Phils Come Back, But Duran Blows 1st Save

Washington Nationals  5 
Philadelphia Phillies  4 

1961 Post #115
Friday Night, August 22nd
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
74-54, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jhoan Duran proved he's human, blowing his first save with the Phillies, as the Nationals prevailed by a 5-4 score.

What It Means:  He wasn't going to save them all, and as manager Rob Thomson pointed out in his postgame comment, "Even Mariano blew 80 games."

What Happened:  The Nationals jumped on Taijuan Walker for three runs in the first when he gave up a pair of walks and a three-run home run to Riley Adams.  Walker settled down after that, pitching five innings and not allowing any more runs.  Trailing 3-1, Bryson Stott tied the game with a two-run home run in the sixth.  J.T. Realmuto hit a solo home run in the seventh to give the Phillies a 4-3 lead.  Duran retired the first batter he faced in the ninth, but then gave up a double to Dylan Crews and RBI single to Daylen Lile to allow the Nationals to tie the game.  When Lile tried to steal third, Realmuto threw the ball into left field, and the Nationals took the lead as Lile came home on the error.

Featured Card:  Duran has a ways to go before he catches the Phillies' all-time blown saves leader, Turk Farrell, who had 32 with the club.  The most recent challenger to Farrell's record was Hector Neris, who had 26 blown saves between 2014 and 2021.

Field Report:  I enjoyed this game from Section 214 with a few friends, and it was a great evening, despite the loss.  It was a stressful week, to say the least, and some normalcy and a few beers with friends were just what I needed.

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Saturday, August 23, 2025

Game 127 - Phils' Bat Stay Hot, Sweep Out Mariners

Seattle Mariners  2 
Philadelphia Phillies  11 

2025 Topps Now #584
Wednesday Afternoon, August 20th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
74-53, 1st Place, 6 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies completed the three-game sweep of the Mariners in convincing fashion, collecting 20 hits and 11 runs in this lopsided victory.

What It Means:  Following an off-day on Thursday, the Phillies come home for a quick three-game weekend series with the Nationals.

We moved our oldest son into his college dorm on Wednesday morning.  He's not too far away, but it was still a roller coaster of a day and we'd have even more "memorable" moments on Thursday.  We listened to the end of this game on the way home, happy the Phillies were giving us a non-stressful win and secure in the knowledge Doug was where he was meant to be.  The sky is the limit for that kid.

What Happened:  The piling on didn't come until late in the game, as the Phillies scored eight times in the final two innings.  Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the first, Trea Turner tripled and Kyle Schwarber brought him home with a sacrifice fly.  They'd take the lead for good on an RBI-double from Bryson Stott in the second.  Max Kepler (13) and Schwarber (45) both homered.  Kepler and Stott both had three-hit days, with Stott batting .500 (6 for 12, two doubles, home run) in the series.

Jesus Luzardo struck out 12 over six innings, improving to 12-6.  Jose Alvarado pitched a perfect eighth inning in his return from being suspended for the use of a banned substance.

Featured Card:  For the third day in a row, the Phillies received a Topps Now card.  This one featured the Phillies' hottest hitters, Turner and Schwarber.  Turner is on fire, and in his last seven games, he's batting .618 (21 for 34) with four extra-base hits.  He owns a 10-game hitting streak.
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Game 126 - Sanchez K's 12, Realmuto's 8th Inning Homer Seals Win

Seattle Mariners  4 
Philadelphia Phillies  6 

2025 Topps Now #580
Tuesday Night, August 19th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
73-53, 1st Place, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez continued his masterful season with a 12-strikeout performance and J.T. Realmuto broke a 4-4 tie with an eighth inning, two-run home run in this 6-4 win over the Mariners.

What It Means:  The Phillies would go for a series sweep on Wednesday afternoon.

What Happened:  Sanchez unfortunately got a no-decision, but he pitched 6 1/3 strong innings, allowing a pair of runs on six hits.  Orion Kerkering had a rare rough outing, allowing the Mariners to tie the game in the seventh.  David Robertson pitched a scoreless eighth, and Jhoan Duran pitched a perfect ninth for his sixth save with the Phillies.

Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run in the first, his National League leading 44th of the season.  Bryson Stott, who is hopefully heating up, hit a solo home run in the fourth to give the Phillies a 4-1 lead.  Realmuto's eventual game-winning home run came with Bryce Harper on base and nobody out in the eighth.

Featured Card:  Apparently Schwarber set a franchise record by hitting a home run in his 15th straight series.  I wasn't aware of that until the Topps Now card popped up the following morning.

Transaction:  Jose Alvarado (lhp) was activated from the restricted list and Nolan Hoffman (rhp) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley.  To make room for Alvarado on the 40-man roster, Josh Walker (lhp) was designated for assignment.

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Game 125 - Offense Explodes for 22 Hits in Win

Seattle Mariners  7 
Philadelphia Phillies  12 

2025 Topps Now #571
Monday Night, August 18th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
72-53, 1st Place, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense punished Mariners' pitching with 22 hits and 12 runs in this convincing win.

What It Means:  We were there, and this felt like a playoff game.  Monday night, American League opponent, and yet the ballpark was electric.

What Happened:  Every batter in the Phillies' starting line-up had at least two hits.  Trea Turner led the way, going 4 for 6, with five RBIs and falling a triple short of the cycle.  Bryce Harper hit two impressive home runs, a solo shot in the sixth and a two-run home run in the seventh, while going 3 for 6.  J.T. Realmuto added his own solo home run in the second, going 3 for 5.  Ranger Suarez was the beneficiary of the outburst, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out 10, one short of tying his career high.  The game shouldn't have been as close at the end, but Nolan Hoffman, making his big league debut, allowed three runs in a lengthy ninth inning.

Featured Card:  It's not often Harper hits two home runs and isn't the featured card, but Turner had a big night too, and his first home run of the season at Citizens Bank Park was also his 1,500th career hit.  Topps Now gave him a card for the milestone.

Field Report:  Wanting to enjoy a night out before a busy week ahead, Jenna and I went to this game.  After a leisurely dinner (and dessert) and Pass and Stowe, we watched most of this game from the concourse.

Transaction:  Max Lazar (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley and Hoffman (rhp) was briefly recalled to take his place.

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Friday, August 22, 2025

Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies - Wrapping Up the Summer Schedule

2005 Topps #511
2005 Topps #525

Friday, August 22nd - 6:45
Saturday, August 23rd - 6:05
Sunday, August 24th - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Fans 21 and over will receive a Phillies City Connect floppy hat tonight.  On Sunday, all kids receive a pair of Trea Turner performance sunglasses.
Washington Nationals 52-75
5th Place in the N.L. East, 22 games behind the Phillies

Nationals Probables
Cade Cavalli (1-0, 2.20)
Mitchell Parker (7-13, 5.83)
Jake Irvin (8-8, 5.30)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  CJ Abrams - .265
Runs:  CJ Abrams - 77
Home Runs:  James Wood - 26
RBIs:  James Wood - 83
Stolen Bases:  CJ Abrams - 26

Wins:  Jake Irvin - 8
ERA:  MacKenzie Gore - 4.11
Strikeouts:  MacKenzie Gore - 170
Saves:  Kyle Finnegan - 20
Philadelphia Phillies 74-53
1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Taijuan Walker (4-6, 3.34)
Aaron Nola (1-7, 6.92)
Ranger Suarez (9-6, 3.25)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .303
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 89
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 109
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 31

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 12
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.46
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 195
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8
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Monday, August 18, 2025

Seattle Mariners at Philadelphia Phillies - Phils Home for 6

2005 Topps #123
2005 Topps #194

Monday, August 18th - 6:45
Tuesday, August 19th - 6:45
Wednesday, August 20th - 1:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
There are special ticketed theme nights tonight (Oktoberfest) and tomorrow night (Harry Potter Night).  The Harry Potter theme ticket comes with an exclusive Phillies Harry Potter House Hat.
Seattle Mariners 68-57
2nd Place in the A.L. West, 1 1/2 games behind the Astros

Mariners Probables
Logan Gilbert (3-4, 3.31)
Bryce Miller (2-5, 5.73)
Luis Castillo (8-6, 3.48)

Mariners Leaders
Average:  J.P. Crawford - .262
Runs:  Cal Raleigh - 82
Home Runs:  Cal Raleigh - 47
RBIs:  Cal Raleigh - 102
Stolen Bases:  Randy Arozarena - 24

Wins:  Bryan Woo - 10
ERA:  Bryan Woo - 3.02
Strikeouts:  Bryan Woo - 153
Saves:  Andres Munoz - 29
Philadelphia Phillies 71-53
1st Place in the N.L. East, 5 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (8-6, 3.28)
Cristopher Sanchez (11-4, 2.45)
Jesus Luzardo (11-6, 4.21)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .291
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 85
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 43
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 102
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 28

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez - 11
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.45
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 195
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8
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Game 124 - Phils Hang On to Down Nats

Philadelphia Phillies  11 
Washington Nationals  9 

2025 Topps Now Road to
Opening Day #OH-188
Sunday Morning, August 17th
Nationals Park - Washington, DC
71-53, 1st Place, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola and Alec Bohm returned from the injured list with mixed results and the Phillies battled to an 11-9 win that began on Sunday morning.

What It Means:  They went 6-4 on the roadtrip and now return home for three with the Mariners and three more with the Nationals.

What Happened:  In his first start since May 14th, Nola completely fell apart, and fell apart quickly, in the third inning.  Spotted to a 6-0 lead and with one down in the bottom of the third, the Nationals did this to Nola - single, single, single, walk, single, double, double - tying the score.  Nola exited and Tanner Banks entered to restore order.  The Nationals wouldn't score again until Paul DeJong hit a three-run home run off Max Lazar in the bottom of the ninth, resulting in Jhoan Duran needing to come in and secure the save.

The Phils scored a run in the first without a hit, and then scored five more in the second.  Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run single, followed by an RBI single from Bryce Harper and topped off with a three-run home run from Bohm.  They'd retake the lead for good in the fourth on a two-run single from Weston Wilson.  Nick Castellanos added a solo home run in the sixth, hopefully breaking his lengthy slump, and two more insurance runs were added in the eighth.  Every starter with the exception of Rafael Marchan had at least one hit, with Marchan going 0 for 5 on the day.

Featured Card:  It's good to have Bohm back, and his first inning home run was his ninth of the year.

Transaction:  Nola (rhp) was activated from the 60-day injured list and Cal Stevenson (of) was released to free up a spot on the 40-man roster.  Bohm (3b) was activated with Otto Kemp (inf) getting sent back to Lehigh Valley.  Finally, Daniel Robert (rhp) was activated and also optioned down.

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Sunday, August 17, 2025

Game 123 - Depressing Day for the Phils

Philadelphia Phillies  0 
Washington Nationals  2 

2025 Bowman #45
Saturday Afternoon, August 16th
Nationals Park - Washington, DC
70-53, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Taijuan Walker continued to turn in quality starts and the offense continued to struggle mightily in this 2-0 loss to the Nationals.

What It Means:  The Phillies will go for the series split this morning in a nationally televised game on the Roku app.

What Happened:  Walker pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing a pair of runs on six hits.  His only mistake on the day was a pitch thrown to James Wood for a two-run double in the fifth.  The Phillies offense had plenty of chances to score, but went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  Trea Turner had a three-hit day, but was left stranded each time.  Nationals' rookie starting pitcher Cade Cavalli picked up his first big league win, throwing seven shutout innings.

Featured Card / Transaction:  Immediately following the loss, Dave Dombrowski announced Zack Wheeler (rhp) was placed on the injured list with a blood clot in his right shoulder.  This is scary news, and while the main concern is rightfully on Wheeler's health and his family, it throws the rest of the Phillies season (and postseason) into question.  With the ace of the staff now out indefinitely, the rotation for now will consist of Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, Aaron Nola, Jesus Luzardo and Taijuan Walker.  Manager Rob Thomson also mentioned Andrew Painter's name as a possibility down the stretch.

We're hoping for all the best for Wheeler.
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Saturday, August 16, 2025

Game 122 - Schwarber, Harper Slug Phils to Victory

Philadelphia Phillies  6 
Washington Nationals  2 

2025 Topps Chrome #31
Friday Night, August 15th
Nationals Park - Washington, DC
70-52, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber broke a 2-2 tie in the seventh with a three-run home run, his 43rd of the season, as the Phillies went on to defeat the Nationals, 6-2.

What It Means:  I honestly turned the game off following the departure of Jhoan Duran in the ninth.  Duran was nailed in the ankle on a comebacker from Paul DeJong, and left the field while riding in the Nationals' bullpen cart.  Fortunately, X-rays came back negative and what looked like absolute doomsday for the Phillies' World Series hopes could turn out to be just a bad bruise.

What Happened:  The Phillies took a quick 2-0 lead in the first on a two-run double from Bryce Harper.  They should have had more, but Edmundo Sosa and Otto Kemp both struck out with the bases loaded.  The Nationals scored twice off Phillies' starter Zack Wheeler.  Wheeler got a no decision in this game, pitching only five innings before the bullpen took over.  Nationals' starter MacKenzie Gore shut down the Phillies in the second through sixth innings.  With runners on first and second and one out in the seventh, Schwarber took reliever Konnor Pilkington deep, with Bryce Harper providing more cushion with a solo home run as the sluggers went back-to-back.

David Robertson jumped in for the injured Duran in the ninth, sealing the win.

Featured Card:  Why not another Schwarber card?  This is the newest of his in my collection, from the Topps Chrome set released on July 23rd.
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Game 121 - Offensive Slump Continues in Loss to Nats

Philadelphia Phillies  2 
Washington Nationals  3 

2005 Topps Heritage Then and Now #TN3
Thursday Night, August 14th
Nationals Park - Washington, DC
69-52, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Offensive woes continued for the Phillies and the Nationals came from behind with a pair of seventh inning runs in this 3-2 defeat.

What It Means:  The Phillies banged out 10 hits, more than their last few games, but only plated two runs and were 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo was likely left in the ballgame a few batters too many.  He pitched six-plus innings, allowing four hits and striking out seven.  With his team holding a slim 2-1 lead, Luzardo began the seventh with a walk, double and walk, loading the bases.  Orion Kerkering came in and gave up a two-run single to Jose Tena as the Nationals took a 3-2 lead.

The Phillies runs came on an RBI ground out from Bryce Harper in the third and an RBI double from Kyle Schwarber in the fifth.

Featured Card:  Again lacking a logical choice for this game summary post, here's a favorite Nationals card from my Phillies Collection.  This one is a little odd as Livan Hernandez led the league in 2004 with nine complete games, but the Expos were on the move to Washington for the 2005 season.  We get a Nationals card, but an Expos uniform.  Robin Roberts led the league with 22 complete games in 1956.
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Game 120 - Nothing Goes Right in Loss to Reds

Philadelphia Phillies  0 
Cincinnati Reds  8 

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards
Wednesday Night, August 13th
Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
69-51, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez couldn't find his groove, Jordan Romano allowed a back-breaking grand slam and the Phillies offense managed three hits in this 8-0 loss to the Reds.

What It Means:  The worst loss of the season?  The Phillies headed to Washington next for a four-game set.

What Happened:  Following an hour rain delay at the outset, Sanchez departed after six innings with his team trailing, 4-0.  The fourth run was unearned due to errors by both Brandon Marsh and Sanchez on the same play.  In the bottom of the seventh, Romano loaded the bases and then surrendered a grand slam to Miguel Andujar, putting the game completely out of reach.

Featured Card:  This might be the end of the line for Romano, as the Phillies need a roster spot when Aaron Nola is activated from the injured list on Sunday.  Signed to bolster the bullpen for the late innings, Romano is 2-4 with a 7.24 ERA in 46 appearances and 41 innings pitched.  This is his rare team-issued photo card, only available (so far) as an identifier in memorabilia grab bags sold during Lou Gehrig/ALS night in June.  Along with his card in Topps Series Two, these might be the only Phillies baseball cards available for Romano.
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Game 119 - Suarez Struggles, Phils Can't Solve Singer in Loss

Philadelphia Phillies  1 
Cincinnati Reds  6 

1976 SSPC #43
Tuesday Night, August 12th
Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
69-50, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez continued his struggles and the Phillies offense was punchless in this 6-1 loss to the Reds.

What It Means:  Spoiler alert - an even worse loss was coming up the following day.

What Happened:  Suarez dropped to 8-6.  He allowed six runs on 10 hits and two walks in 5 1/3 innings.  In seven starts since the beginning of July, Suarez is 1-4 with a 5.58 ERA in 40 1/3 innings pitched.  Reds' starting pitcher Brady Singer went six innings, allowing three hits while striking out six.  The lone Phillies run came on a solo home run from Bryce Harper in the top of the ninth.

Featured Card:  With absolutely no current Phillie player deserving a card for this game, here's one of my favorite Reds cards in my Phillies Collection.  This is former Phillies player and long-time coach John Vukovich, who played in 31 games for the Reds in 1975.
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Game 118 - Late Inning Surge Gives Phils the Win

Philadelphia Phillies  4 
Cincinnati Reds  1 

2025 Topps #ALT-1
Monday Night, August 11th
Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
69-49, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Edmundo Sosa and Weston Wilson at the bottom of the line-up came through and Taijuan Walker gave the Phillies another solid outing in this 4-1 win over the Reds.

What It Means:  This was a good series opening win, but the lack of offense at the top and middle of the line-up would continue to be a concern over the final two games against the Reds.

What Happened:  Walker allowed a run on six hits in six innings of work and departed with the Reds holding a 1-0 lead.  Shut out through seven innings by Reds' pitcher Andrew Abbott, the Phillies finally broke through with four runs in the eighth, all with two outs.  Sosa singled and Wilson doubled him home to tie the game.  Trea Turner then singled Wilson home to give the Phillies a 2-1 lead.  Providing some insurance, Kyle Schwarber then blasted a two-run home run to right, his 42nd of the season.  Orion Kerkering pitched a perfect ninth for his third save of the season.

Featured Card:  Wilson doesn't get featured enough on the blog, and I'll give him the card since he drove in the tying run.  This is the error version of his flagship card from Topps Series Two, corrected to card #498 in the factory set.
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Thursday, August 14, 2025

Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals

2005 Topps Update #UH78
2005 Topps Update #UH55

Thursday, August 14th - 6:45
Friday, August 15th - 6:45
Saturday, August 16th - 4:05
Sunday, August 17th - 11:35

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
Sam Hunt will perform in a post-game concert following Friday night's game.  On Saturday, the first 10,000 fans will receive a Jacob Young bobblehead.
Philadelphia Phillies

2015 Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .297
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 64
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 23
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 77
Stolen Bases:  Ben Revere - 24

Wins:  Four tied with - 6
ERA:  Aaron Harang - 4.86
Strikeouts:  Cole Hamels - 137
Saves:  Jonathan Papelbon - 17
Washington Nationals

2015 Nationals Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .330
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 118
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 42
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 99
Stolen Bases:  Michael A. Taylor - 16

Wins:  Max Scherzer - 14
ERA:  Max Scherzer - 2.79
Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 276
Saves:  Drew Storen - 29
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Monday, August 11, 2025

Philadelphia Phillies at Cincinnati Reds - Phils Look to Keep Rolling

2005 Topps #686
2005 Topps Update #UH325

Monday, August 11th - 6:10
Tuesday, August 12th - 6:40
Wednesday, August 13th - 5:10

Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
Following Monday night's game, there's a postgame concert featuring Snoop Dogg.  Following Wednesday's game, there's a postgame concert featuring the band Train.
Philadelphia Phillies 68-49
1st Place in the N.L. East, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Taijuan Walker (4-5, 3.53)
Ranger Suarez (8-5, 2.94)
Cristopher Sanchez (11-3, 2.36)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .282
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 80
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 41
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 95
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 26

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez - 11
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.36
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 189
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8
Cincinnati Reds 62-57
3rd Place in the N.L. Central, 12 games behind the Brewers

Reds Probables
Andrew Abbott (8-2, 2.34)
Brady Singer (9-9, 4.53)
Hunter Greene (4-3, 2.72)

Reds Leaders
Average:  Elly De La Cruz - .277
Runs:  Elly De La Cruz - 82
Home Runs:  Elly De La Cruz - 19
RBIs:  Elly De La Cruz - 74
Stolen Bases:  Elly De La Cruz - 31

Wins:  Nick Martinez - 10
ERA:  Nick Lodolo - 3.05
Strikeouts:  Nick Lodolo - 124
Saves:  Emilio Pagan - 25
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Game 117 - Phils Complete Sweep of Rangers

Philadelphia Phillies  4 
Texas Rangers  2 

2025 Topps #489
Sunday Afternoon, August 10th
Globe Life Field - Arlington, TX
68-49, 1st Place, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler powered through five innings without his best stuff and the defense came through with some stellar plays in this 4-2 win over the Rangers.

What It Means:  The Mets have lost nine of their last 10 and were just swept in a weekend series by the Brewers.  The Phillies are a season best 19 games over .500 and have opened up a 5 1/2 game lead in the division.

What Happened:  Wheeler doesn't look like himself, and his velocity is down, but his only blemish on Sunday was a two-run home run allowed to Joe Pederson in the bottom of the first.  The Phillies scored their first run in the fourth, when Bryce Harper doubled home Trea Turner.  Edmundo Sosa, in addition to playing stellar defense at third, hit a solo home run in the fifth to tie the game.  Bryson Stott then singled, stole second and came home on a Weston Wilson single to center to give the Phillies a 3-2 lead.  In the bottom of the fifth, Harrison Bader leapt over the fence to rob Corey Seager of a game-tying home run.  And Brandon Marsh added an insurance run with a sacrifice fly to score Bader in the ninth.

Jhoan Duran needed 12 pitches (11 were strikes) to shut down the Rangers in the ninth and notch his fourth save with the club.

Featured Card:  Sosa has been great filling in where needed in the infield this season, and this is his card from Topps Series Two.

Transaction:  David Robertson (rhp) was activated by the Phillies, following a brief stint with the IronPigs to get warmed up, and Alan Rangel (rhp) was optioned back down.

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Sunday, August 10, 2025

Game 116 - Kepler's Double Gives Phils, Luzardo Win Over Rangers

Philadelphia Phillies  3 
Texas Rangers  2 

2024 Topps Update
1989 Topps Chrome #T89CU-45
Saturday Night, August 9th
Globe Life Field - Arlington, TX
67-49, 1st Place, 4 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Max Kepler's two-run double was the difference in this game, as Jesus Luzardo held the Rangers to one run to pick up this 11th win.

What It Means:  The Phillies go for the series sweep this afternoon with Zack Wheeler on the mound.

What Happened:  Luzardo has been inconsistent of late, so when the Rangers scored a first inning run and seemed to have runners on a lot in the early innings, there was some concern.  But he settled in to pitch six innings, scattering seven hits while striking out four.  Rangers' starter Jacob deGrom was making easy work of the Phillies line-up until the seventh inning.  With one out, Brandon Marsh singled, Harrison Bader walked, and Kepler doubled them both home for the lead.  Bryson Stott would later single Kepler home for a much-needed insurance run.  Jhoan Duran pitched his third consecutive one-two-three inning for his third save with the Phillies.

Featured Card:  Kepler was snubbed from the Topps Series Two checklist, and hopefully he gets a Phillies card in the Topps Update set.  I've only two cards of his with the Phillies, both issued by the team, and both have already had appearances on this blog.  So here's a shiny card of his from last year's Topps Update set, featuring him with his former team.
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Saturday, August 9, 2025

Game 115 - Long Balls, Sanchez Handle Texas in Win

Philadelphia Phillies  9 
Texas Rangers  1 

2025 Topps Heritage #248
Friday Night, August 8th
Globe Life Field - Arlington, TX
66-49, 1st Place, 3 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Three home runs and another solid pitching outing from Cristopher Sanchez gave the Phillies a 9-1 win over the Rangers.

What It Means:  This win marks the Phillies' first win in Arlington since opening day 2014, when Jimmy Rollins hit a second inning grand slam, and the Phillies would go on to beat the Rangers, 14-10.  Since that win, they had been 0-10 at the Rangers' home ballpark.  The only other win in Arlington before last night and opening day 2014 came on June 28, 2008, in a game won by Cole Hamels and saved by Brad Lidge.  Vicente Padilla was the losing pitcher in that 2008 game for the Rangers.

What Happened:  Kyle Schwarber hit a laser off the right field foul pole in the first inning for his 41st home run of the season.  The Rangers tied the score in the bottom of the first, and they wouldn't score again in the game.  Brandon Marsh's solo home run to lead off the fourth gave the Phillies the lead for good.  Trea Turner would double home two more runs later in the inning.  They'd pile on five more runs in the ninth, on a two-run double from Bryson Stott and a three-run home run from Turner.

Cristopher Sanchez won his 11th game, allowing the run on six hits and striking out six over six innings of work.

Featured Card:  Turner was 2 for 4 with five RBIs, but I'll give the card to Marsh here as he was 4 for 5 with a home run and two doubles.  In 28 games since July 1st, Marsh is batting .318 with six doubles, five home runs and nine RBIs.
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Friday, August 8, 2025

Philadelphia Phillies at Texas Rangers - Messin' With Texas

2025 Chachi 2005 Topps Missing Links #4
2005 Topps #41

Friday, August 8th - 8:05
Saturday, August 9th - 7:15
Sunday, August 10th - 2:35

Globe Life Field - Arlington, TX
Kids can run the bases following Sunday afternoon's game.
Philadelphia Phillies 65-49
1st Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (10-3, 2.40)
Jesus Luzardo (10-5, 4.32)
Zack Wheeler (9-5, 2.64)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .284
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 79
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 40
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 94
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 25

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez - 10
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.40
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 182
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8
Texas Rangers 60-56
3rd Place in the A.L. West, 4 1/2 games behind the Astros

Rangers Probables
Merrill Kelly (0-0, 3.18)
Jacob deGrom (10-4, 2.80)
Patrick Corbin (6-7, 3.91)

Rangers Leaders
Average:  Josh Smith - .266
Runs:  Josh Smith - 57
Home Runs:  Adolis Garcia and Corey Seager - 16
RBIs:  Adolis Garcia - 63
Stolen Bases:  Wyatt Langford - 15

Wins:  Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom - 10
ERA:  Jacob deGrom - 2.80
Strikeouts:  Jacob deGrom - 135
Saves:  Robert Garcia and Luke Jackson - 9
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