Game 101 - Sanchez Dominates Sox

Boston Red Sox	1
Philadelphia Phillies	4

2025 Topps
Philadelphia Phillies #PHI-4

Tuesday Night, July 22nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
58-43, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez was masterful, challenging Zack Wheeler's title of ace of the staff, in this complete game, four-hit win over the Red Sox.

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

What Happened:  Sanchez needed 106 pitches to defeat the Red Sox, walking none and striking out 12 in his dominant performance.  Statistically, the win put Sanchez a tick ahead of Wheeler with a 5.1 bWAR to Wheeler's 5.0.  It was the first complete game for Sanchez in 2025, and his third overall.  It seems as if he should have been an All-Star in Atlanta.

The Phillies scored all their runs early with two in the first and two in the second.  Nick Castellanos singled home Trea Turner with the first run and Bryce Harper had home plate stolen before yet another catcher's inference, combined with a balk, gave the Phillies their second run.  In the second, Max Kepler (11) and Kyle Schwarber (33) both hit solo home runs.

Featured Card:  It's got to be Sanchez.  Here's his card from the Topps Phillies retail team set, and I'm quickly running out of Sanchez cards to feature in these game summary posts.

Transaction:  Joe Ross (rhp) was placed on the 15-day injured list with back spasms and Alan Rangel (rhp) was recalled to take his place.

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Game 100 - Phils Walk It Off on Catcher's Interference

Boston Red Sox	2
Philadelphia Phillies	3

10 Innings

2020 Topps Pro Debut #PH-128

Monday Night, July 21st

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
57-43, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  For the first time since 1971, a game ended with a walk-off catcher's interference call, giving the Phillies a 3-2 win in 10 innings.

What It Means:  Wild stuff.  The Phillies scored the winning run in the 10th inning without the benefit of a hit.  I'm anxious to see if Topps picks up on the oddity and issues a Topps Now card to mark the win.  (They did not.)

What Happened:  The game was tied 2-2 heading to the 10th.  Max Lazar pitched a brilliant top of the 10th inning to keep the Sox from scoring.  With Jordan Hicks on the mound in the bottom of the 10th, and Brandon Marsh at second as the ghost runner, Otto Kemp led off with a four-pitch walk.  A wild pitch put runners at second and third and Hicks intentionally walked the struggling Max Kepler.  With the bases loaded and a 1-2 count, Edmundo Sosa checked his swing, hitting catcher Carlos Narvaez's mitt.  After a brief replay, catcher's interference was called and Marsh came home with the winning run.

The Phillies had scored twice in the fourth on RBI singles from Nick Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto.  Zack Wheeler gave up a pair of runs over six innings, striking out 10.

Featured Card:  Lazar has been quietly good lately, emerging as a reliever used more frequently in high leverage situations.  Collectors are still waiting for the lanky righty to appear on a Phillies baseball card.

Transaction:  The Phillies officially signed David Robertson (rhp) and optioned him to Lehigh Valley.  He'll warm up with the IronPigs before joining the big club for his third stint.

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Game 99 - Suarez Shelled by Halos in Loss

Los Angeles Angels	8
Philadelphia Phillies	2

1941 Play Ball #60

Sunday Afternoon, July 20th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
56-43, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez was hit early and often and the Phillies couldn't get their bats going in this 8-2 loss.

What It Means:  We listened to the entirety of this game on the Sunday afternoon drive from Rhode Island back down to New Jersey.  It was not very entertaining.

What Happened:  Maybe it was the rain delay that pushed this game back by 41 minutes, but Suarez was off from the start, and he'd not make it through five innings.  He allowed six runs on eight hits and four walks, as the Angels seemed to always have runners on base.  The only offense from the Phillies was an RBI single from Rafael Marchan in the second and a solo home run from Otto Kemp in the sixth.

Featured Card:  The Phillies would announce on Monday the signing of veteran reliever David Robertson for the rest of the 2025 season.  Robertson will become just the third player with three separate stints with the club, joining Hall of Famer Chuck Klein (1928-33, 1936-39, 1940-44) and Bill Hallman  (1888-89, 1892-97, 1901-03).  That's pretty incredible.  Hallman doesn't appear on any Phillies cards, but here's one of 32 Klein cards from my Phillies collection.

Transaction:  Alec Bohm (3b) landed on the 10-day injured list with a left rib fracture and Weston Wilson (inf) was recalled to take his place.

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Game 98 - Schwarber's Slam Send Phils to Victory

Los Angeles Angels	5
Philadelphia Phillies	9

2025 Topps Now #440

Saturday Night, July 19th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
56-42, 1st Place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber's sixth inning grand slam gave the Phillies the lead for good, as they defeated the Angels, 9-5.

What It Means:  This win tied the series, and the Phillies hoped for a series win on Sunday behind Ranger Suarez.

What Happened:  Taijuan Walker got the start, going four innings and allowing three runs on a pair of home runs and nine hits overall.  Trailing 4-2 heading to the bottom of the sixth, Johan Rojas knocked in the team's third run with a sacrifice fly.  With the bases loaded, Schwarber launched his 32nd home run of the season to right center field, giving the Phillies a 7-4 lead.  Bryce Harper stayed hot, adding a two-run home run in the eighth.  Seth Johnson was the pitcher of record when Schwarber hit his slam, earning his first big league win.

Featured Card:  Here's Schwarber's Topps Now card issued to celebrate his big blast.

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Game 97 - Homers from Harper and Schwarber Not Enough

Los Angeles Angels	6
Philadelphia Phillies	5

2025 Topps
Stars of MLB #SMLB-3

Friday Night, July 18th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
55-42, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Home runs from Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber weren't enough to hold off the Angels, as the Phillies dropped the first game of the second half, 6-5.

What It Means:  An impromptu trip to Rhode Island this past weekend to watch our oldest son guest for a travel baseball team meant I listened to this entire Angels series from the car or our hotel room.  Other than the home runs provided by Harper and Schwarber this weekend, it would seem I didn't miss much.

What Happened:  The Phillies led this game 4-1 after three innings, thanks to a solo home run from Schwarber in the first and a three-run home run by Harper in the third.  Jesus Luzardo couldn't keep the Angels off the board, allowing four runs on seven hits and a pair of walks in 4 2/3 innings.  It could have been a lot worse, but Max Lazar got out of a bases loaded jam in the fifth.

Tanner Banks took the loss, as the usually reliable reliever gave up a two-run home run to Taylor Ward in the seventh.  Harper homered for a second time in the eighth, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.

Featured Card:  I'll give Harper the card anyway, as he's been red hot recently, and I hope his power surge continues.  This is fairly nondescript (and probably unneeded) insert from Topps Series Two.

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Boston Red Sox at Philadelphia Phillies - Phils Look to Rebound

2005 Topps #271

2005 Topps #288

Monday, July 21st - 6:45
Tuesday, July 22nd - 6:45
Wednesday, July 23rd - 7:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday is Y2K Retro Night at the ballpark, followed by a Nelly postgame concert.  The Phillies celebrate Christmas in July on Wednesday with a toy drive going on at each of the entrance gates.

Boston Red Sox 54-47
3rd Place in the A.L. East, 5 games behind the Blue Jays

Red Sox Probables
Walker Buehler (6-6, 6.12)
Richard Fitts (1-3, 4.28)
Lucas Giolito (6-2, 3.59)

Red Sox Leaders
Average:  Ceddanne Rafaela - .267
Runs:  Ceddanne Rafaela - 56
Home Runs:  Wilyer Abreu - 20
RBIs:  Trevor Story - 58
Stolen Bases:  Jarren Duran and Trevor Story - 16

Wins:  Garrett Crochet - 11
ERA:  Garrett Crochet - 2.19

Strikeouts:  Garrett Crochet - 165
Saves:  Aroldis Chapman - 17

Philadelphia Phillies 56-43
1st Place in the N.L. East, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (9-3, 2.36)
Cristopher Sanchez (8-2, 2.50)
Jesus Luzardo (8-5, 4.29)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .288
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 70
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 32
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 74
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 25

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 9
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.36
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 154
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8

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Los Angeles Angels at Philadelphia Phillies - Second Half Begins

2005 Topps #573

2025 Chachi 2005 Topps Missing Links #1

Friday, July 18th - 6:45
Saturday, July 19th - 6:05
Sunday, July 20th - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
All fans will receive a J.T. Realmuto bobblehead tonight, featuring the catcher wearing the team's City Connect uniform.  There's also a pregame ceremony tonight called Philadelphia's 2026 All-Star Declaration, kicking off a year-long celebration of the All-Star Game coming to Philadelphia next summer.  On Saturday, all kids will receive a Brandon Marsh Phillies basketball jersey.

Los Angeles Angels 47-49
4th Place in the A.L. West, 9 games behind the Astros

Angels Probables
Jose Soriano (6-7, 3.90)
TBD
TBD

Angels Leaders
Average:  Zach Nieto - .279
Runs:  Zach Nieto - 61
Home Runs:  Taylor Ward - 21
RBIs:  Taylor Ward - 65
Stolen Bases:  Zach Nieto - 17

Wins:  Jose Soriano - 6
ERA:  Yusei Kikuchi - 3.11

Strikeouts:  Yusei Kikuchi - 115
Saves:  Kenley Jansen - 16

Philadelphia Phillies 55-41
1st Place in the N.L. East, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Jesus Luzardo (8-5, 4.14)
Taijuan Walker (3-5, 3.55)
Ranger Suarez (7-3, 2.15)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .289
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 66
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 30
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 69
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 24

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 9
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.36
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 154
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8

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Schwarbombs x 3 Win All-Star Game, Slugger Named MVP

2025 Chachi #43

2025 Chachi #44

2025 Chachi #45

American League All-Stars	7
National League All-Stars	6

10 Innings

Tuesday Night, July 15th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber made All-Star Game history, breaking a 6-6 tie with three straight home runs in a 10th inning, home run derby as the National League defeated the American League.

What It Means:  Pretty incredible stuff.  After the debacle of the 2002 All-Star Game, in which the game confusingly ended in a tie after 11 innings, Major League Baseball decided to go to a home run derby tournament should any All-Star Game thereafter end in a tie.  To decide the winner of the 2025 contest, three batters from each side were chosen, with Schwarber launching three home runs on three pitchers off Dodgers' third base coach Dino Ebel.  Schwarber was named the game's MVP, the first Phillies All-Star Game MVP since Johnny Callison won the award in 1964.

What Happened:  The players went back to wearing their normal uniforms!  That was by far the highlight for me, as the on-field, in-game player interviews don't really do it for me.  As I'm now so very, very old, I would love to just watch the game with some commentary on each of the All-Stars.  Schwarber entered the game in the bottom of the fifth, pinch-hitting for Shohei Ohtani.  He flew out to center off Rays' pitcher Dennis Rasmussen.  He walked against former Phillie Carlos Estevez in the seventh, and lined out as the potential winning run in the bottom of the ninth against Aroldis Chapman.

Full disclosure, I watched less of this All-Star Game than any prior All-Star Game over the past 30+ years.  Part of my lack of interest was due to there only being one Phillies player in the game, but I've also definitely reached the stage of my baseball fandom where I don't know who half these guys are.

Featured Cards:  I made All-Star cards for Zack Wheeler, who opted to stay home, and Schwarber.  I also wanted to create a Season Highlight card to commemorate Schwarber's MVP honors.

2025 Chachi Draft Pick #1

Transaction:  On Sunday night, the Phillies drafted Gage Wood (rhp) as their first pick and the 26th pick overall in the 2025 MLB Draft.  Wood is from the University of Arkansas and he's the first college pitcher selected in the first round by the Phillies since they drafted Aaron Nola in 2014.  Less than a month prior, Wood threw a no-hitter in the College World Series against Murray State, striking out 19 in the process.  There's a solid chance Wood is pitching in Philadelphia at some point this season.

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2025 Chachi #42 Budy Kennedy / 2025 Chachi #46

Game 96 - First Half Ends with Win

Philadelphia Phillies	2
San Diego Padres	1

2025 Topps #625

Sunday Afternoon, July 13th

Petco Park - San Diego, CA
55-41, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Snubbed All-Star Cristopher Sanchez turned in an All-Star performance and J.T. Realmuto cracked a go-ahead double in the eighth inning, to give the Phillies this 2-1 win.

What It Means:  That's a wrap on the first half, and after the All-Star break, the Phillies return home on Friday for a weekend series against the Angels.  The Phillies hold a half game lead over the Mets for first place in the division.

What Happened:  Sanchez improved to 8-2, allowing a run on six hits over 7 1/3 innings, while striking out six.  His ERA fell to 2.50, and he's one of the best pitchers in the National League right now.  Nick Pivetta kept the Phillies off balance through most of the game, allowing just a first inning unearned run.  In the eighth, with the score tied 1-1, Bryce Harper doubled and then Realmuto doubled him home for the eventual winning run.  Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm weren't clean in their relief outings.  Strahm worked out of trouble in the ninth to record his sixth save.

Featured Card:  Sanchez had another impressive outing, but it was Realmuto's clutch double that ultimately won the game.  Here's his card from the recently released Topps Series Two.

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Game 95 - Phils Continue Slog Towards All-Star Break

Philadelphia Phillies	4
San Diego Padres	5

1983 Topps #397

Saturday Night, July 12th

Petco Park - San Diego, CA
54-41, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler had a rare spotty outing and the Phillies offense went 3 for 13 with runners in scoring position in this 5-4 loss to the Padres.

What It Means:  The Phillies fell into second place with this loss, with one more game to play this afternoon before the All-Star Break.  They've lost four of their last five.  I did manage to watch most of this game, despite the Fox broadcasters, but I admittedly turned the game off once Jordan Romano entered in the seventh.  I made the right call.

What Happened:  Wheeler gave up a pair of home runs and four runs overall in his six innings of work before yielding to the bullpen.  Tanner Banks gave up back-to-back singles in the seventh before Romano took over with the game tied at 4-4.  Romano needed two pitches to give the Padres the lead when Manny Machado hit a sacrifice fly to right.  Nick Castellanos (single) and J.T. Realmuto (double) drove in a pair of runs in the second, and Edmundo Sosa added a two-run single in the fifth.  Sosa was in the game to replace Alec Bohm, who departed after being drilled in the back by a Yu Darvish fastball.

Featured Card:  I used to get absolutely giddy as the All-Star Game approached, and it makes me sad that I'm heading into this coming All-Star break with an overall sense of apathy.  Kyle Schwarber will be in Atlanta, while Zack Wheeler will be resting at home.  Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez and Trea Turner were all snubbed, although Sanchez wouldn't have pitched in the game anyway as he's starting today.  I wish I could get half as excited about the game as I did back in the 1980s.

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Game 94 - Bats, Blog Proprietor Snooze Through West Coast Game

Philadelphia Phillies	2
San Diego Padres	4

2025 Topps 1990 Topps
35th Anniversary #T90-31

Late Friday Night, July 11th

Petco Park - San Diego, CA
54-40, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense couldn't solve the Padres pitching and Ranger Suarez contributed a rare error in this 4-2 series opening loss.

What It Means:  Still a little jet lagged after returning from a European vacation this week, I was sound asleep a half hour before this game even began.  It will be nice to watch a few Phillies wins this weekend before the All-Star Break.

What Happened:  Two unearned runs scored in the bottom of the second following Suarez's errant throw to first base.  He settled in after that, pitching 6 2/3 innings and lowering his ERA for the season to 1.94.  Nick Castellanos (12) and Kyle Schwarber (30) both hit solo home runs, with the rest of the Phillies offense managing only three singles.

Featured Card:  Schwarber will be the only Phillies All-Star in Atlanta.  Zack Wheeler, named to the  team last week, declined his invitation, opting to use the time to rest.  Ranger Suarez was also asked to go as a replacement player, but he too declined.  And the deserving Cristopher Sanchez should have been asked, but since he's pitching on Sunday, he'd be ineligible for the game anyway.

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Philadelphia Phillies at San Diego Padres - Wrapping Up 1st Half

2025 Chachi 2005 Topps Missing Links #5

2005 Topps #392

Friday, July 11th - 9:40
Saturday, July 12th - 7:35
Sunday, July 13th - 4:10

Petco Park - San Diego, CA
There are theme tickets available for each of these three games, but otherwise no park-wide giveaways or promotions.

Philadelphia Phillies 54-39
1st Place in the N.L. East, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (7-2, 1.99)
Zack Wheeler (9-3, 2.17)
Cristopher Sanchez (7-2, 2.59)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .294
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 65
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 29
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 68
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 24

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 9
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.17
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 148
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8

San Diego Padres 50-43
3rd Place in the N.L. West, 5 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Padres Probables
Ryan Bergert (1-0, 2.67)
Yu Darvish (0-1, 4.91)
Nick Pivetta (9-2, 3.07)

Padres Leaders
Average:  Manny Machado - .291
Runs:  Fernando Tatis - 64
Home Runs:  Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis - 16
RBIs:  Manny Machado - 54
Stolen Bases:  Fernando Tatis - 19

Wins:  Nick Pivetta - 9
ERA:  Nick Pivetta - 3.07

Strikeouts:  Dylan Cease - 129
Saves:  Robert Suarez - 27

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Game 93 - Phils Explode in Series Finale

Philadelphia Phillies	13
San Francisco Giants	0

2025 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club/Club 215

Wednesday Afternoon, July 9th

Oracle Park - San Francisco, CA
54-39, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies' bats finally awakened in San Francisco, unloading on Giants' pitching in this 13-0 win.

What It Means:  They avoided the series sweep and retook sole possession of first place as the Mets loss.  Following a three-game series in San Diego, beginning late on Friday night, the team will scatter for the All-Star Break, with Zack Wheeler and Kyle Schwarber heading to Atlanta.

What Happened:  This game was closer than the final score would indicate through the first six innings.  With Jesus Luzardo mowing down the Giants, the Phillies held a 4-0 lead heading to the top of the eighth inning.  They'd bat around that inning, scoring eight times, and putting the game out of reach.  Two more runs scored in the ninth off position player Mike Yastrzemski.  Every batter in the starting nine drove in at least one run, with Bryce Harper (see below), J.T. Realmuto (3 for 5, double, 2 RBIs) and Schwarber (three-run home run) having the biggest days at the plate.

Luzardo pitched seven shutout innings, allowing three hits and striking out seven.  Seth Johnson and Joe Ross pitched the final two scoreless innings for the combined shutout.

Featured Card:  For the first time in his career, Harper had four extra base hits in a game.  The slugger was 4 for 6 with three doubles and a solo home run off Justin Verlander in the fourth inning.  Here's his Kids Club card available this season exclusively at the ballpark.

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Game 92 - Romano Surrenders Walk-Off Inside the Park Home Run

Philadelphia Phillies	3
San Francisco Giants	4

1989 Topps Tiffany #418

Late Tuesday Night, July 8th

Oracle Park - San Francisco, CA
53-39, Tied for 1st Place, 10 games ahead of the Marlins

One Sentence Summary:  Holding a 3-1 lead heading the bottom of the ninth, Jordan Romano gave up a walk-off, three-run, inside the park home run to Patrick Bailey for the gut-punch loss.

What It Means:  How much longer can the Phillies stick with Romano?  This was his third blown save, and he dropped to 1-4 with a 7.44 ERA in 32 2/3 innings pitched.

What Happened:  Otto Kemp doubled home Alec Bohm in the top of the sixth to tie the score at 1-1.  Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run home run into McCovey Cove in the top of the seventh to give the Phillies a 3-1 lead.  Taijuan Walker allowed a run over four innings in his return to the starting rotation.  Tanner Banks, Max Lazar, Matt Strahm and Daniel Robert all kept the Giants off the board until Romano entered the game in the ninth, trying for the save.  Romano allowed a Casey Schmitt double to start the inning, and Wilmer Flores singled to put runners at the corners.  With one out, Bailey nearly hit the ball out of the ballpark, but it caromed off the wall past Brandon Marsh as Bailey circled the bases, scoring the winning run.

Featured Card:  Of course, people were quick to draw comparisons to the walk-off, three-run, inside the park home run hit by Bob Dernier against the Giants on May 15, 1989.  @schmenk-bsky posted this handy chart of walk-off, inside the park home runs throughout the franchise's history.

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Game 91 - Phils Can't Seem to Win at Oracle

Philadelphia Phillies	1
San Francisco Giants	3

2024 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (3rd Edition) #26

Late Monday Night, July 7th

Oracle Park - San Francisco, CA
53-38, 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted another solid start from Cristopher Sanchez, dropping this series opening game against the Giants by a 3-1 score.

What It Means:  The team's troubles at Oracle Park continue.  Through this game, they were 3-17 in their last 20 games at the ballpark, and it wouldn't get any better on Tuesday.

What Happened:  Sanchez allowed a run on seven hits while striking out eight in his seven innings of work.  Orion Kerkering took the loss, allowing the Giants to score twice in the bottom of the eighth, breaking a 1-1 tie.  The Phillies scored their only run in the fifth when Bryson Stott came home on a wild pitch.  The offense had six hits and was a combined 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Nine players born in Italy have appeared in the major leagues, including former Phillies farmhand Sam Aldegheri, now with the Angels.  The Phillies dealt Aldegheri, born in Verona, to the Angels last season for reliever Carlos Estevez.  Given we just returned from a wonderful 10-day trip to Italy, and with no other logical choice for this post, here's one of Aldegheri's minor league cards.

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Game 90 - Wheeler Dazzles Again in CG Win

Cincinnati Reds	1
Philadelphia Phillies	3

2025 Topps #392

Sunday Afternoon, July 6th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
53-37, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler allowed a solo home run to Austin Hays in this one-hit, 12 strikeout, complete game win over the Reds.

What It Means:  Wheeler is white hot right now.  In his last six starts, he's 3-1 with a 0.68 ERA and 54 strikeouts over 40 innings pitched.  This win sealed the series for the Phillies, and they headed west next for a three-game set with the Giants.

What Happened:  Wheeler improved to 9-3 and needed 108 pitches for his complete game.  The Phillies tied the game in the bottom of the fifth when Brandon Marsh walked and Kyle Schwarber doubled him home.  Bryson Stott hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to give the Phillies the lead.  Wheeler set the Reds down in order in the top of the ninth to seal the win.

Featured Card:  This is the fourth card for Wheeler in this year's Topps Now set, by far the most among all the Phillies.  We "watched" the beginning of this game along the Giudecca Canal in Venice, while enjoying an amazing dinner at Trattoria Ai Cacciatori.  If you're ever there, I can personally recommend their linguini with clams.  Il cibo è delizioso, la vista è fantastica. 

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Game 89 - Sosa, Bohm Homer in Win Over Reds

Cincinnati Reds	1
Philadelphia Phillies	5

2025 Topps Heritage #240

Saturday Afternoon, July 5th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
52-37, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Alec Bohm broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth, as the Phillies would hold off the Reds in this 5-1 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies would go for the series win on Sunday behind Zack Wheeler.  (I like their chances here.)

What Happened:  Edmundo Sosa tied the score at 1-1 with a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth, and Bohm gave the Phillies the lead for good with his shot in the sixth.  Kyle Schwarber would give the Phillies a 5-1 lead in the eighth with a two-run home run of his own, his 27th of the year.  Ranger Suarez battled through five innings, allowing a run on five hits while striking out six.  Jordan Romano, who got the win, Tanner Banks, Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm held the Reds scoreless over the final four innings.

Featured Card:  Bohm has steadily increased his production since the start of the season, and he's now batting .283 with eight home runs and 41 RBIs.  His RBI tally is third on the team behind Schwarber and Nick Castellanos.  Also, he's a screenshot from my phone as we spent this day in a very, very hot Florence, Italy.  With a 10:05 start time, I had no shot of listening to any of this game.

Transaction:  Buddy Kennedy (inf), designated for assignment when Bryce Harper was activated, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Lehigh Valley.  Rather than accept the assignment, Kennedy elected free agency, ending his time with the Phillies.  In 12 games over the past two seasons, he batted .111 (2 for 18) with a double and two RBIs.

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Game 88 - Luzardo's Troubles Continue in Loss to Reds

Cincinnati Reds	9
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2025 Topps
Philadelphia Phillies #PHI-15

Friday Afternoon, July 4th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
51-37, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo's inconsistency continued, as the Phillies dropped this series opening game to the Reds, 9-6.

What It Means:  Luzardo is a concern.  In his last seven starts, he's 2-5 with a 9.49 ERA in 30 1/3 innings pitched.  Prior to that, in his first 11 starts of the season, he had been 5-0 with a 2.15 ERA in 67 innings pitched.

What Happened:  And the Phillies spotted Luzardo a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first on an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly and a Nick Castellanos two-run home run.  The Reds would score nine runs off Luzardo and reliever Joe Ross in 4 2/3 innings, putting the game basically out of reach.  Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run double in the sixth, but the Reds' bullpen kept the Phillies off the board over the final three innings.

Featured Card:  Reds' left fielder Austin Hays went 1 for 5 in this game with an RBI double in the top of the third to tie the game at 3-3.  Hays was batting .281 though this game, and has had way more success with the Reds than he did during his short time with the Phillies last year.  Even though he was granted free agency on November 22, 2024, Topps included him in the retail Phillies team set this year.

Transaction:  Seth Johnson (rhp) was added back to the roster following Wednesday's double header and the struggling Mick Abel (rhp) was sent down to the IronPigs.

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Game 87 - Sanchez Handles Friars in Game 2 Win

San Diego Padres	1
Philadelphia Phillies	5

Game 2

2025 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club/Club 215

Wednesday Night, July 2nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
51-36, 1st Place, 2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez, following in the footsteps of Ranger Suarez and Zack Wheeler, became the latest Phillies pitcher to toss a masterpiece in this 5-1 win over the Padres.

What It Means:  Having won the series against the Padres, and split the double header, the Phillies would welcome the Reds to Citizens Bank Park on Friday afternoon, Independence Day.

What Happened:  Sanchez improved to 7-2, throwing seven innings and allowing a run on five hits while striking out five.  Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm combined for the final two scoreless innings.  Max Kepler provided all the runs Sanchez would need with a two-run home run in the fourth.  Brandon Marsh hit a solo home run in the fifth and Nick Castellanos added an RBI-single later in the inning to give the Phillies a 4-1 lead.  Alec Bohm capped the scoring with an RBI-triple in the seventh.

Featured Card:  Here's Sanchez's card from the ballpark exclusive Kids Club/Club 215 set.

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Game 86 - Pivetta Earns Revenge on His Former Team

San Diego Padres	6
Philadelphia Phillies	4

Game 1

2018 Topps Gallery #74

Wednesday Afternoon, July 2nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
50-36

One Sentence Summary:  Nick Pivetta kept his former team off-balance and Mick Abel got knocked around in this 6-4 loss to the Padres.

What It Means:  Thunderstorms on Tuesday washed out that game and necessitated a day-night double header on Wednesday.

What Happened:  Abel lasted just 1 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on two hits and (most troubling) five walks.  Taijuan Walker, Seth Johnson and Daniel Robert provided some bullpen stability, holding the Padres scoreless over the final 5 2/3 innings of the game.  The Phillies didn't score until the sixth inning, when Kyle Schwarber led off with a solo home run, his 26th of the season.  Edmundo Sosa tripled home another run in the seventh, and would score on a wild pitch, making it a 6-3 game.  With runners at second and third and one out in the ninth, Schwarber struck out to end the game.

Featured Card:  Pivetta improved to 9-2, allowing a run on seven hits and striking out six in six innings.

Transaction:  Johnson (rhp) was added to the roster as the 27th man for the double header.

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Game 85 - Wheeler's Masterful Gem Downs Padres

San Diego Padres	0
Philadelphia Phillies	4

2025 Topps Now #365

Monday Night, June 30th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
50-35, 1st Place, 2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler, on his way to being named Pitcher of the Month for June, continued to make his case for a Cy Young Award in this 4-0 win over the Padres. 

What It Means:  Wheeler was named National League Pitcher of the Month on July 3rd, and he was added to the National League All-Star roster on July 6th.  He's got a chance to be the starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in Atlanta.

What Happened:  Wheeler improved to 8-3, allowing six hits, no walks, and striking out 10 in his eight-inning outing.  Tanner Banks tossed the final scoreless inning to clinch the combined shutout.  Wheeler was 2-1 with a 0.58 ERA in June, allowing two earned runs over five starts.  He walked seven while striking out 42.  The Phillies received RBIs from Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh and Trea Turner to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead through four innings.  Nick Castellanos added a solo home run, his 10th of the season, in the fifth.

Bryce Harper returned to the line-up after missing 21 games with a wrist injury.  He was 0 for 2 with a walk and a hit by pitch.

Featured Card:  Here's the Topps Now card issued for Wheeler's latest gem.

Transaction:  Harper (1b) was activated from the injured list and Buddy Kennedy (inf) was designated for assignment.

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Game 84 - Suarez Joins Lee, Oswalt and Carlton atop Franchise Leaderboard

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Atlanta Braves	1

2025 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club/Club 215

Sunday Afternoon, June 29th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
49-35, 1st Place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez was stellar in this 2-1 win over the Braves, lowering his season ERA to 2.00 and improving to 7-2 with this four-hit, eight strikeout performance.

What It Means:  The Phillies increased their division lead to 1 1/2 games with this win, coupled with a Mets loss.

What Happened:  Suarez has a 1.19 ERA over his past 10 starts, which is the lowest by any Phillies pitcher in a 10-start stretch since Cliff Lee did it in 2011.  Also in that sub-1.20 ERA club over a 10-start stretch, dating back to 1969, are Roy Oswalt (2010) and Steve Carlton (1972).  Orion Kerkering struck out the side in the eighth and Matt Strahm kept the Braves off the board in the ninth to secure his fifth save.  The Phillies scored twice in the fifth.  Bryson Stott singled to lead off the inning and Otto Kemp doubled him home.  Kemp would eventually score the winning run on a Trea Turner sacrifice fly.

Featured Card:  It's Suarez for sure, and I was surprised Topps didn't issue him a Topps Now card to mark his historic 10-start stretch by a Phillies pitcher.  This is his card from the Phillies Kids Club/Club 215 set, only available at the ballpark.

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