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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Thursday, August 7, 2025

Game 114 - O's Rebound to Win Final Game in Series

Baltimore Orioles  5 
Philadelphia Phillies  1 

1963 Post #66
Wednesday Afternoon, August 6th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
65-49, 1st Place, 2 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Other than Trea Turner, the rest of the Phillies line-up seemingly took the day off, and Ranger Suarez gave up a crushing three-run home run in the fourth inning, as the Phillies lost to the Orioles.

What It Means:  They still won the series, and following an off-day on Thursday, the Phillies head out on the road for three games in Arlington, three games in Cincinnati and four games in Washington.

What Happened:  Suarez gave up five runs on nine hits, and the one big three-run home run to Coby Mayo over 6 1/3 innings.  Turner fell a home run short of the cycle, and he has yet to hit a home run this year at Citizens Bank Park.  The Phillies were 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  With no other logical card to post for this game, here's my favorite Orioles card in my Phillies Collection.
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Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Game 113 - Walker, Kepler Lead Phils Over O's

Baltimore Orioles  0 
Philadelphia Phillies  5 

2025 Topps #351
Tuesday Night, August 5th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
65-48, 1st Place, 2 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Taijuan Walker pitched six scoreless innings and Max Kepler had a big day at the plate in this 5-0 win over the Orioles.

What It Means:  The Phillies will go for the series sweep this afternoon with Ranger Suarez on the mound.  The 2 1/2 game lead over the Mets in the East is the biggest lead the Phillies have held in the division since May 24th.

What Happened:  Walker did his job, allowing four hits and striking out four in his outing.  Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm and Max Lazar struck out six over the final three innings to earn the combined shutout.  Lazar entered the game much to the chagrin of the fans, who were hoping to catch the Jhoan Duran light show.  

Brandon Marsh doubled home Nick Castellanos with the Phillies' first run in the second.  Kepler, mired in a bad slump, then connected for a two-run home run.  Kepler doubled to lead off the fourth and scored on Bryson Stott's triple.  In the bottom of the eighth, with Duran warming up, Marsh hit a solo home run to give the Phillies a 5-0 lead, and sending Duran back to the bullpen bench.

Featured Card:  Here's Walker's card from Topps Series Two.

Field Report:  Jenna and I attended this game, making it our fourth Phillies game in five days.  Opting for a leisurely dinner at Pass and Stow, we then comfortably enjoyed the rest of the game from the Kona Big Wave Bar.  It was a milestone game for me, as it was the 200th game I logged in the Ballpark App, which I believe started accurately tracking game attendance back in 2015.  According to the App, I've seen 29 different teams and visited 10 ballparks in a 10-year span, with the Yankees being the one team I've not seen live in the past decade.  My record when attending Phillies games since 2015 is now 109-79.

Transaction:  Joe Ross (rhp) was activated from the injured list and Seth Johnson (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 112 - Schwarber, Phils Put On Home Run Barrage Against O's

Baltimore Orioles  3 
Philadelphia Phillies  13 

2025 Topps Now #515
Monday Night, August 4th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
64-48, 1st Place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies banged out six home run, including two monster shots from Kyle Schwarber, in this 13-3 thrashing of the Orioles.

What It Means:  Let's hope this sudden hot streak continues!

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo was the beneficiary of the run support, improving to 10-5 and allowing three runs on five hits over six innings of work.  Luzardo struck out seven.  Bryce Harper (solo in the first), Schwarber (two-run in the third, grand slam in the sixth), Harrison Bader (three-run in the sixth), Edmundo Sosa (solo in the eighth) and Weston Wilson (solo in the eighth) all homered for the Phillies.  It was Bader's first hit with the Phillies.  Sosa enjoyed a three-hit night.

Featured Card:  Schwarber's grand slam was his 40th home run of the season, making him the fastest to reach the 40-home run mark in franchise history.  Ryan Howard, who hit 58 home runs in 2006, hit his 40th in that year's 114th game.  Schwarber reached the mark in the Phillies' 112th game, and Topps Now issued a card to commemorate the feat.
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Monday, August 4, 2025

Game 111 - Sanchez, Duran Shut Down Tigers in 2-0 Win

Detroit Tigers  0 
Philadelphia Phillies  2 

2025 Topps Now #514
Sunday Night, August 3rd
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
63-48, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez threw only 84 pitches in eight innings and Jhoan Duran topped 103mph as the two pitching stars combined to shutout the Tigers, 2-0.

What It Means:  This was an impressive series win, given the Tigers are a first place team, and it's exciting to think the Phillies will have these two pitchers for several more years.  Duran can be a free agent following the 2027 season and Sanchez is signed through 2028.

What Happened:  Sanchez picked up his team-leading 10th win, allowing five hits and striking out six.  For the second time over the weekend, Duran entered the ballpark in the dark, flames shooting across all screens, accompanied by his signature song.  He needed 12 pitches to record his second save with the Phillies.  Max Kepler knocked in the first run with an RBI ground out in the second, and Kyle Schwarber hit a towering solo home run in the eighth, for what turned out to be an unneeded insurance run.

2025 Chachi
Friendly Encounters #3
Featured Card:  Two saves, two Topps Now cards for Duran.

Field Report:  Jenna and I attended our third game of the weekend, taking our oldest son Doug and his girlfriend.  Thanks to a hot tip from fellow collector Rick, we knew the Phillies would have two autograph stations inside the ballpark as part of their Alumni Day festivities.  Manny Trillo was stationed in the Hall of Fame Club, while Jamie Moyer and Ben Francisco manned a table outside the Phillies Authentics store.  Gone are the days when a dozen or so players would agree to sign before these games, stationed throughout the ballpark.  Trillo sat at his table with plenty of Sharpies, but nothing to sign.  First in line, he was kind enough to pose for a photo with me.  The Moyer/Francisco tandem only signed for about 20 minutes, with Moyer departing earlier than Francisco.  Doug and his girlfriend were able to get me a signed Francisco photo card, the same card that's been available since 2019, and they grabbed a few autograph-less Moyer cards as well.

The pregame ceremony was once again fantastic, with alumni lining up along the third base line.  Robin Roberts' grandson and Richie Ashburn's son threw out ceremonial first pitches as the Phillies paid tribute to the 75th anniversary of the 1950 Whiz Kids.
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Baltimore Orioles at Philadelphia Phillies - O's in Town for 3

2005 Topps #436
2025 Chachi 2005 Topps Missing Links #10

Monday, August 4th - 6:45
Tuesday, August 5th - 6:45
Wednesday, August 6th - 12:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
All kids 14 and under will receive a Phanatic Big Chain on Tuesday night.  On Wednesday afternoon, kids are invited to run the bases following the game.
Baltimore Orioles 51-61
5th Place in the A.L. East, 13 1/2 games behind the Blue Jays

Orioles Probables
Cade Povich (2-5, 5.15)
Dean Kremer (8-7, 4.27)
Trevor Rogers (4-2, 1.44)

Orioles Leaders
Average:  Gunnar Henderson - .285
Runs:  Gunnar Henderson - 63
Home Runs:  Ramon Laureano and Cedric Mullins - 15
RBIs:  Cedric Mullins - 49
Stolen Bases:  Three tied with - 14

Wins:  Dean Kremer and Tomoyuki Sugano - 8
ERA:  Dean Kremer - 4.27
Strikeouts:  Dean Kremer - 104
Saves:  Felix Bautista - 19
Philadelphia Phillies 63-48
1st Place in the N.L. East, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Jesus Luzardo (9-5, 4.31)
Taijuan Walker (3-5, 3.82)
Ranger Suarez (8-4, 2.68)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .283
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 77
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 38
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 88
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 25

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 10
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.40
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 182
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8
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Sunday, August 3, 2025

Game 110 - Tigers Outslug Phillies in Loss

Detroit Tigers  7 
Philadelphia Phillies  5 

2025 Topps Living #849
Saturday Afternoon, August 2nd
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
62-48, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Tarik Skubal out dueled Zack Wheeler as the Tigers took the middle game of this weekend series, 7-5.

What It Means:  The Mets won, so the two teams again flip flopped in the standings.

What Happened:  The long ball hurt Wheeler, as he gave up three home runs in his six innings, departing with his team trailing, 4-0.  Colt Keith, Kerry Carpenter and Javier Baez all connected off Wheeler, with Gleyber Torres welcoming reliever Tanner Banks with another home run in the top of the seventh.  The Phillies finally got on the board in the bottom of the seventh when J.T. Realmuto doubled home Bryce Harper, and Nick Castellanos hit a two-run home run, his 15th of the season.  Matt Strahm gave two runs right back in the top of the eighth, and a two-run home run from Harper in the bottom of the eighth wouldn't be enough to overcome the deficit.

Featured Card / Field Report:  Jenna and I attended this game, and when we attend tonight, we will have attended all three games in a series for the first time since probably pre-kids.  The Phillies honored the late Dick Allen in a pregame ceremony, and his new Hall of Fame plaque was on display at the ballpark throughout the game.  This card from the Topps Living Set arrived in the mail as we were heading out to the game.  I also took a picture of Jimmy Rollins' new Wall of Fame plaque on our way out.
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Game 109 - Rollins, Wade Join Wall of Fame; The Durantula Era Begins

Detroit Tigers  4 
Philadelphia Phillies  5 

2025 Topps Now #493
Friday Night, August 1st
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
62-47, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies stormed back to take a late-inning lead and Jhoan Duran dramatically and theatrically introduced himself to Philadelphia in this 5-4 win over the Tigers.

What It Means:  The Phillies temporarily retook sole possession of first place.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez got the start, and allowed three runs on four hits in seven innings of work.  The big blow was a three-run home run by Gleyber Torres in the top of the third.  Trailing 3-0, the Phillies began their comeback in the bottom of the seventh.  With the bases loaded (Nick Castellanos single, Otto Kemp single, Harrison Bader walk), Bryson Stott brought home the first run with a sacrifice fly.  Back-to-back singles from Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber then tied the score.  Orion Kerkering surrendered a solo home run to Wenceel Perez in the top of the eighth, giving the Tigers the lead again.

Castellanos singled again to start the rally in the bottom of the eighth, and Kemp doubled him home with the tying run.  Stott barely beat out an infield single, scoring Kemp for the lead.

Featured Card:  And then the lights went out in the ballpark, flames appeared on the scoreboards and large spiders started crawling across the illuminated screens.  In the dark, music blaring and 40,000+ cell phone flashlights waving, new Phillies closer Duran ran in from the bullpen.  He needed four pitches to retire the Tigers and seal the win.  Topps could have picked a way better picture to commemorate the moment, but I'm glad they at least gave him a Topps Now card.

Field Report:  We all attended and enjoyed the pregame Wall of Fame induction ceremony for Ed Wade and Jimmy Rollins from Section C in the Diamond Club.  Once again, the Phillies showed they're the best in the sport at honoring their legacy and paying tribute to their past.  The game itself was pretty boring until the seventh inning, when it turned into a playoff game atmosphere.  And Duran's entrance was by far one of the coolest moments I've ever witnessed at Citizens Bank Park, and that's saying something.

We attended all Wall of Fame ceremonies between 2012 and 2023, breaking the streak last year with a college visit.  A new streak began this year, likely to be broken in a few more years when college visits start up again.

Transaction:  With the trade deadline acquisitions ready to go, some moves needed to be made.  Duran (rhp) and Bader (of) were activated.  Johan Rojas (of) was optioned to Lehigh Valley and Daniel Robert (rhp) was placed on the injured list with a blister.

Wall of Fame Memory Lane
2009 - Harry Kalas
2010 - Darren Daulton
2011 - John Kruk
2012 - Mike Lieberthal
2013 - Curt Schilling
2014 - Charlie Manuel
2015 - Pat Burrell
2016 - Jim Thome
2017 - Tribute to Jim Bunning, Dallas Green and Darren Daulton (replacing Pete Rose)
2018 - Pat Gillick and Roy Halladay
2019 - Bobby Abreu (Part One and Two)
2020 - Manny Trillo
2022 - Bake McBride and Ron Reed
2023 - Ruly Carpenter, John Quinn and Scott Rolen (Part One and Part Two)
2024 - David Montgomery
2025 - Jimmy Rollins and Ed Wade

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