Game 137 - Offense Sputters, Pen Can't Hold Off Braves

Atlanta Braves	3
Philadelphia Phillies	1

2025 Topps Heritage #416

Sunday Night, August 31st

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
79-58, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A solid performance from Jesus Luzardo was wasted and the Braves capitalized on a few shaky bullpen performances in this 3-1 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies took three out of four from the Braves.  They'll start September with a huge series against the Brewers beginning Labor Day afternoon.

What Happened:  Luzardo pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing a pair of hits while striking out seven.  Orion Kerkering allowed the Braves to tie the game when he couldn't retire a batter in the eighth.  Jose Alvarado surrendered a two-run home run to Drake Baldwin in the top of the ninth.  The only offense mustered by the Phillies was a solo home run from Brandon Marsh in the fourth.  Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm were a combined 0 for 10.

Featured Card / Transaction:  A day before the deadline for postseason eligibility, the Phillies added two pitchers who could play key roles in September/October.  Tim Mayza (lhp) was claimed off waivers from the Pirates, and he could replace Alvarado on the roster in October given Alvarado is ineligible for the postseason.  Walker Buehler (rhp) was signed as a minor-league free agent.  Buehler, a two-time All-Star with the Dodgers, was released by the Red Sox on August 29th.  In 23 games with the Red Sox, Buehler was 7-7 with a 5.45 ERA in 112 1/3 innings pitched.  After a start this coming weekend with the IronPigs, he'll join a six-man rotation as the Phillies continue to contend with Zack Wheeler's absence.

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Game 135 - Phils Use Small Ball to Squeak by Braves

Atlanta Braves	1
Philadelphia Phillies	2

2025 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Friday Night, August 29th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
78-57, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The night after a record-setting offensive output, the Phillies relied on some small ball to squeak by the Braves by a score of 2-1.

What It Means:  The Mets beat up on the Marlins, so the lead in the division remained at five games.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez and four relievers held the Braves to just one run in this game, with the Braves' offense going 2 for 12 with runners in scoring position.  Suarez scattered 10 hits over five innings, allowing only a second inning run.  Orion Kerkering picked up the win with a clean eighth and Jhoan Duran pitched a perfect ninth for his eighth save with the club.

In the fourth, Kyle Scwarber worked a lead-off walk, went to second on a Bryce Harper bunt single up the third base line, and scored on a Brandon Marsh RBI single to right.  The Phillies took the lead in the eighth on singles from Schwarber and Harper and a sacrifice fly from Alec Bohm.

Featured Card:  Marsh has provided steady defense and reliable at-bats throughout the summer.

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Game 133 - McLean Impresses, Mets Complete Sweep

Philadelphia Phillies	0
New York Mets	6

2025 Topps Living #815

Wednesday Night, August 27th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
76-57, 1st Place, 4 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Rookie Nolan McLean impressively dominated the Phillies offense, as the Mets completed the three-game sweep with a 6-0 win.

What It Means:  Heading into this series with a seven game lead, taking one of the three games seemed like a decent outcome.  A complete lack of timely offense and suspect pitching led to the three-game sweep, cutting the Phillies' lead in the division to four games.

What Happened:  McLean could be a problem for years to come.  He limited the Phillies to four singles over eight shutout innings, striking out six.  Taijuan Walker took the loss, allowing four runs on 10 hits in five innings of work.  Tanner Banks had a rare bad outing, allowing two more runs in the seventh.  The Phillies' offense managed five singles the entire game, going 0 for 3 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Chase Utley and I both have similar feelings about the Mets.

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Game 131 - Sanchez, Bullpen Implode in Loss to Mets

Philadelphia Phillies	3
New York Mets	13

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Monday Night, August 25th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
76-55, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez had an uncharacteristically bad outing, with Jordan Romano and Joe Ross adding fuel to the flames in this 13-3 drubbing by the Mets.

What It Means:  Certainly not a great way to start a somewhat important series.

What Happened:  Sanchez was tagged for six runs (five earned) in 5 1/3 innings, walking three and striking out four.  Between the two of them, Romano and Ross, the two big offseason bullpen acquisitions, allowed seven runs on five hits and a pair of walks in two innings.  

Romano gave up a back-breaking three-run home run to Luis Torrens in the eighth.  His ERA of 8.23 is one of the historically worst ERAs of all Phillies relievers in franchise history.  Only Reggie Grabowski, with a 9.23 ERA in 1934, and Bill Hubbell, with a 8.35 ERA in 1923, are ahead of Romano on that "leader" board.

The Phillies actually held a 3-0 lead in this game early, as Trea Turner led off with a triple and scored on a Kyle Schwarber ground out in the first.  In the third, Alec Bohm added a two-run single.

Featured Card:  As it turns out, this was the last game Ross would pitch with the Phillies, as he was released following the game.  In 37 games with the Phillies, which included one "opener" start, Ross was 2-1 with a 5.12 ERA in 51 innings pitched.  He's not been nearly as bad as Romano, who is somehow still on the 40-man roster, albeit on the injured list.  Ross may not ever receive a mainstream Phillies baseball card, unless he makes it to the Topps Update checklist, but here's his team-issued photo card inserted into grab bags of signed memorabilia.  I'd have to think the Phillies have some extras of these cards sitting around in a closet somewhere.

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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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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 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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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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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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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 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 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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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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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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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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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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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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