Game 41 - 2021 Bowman Prospects #BP-5 Nick Maton

Blue Jays 10, Phillies 8
Game 41 - Sunday Afternoon, May 16th in Dunedin
Record - 21-20, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Losing at one point 8-0, the Phillies nearly pulled off an incredible comeback win but fell just short in this 10-8 loss.

What It Means:  This game was a mess from the start and had a little bit of everything going on.  Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Didi Gregorius and ultimately Andrew Knapp were all unable to play due to nagging injuries, meaning the Phillies began the game with no one on the bench.  Harper eventually had to enter the game when Scott Kingery left due to dizziness, but he could barely swing the bat without wincing in pain due to his sore shoulder.  Television cameras also caught manager Joe Girardi and Jean Segura apparently having words in the Phillies dugout, with Segura being restrained by coach Dusty Wathan.  Not great.

The Phillies limp home for an off day Monday, and they'll open a three-game series with the Marlins on Tuesday night.

What Happened:  Chase Anderson had his shortest outing of the season, getting only four outs before being lifted.  His final line was ugly (1 1/3 innings, 8 hits, 7 runs) and there's a good chance Spencer Howard replaces him in the rotation the next time his turn is up.  David Hale and Ranger Suarez ate up 5 2/3 innings and allowed two runs between them.  Odubel Herrera came to bat in the ninth as the potential tying run, and fell a few feet short of a game-tying home run.

Featured Card:  Probably the only bright spot from this game was Nick Maton who hit his first and second career home runs.  He added an RBI single in the eight to give him four RBIs for the day.  Maton's baseball cards are still limited at this point, but I did recently add his 2021 Bowman card.  In a season of mediocre performances and disappointing results, Maton has been a welcome addition to the club.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 40 - 1989 Donruss #430 Bob Dernier

Blue Jays 4, Phillies 0
Game 40 - Saturday Night, May 15th in Dunedin
Record - 21-19, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies couldn't hit or field in this 4-0 loss to the Blue Jays, and both Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto exited the game early with injuries.

What It Means:  The Phillies are 13-12 in games started by Aaron Nola, Zack Wheeler or Zach Eflin and they're 8-7 in games started by Chase Anderson, Matt Moore or Vince Velasquez.  That second record is somewhat acceptable, but the first record is not, especially for a team that hopes to contend.

What Happened:  Harper departed with a sore shoulder and Realmuto left with soreness in his catching hand.  Not great.  Nola battled through 6 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on nine hits while striking out eight.  The Phillies offense had six hits and went 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.  All three infielders (Nick Maton, Alec Bohm and Jean Segura) committed errors, and the scorekeeper should have given Bohm a second error on a ball that rolled under his glove but was scored a hit.

Featured Card:  On a happier May 15th, 32 years ago, Bob Dernier delivered a dramatic, game-winning, inside the park home run against the Giants, giving the Phillies a 3-2 win.  Here's video of Harry Kalas making the call for Dernier's mad dash around the bases:

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #29 Figueroa / Wathan / Castro / Guerrero CO

#38
Francisco Figueroa
First Base Coach

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'11"  Weight:  180
Opening Day Age:  38
Born:  February 19, 1983, Miami, FL
As a Coach:  Philadelphia Phillies 2019-

First Phillies Card:  2019 Phillies Team Issue #38
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2011 Multi-Ad Reading Phillies #11
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2019 Phillies Team Issue #38

Newest Card Added:  2019 Phillies Team Issue 2 #38

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

3 - Figueroa baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/15/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Figueroa
2019 Chachi #28
2019 Chachi Photo Night #10
2020 Chachi #33
2021 Chachi #29

* * *

#62
Dustin James Wathan
Third Base Coach

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  225
Opening Day Age:  47
Born:  August 22, 1973, Jacksonville, FL
Major League Teams:  Kansas City Royals 2002
As a Coach:  Philadelphia Phillies 2018-

First Phillies Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue #62
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2006 Choice Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #24
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue #62

Newest Card Added:  2019 Phillies Team Issue 2 #62

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

23 - Wathan baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/15/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Wathan
2018 Chachi #28
2019 Chachi #28
2019 Chachi Photo Night #14
2020 Chachi #33
2021 Chachi #29

#91
Juan Gabriel Castro
Infield Coach

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'11"  Weight:  190
Opening Day Age:  48
Born:  June 20, 1972, Los Mochis, Sinaloa, MX
Major League Teams:  Los Angeles Dodgers 1995-1999; Cincinnati Reds 2000-2004; Minnesota Twins 2005-2006; Cincinnati Reds 2006-2008; Baltimore Orioles 2008; Los Angeles Dodgers 2009; Philadelphia Phillies 2010; Los Angeles Dodgers 2010-2011
As a Coach:  Los Angeles Dodgers 2016-2017; Philadelphia Phillies 2020-

First Phillies Card:  2010 Phillies Team Issue #7
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2010 Phillies Team Issue 2 #7

Newest Card Added:  2010 Phillies Team Issue 2 #7

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (3):  2004, 2006, 2009

2 - Castro baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/15/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Castro
2010 Chachi #12
2020 Chachi #34
2021 Chachi #29

* * *

#95
Pedro Manuel Guerrero
Assistant Hitting Coach

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  177
Opening Day Age:  32
Born:  December 3, 1988, San Pedro de Macoris, DR
Major League Teams:  N/A
As a Coach:  Philadelphia Phillies 2018-

First Phillies Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue #58
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue #58

Newest Card Added:  2019 Phillies Team Issue 2 #60

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

4 - Guerrero baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/15/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Guerrero
2018 Chachi #28
2018 Chachi Phillies Phestival #11
2019 Chachi #29
2019 Chachi Photo Night #16
2020 Chachi #34
2021 Chachi #29

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 39 - 2021 Topps Now Road to Opening Day #OD-275 Rhys Hoskins

Phillies 5, Blue Jays 1
Game 39 - Friday Night, May 14th in Dunedin
Record - 21-18, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Vince Velasquez had another effective outing and  a Rhys Hoskins bases-clearing double put an exclamation point on a five-run seventh inning in this 5-1 Phillies win.

What It Means:  I'm so hesitant to be optimistic about Velasquez's recent success, but maybe new pitching coach Caleb Cotham has finally figured him out?  And at some point, the team will need to determine what to do with Matt Moore, who Velasquez has replaced in the rotation at this point.

What Happened:  Velasquez pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing a home run and two singles while striking out seven.  The home run was to Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. in the sixth.  Blue Jays pitchers walked four Phillies batters in the seventh and they all eventually scored.  After Hoskins' big double, Alec Bohm added an RBI double of his own.  Bryce Harper reached base five times with a single, double and three walks.

Featured Card:  A hot Hoskins is a fun Hoskins to watch.  He's batting .333 (7 for 21) in his last five games with a double and five RBIs.  With the CDC now advising us it's OK to no longer wear masks, as long as you're fully vaccinated, I thought this was an appropriate card to post.  (And get vaccinated people!)

Transaction:  J.T. Realmuto (c) was activated from the Covid-related injured list and Enyel De Los Santos (rhp) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley.  Also Adam Haseley (of) has rejoined the organization and can spend at least 30 days on the team's restricted list while on rehab assignments.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #28 Thomson / Meacham / Dillon / Cotham CO

#59
Robert Lewis Thomson
Bench Coach

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'0"  Weight:  200
Opening Day Age:  57
Born:  August 16, 1963, Stratford, Ontario, Canada
Major League Teams:  N/A
As a Coach:  New York Yankees 2008-2017; Philadelphia Phillies 2018-

First Phillies Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue #59
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2018 Phillies Team Issue #59

Newest Card Added:  2019 Phillies Team Issue 2 #59

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

4 - Thomson baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/14/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Thomson
2018 Chachi #27
2019 Chachi #27
2019 Chachi Photo Night #10
2020 Chachi #32
2021 Chachi #28

* * *

#92
Robert Andrew Meacham
Coaching Assistant

Bats:  Switch  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  175
Opening Day Age:  60
Born:  August 25, 1960, Los Angeles, CA
Major League Teams:  New York Yankees 1983-1988
As a Coach:  Florida Marlins 2006; San Diego Padres 2007; New York Yankees 2008; Houston Astros 2010-2012; Philadelphia Phillies 2020-

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2009 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #31
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2009 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #31

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (6):  1984-1989

1 - Meacham baseball card in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/14/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Meacham
2020 Chachi #33
2021 Chachi #28

#33
Joseph William Dillon
Hitting Coach

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  225
Opening Day Age:  45
Born:  August 2, 1975, Modesto, CA
Major League Teams:  Florida Marlins 2005; Milwaukee Brewers 2007-2008; Tampa Bay Rays 2009
As a Coach:  Washington Nationals 2018-2019; Philadelphia Phillies 2020-

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  N/A

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

0 - Dillon baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/14/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Dillon
2020 Chachi #32
2021 Chachi #28

* * *

#65
Caleb Kent Cotham
Pitching Coach

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  215
Opening Day Age:  33
Born:  November 6, 1987, Mt. Juliet, TN
Major League Teams:  New York Yankees 2015; Cincinnati Reds 2016
As a Coach:  Cincinnati Reds 2019-2020; Philadelphia Phillies 2021

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  N/A

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2016-2017

0 - Cotham baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/14/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist - Cotham
2021 Chachi #28

The Phillies have a record-setting 12 coaches listed on their official roster for 2021, and I'm breaking the up into groups of four among three different coaches cards.  Rob Thomson is the only hold-over here from the Gabe Kapler era with both Bobby Meacham and Joe Dillon joining the club last season.  Caleb Cotham takes over the pitching coach duties this season from Bryan Price who departed after the shortened 2020 season.

Cotham is the team's fifth pitching coach in as many years following Bob McClure (2014-2017), Rick Kranitz (2018), Chris Young (2019) and Price (2020).  Cotham pitched in 12 games for the Yankees in 2015, who were managed by Joe Girardi at the time.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Phillies at Blue Jays: May 14th to May 16th

1986 Topps #736

1986 Topps #775

Friday and Saturday 7:37, Sunday 1:07
TD Ballpark - Dunedin, FL

At the Ballpark:  This looks to be a promotion-less series, as the Blue Jays continue to play their home games at their spring training home in Dunedin.  With travel restrictions to and from Canada in place, the Blue Jays will move their home games to Sahlen Field in Buffalo in June.

Phillies 20-18
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 1 1/2 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Vince Velasquez (1-0, 4.18)
Aaron Nola (3-2, 3.59)
Chase Anderson (2-3, 5.23)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  J.T. Realmuto - .314
Runs:  Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins - 24
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 8
RBIs:  Didi Gregorius - 22
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper and Roman Quinn - 4

Wins:  Four tied with - 3
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.85
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 56
Saves:  Hector Neris - 7

Blue Jays 20-16
Tied for 2nd Place in the A.L. East, 1 1/2 games behind the Red Sox

Blue Jays Probables
Steven Matz (5-2, 4.86)
TBD
Robbie Ray (1-1, 3.38)

Blue Jays Leaders
Average:  Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. - .307
Runs:  Bo Bichette - 31
Home Runs:  Three tied with - 8
RBIs:  Randal Grichuk - 28
Stolen Bases:  Bo Bichette and Marcus Semien - 6

Wins:  Steven Matz - 5
ERA:  Hyun Jin Ryu - 2.95

Strikeouts:  Robbie Ray - 39
Saves:  Rafael Dolis - 3

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 38 - 2021 Topps Now Road to Opening Day #OD-282 Scott Kingery

Nationals 5, Phillies 1
Game 38 - Thursday Afternoon, May 13th in Washington
Record - 20-18, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zach Eflin allowed two first inning home runs and the Phillies offense couldn't get going against Nationals starter Patrick Corbin in this 5-1 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies will have to try again for their first road series sweep since April 2018.  They flew to Florida following the game to open a weekend series against the Blue Jays in Dunedin.

What Happened:  Eflin recovered after a four-run first inning to allow just one more Nationals run over the rest of his five innings of work.  He struck out nine.  The sole Phillies run came on a double steal in the first, in which Andrew McCutchen stole home.  The Phillies offense had six hits and went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  With nothing much to celebrate about this latest Phillies loss, here's the recently arrived Topps Now Road to Opening Day card for Scott Kingery.  My team sets, ordered back in February, arrived yesterday from Topps.  Kingery's position on the card is listed as "UTL" for utility, and I don't believe I've ever seen that as a position designation on a card before this.  

The last time the Phillies completed a three-game road series sweep was April 15, 2018 against the Rays.  Kingery had three RBIs in that game with Aaron Altherr contributing a three-run home run.  These days, Kingery appears lost at that plate and he's just 1 for 14 (.071) so far this season after beginning the year in Lehigh Valley.  Altherr is in his second season with the NC Dinos of the Korean Baseball Organization and he's currently leading the Dinos with 11 home runs.  

Transaction:  J.T. Realmuto (c) was placed on the Covid-protocol injured list and Rafael Marchan (c) was recalled from Lehigh Valley.  Realmuto is not expected to miss significant time.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #27 Joe Girardi MG

#25
Joseph Elliott Girardi
Manager

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'11"  Weight:  195
Opening Day Age:  56
Born:  October 14, 1964, Peoria, IL
Contract Status:  Signed through 2022 with a club option for 2023
Major League Teams:  Chicago Cubs 1989-1992; Colorado Rockies 1994-1995; New York Yankees 1996-1999; Chicago Cubs 2000-2002; St. Louis Cardinals 2003
As a Coach:  New York Yankees 2005
As a Manager:  Florida Marlins 2006; New York Yankees 2008-2017; Philadelphia Phillies 2020-

First Phillies Card:  2019 Phillies Team Issue 2 Special Edition #25*
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2019 Phillies Team Issue 2 Special Edition #25

*Still looking for this card.  Girardi signed team issued photo cards at the Reading Fightin Phils' Baseballtown Winter Caravan event held on January 21, 2020.

Newest Card Added:  2020 Topps Allen & Ginter Field Generals #FG-6

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (16):  1990-1998, 2000-2003, 2008-2010

1 - Girardi baseball card in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/13/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2019 Chachi #69 - New Manager HL
2020 Chachi Preseason Photo Cards #25
2020 Chachi #31
2020 Chachi Fan Favorites #24
2021 Chachi #27

Girardi will have to wait a little while longer for his first mainstream Phillies baseball card, and for now his Chachi custom cards will have to suffice.  The 55th Phillies manager made his Topps flagship debut in 1990 after his rookie cards had appeared in the 1989 Donruss Rookies, Fleer, Score Rookie & Traded and Upper Deck sets.

His most recent baseball card can be found in the 2020 Topps Allen & Ginter Field Generals insert set.  Girardi also signed cards included in the 2020 Topps Archives Fan Favorites Autographs insert set.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 37 - 2019 Topps Allen & Ginter #246 Odubel Herrera

Phillies 5, Nationals 2 (10 Innings)
Game 37 - Wednesday Night, May 12th in Washington
Record - 20-17, 2nd Place, 1 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Odubel Herrera's game-tying home run in the ninth sent this game to extra innings and the Phillies plated three in the 10th to win, 5-2.

What It Means:  The Phillies are the first team in their division to win 20 games, yet they're still a game behind the Mets.  The Mets have played six less games and are 18-13.  This win gave the Phillies their first road series win since mid-September 2019, and a win this afternoon gives them the series sweep.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler went six strong innings for the Phillies but a lack of offense and shoddy outfield play saw him depart with the Nationals leading, 2-1.  The shoddy outfield play came courtesy of Herrera and Bryce Harper who let a ball drop in between them and then collided in the sixth, allowing the Nationals to take the lead.

In the 10th, and with Andrew McCutchen beginning the inning at second as the zombie runner, Harper singled to move McCutchen to third.  Clutch singles then followed from Rhys Hoskins, Nick Maton and Andrew Knapp to give the Phillies a somewhat comfortable three-run lead.  Hector Neris pitched a perfect bottom of the inning for his seventh save.

Featured Card:  Herrera's game-tying home run came off Nationals' closer Brad Hand with one out in the ninth.  In his first nine games of the season, Herrera was 2 for 24 (.083) and looked lost at that plate.  In his last seven games, including last night, Herrera is batting .375 (9 for 24) with two doubles and two home runs.  With Roman Quinn injured, Scott Kingery mired in a perpetual funk and Adam Haseley having stepped away from the game, it seems as if the center field position is once again Herrera's.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #26 Hector Neris

#50
Hector Neris
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  227
Opening Day Age:  31
Born:  June 14, 1989, Villa Altagracia, DR
How Obtained:  Signed by the Phillies as an amateur free agent, April 29, 2010
Contract Status:  Signed through 2021
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2014-

First Phillies Card:  2015 Topps Heritage #401
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2011 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #10
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue 2 #50

Newest Card Added:  2021 Topps #171

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (6):  2016-2021

35 - Neris baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/12/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2014 Chachi #59
2015 Chachi #35
2016 Chachi #23
2016 Chachi #71 - Leading Firemen - with Jeanmar Gomez and Michael Mariot
2016 Chachi Archives #11
2016 Chachi Photo Day #11
2016 Chachi Fan Appreciation Day #3
2017 Chachi #24
2017 Chachi Archives #5
2017 Chachi Photo Night #11
2017 Chachi Fan Favorites #23
2018 Chachi #25
2019 Chachi #21
2019 Chachi Phillies Phestival #11
2019 Chachi Friendly Encounters #17
2020 Chachi #28
2021 Chachi #26

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #25 Archie Bradley

#23
Archie N. Bradley
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  225
Opening Day Age:  28
Born:  August 10, 1992, Muskogee, OK
How Obtained:  Signed by the Phillies as a free agent formerly with the Cincinnati Reds, January 18, 2021
Contract Status:  Signed through 2021
Major League Teams:  Arizona Diamondbacks 2015-2020; Cincinnati Reds 2020; Philadelphia Phillies 2021

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2021 Topps Heritage #69

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (6):  2015, 2017-2021

2 - Bradley baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/12/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi New Additions #6

2021 Chachi #25

At the time of Archie Bradley's signing in January, it was thought he could fill the team's closer role in 2021.  While he's not taken Hector Neris' job away yet, Bradley could get a few save opportunities once he's activated from the injured list next week.  He'll began a rehab assignment with the IronPigs tonight and hopefully after a few appearances his injured left oblique is given the all clear.

Bradley saved a career high 32 games with the Diamondbacks in 2019.  Dealt to the Reds at the trade deadline in 2020, he has two mainstream baseball card appearances so far this year (Topps and Topps Heritage) both showing him with Cincinnati.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 36 - 2020 Topps Heritage #384 Chase Anderson

Phillies 6, Nationals 2
Game 36 - Tuesday Night, May 11th in Washington
Record - 19-17, 2nd Place, 1 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Chase Anderson turned in a strong outing and the Phillies benefitted from a few timely hits in this 6-2 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  The win ended a two-game losing streak and kept the Phillies a game behind the Mets for the division lead.  The Mets (17-13) have played six less games than the Phillies at this point.

What Happened:  Bryce Harper hit his seventh home run of the season in the first inning, and Rhys Hoskins drove in another run with a single in the third.  An Andrew McCutchen sacrifice fly scored Odubel Herrera, who had doubled to reach, giving the Phillies a 3-0 lead after four innings.

It could have gone downhill from there, especially after the Phillies loaded the bases in the sixth with no outs and couldn't plate a run.  The Nationals scored a pair of runs in the sixth to chase Anderson.  In the eighth, and in need of insurance runs, Alec Bohm doubled home Herrera and Andrew Knapp came through with a two-run, pinch-hit single to give the Phillies a 6-2 lead.  Hector Neris made the ninth inning interesting before securing the win.

Featured Card:  Anderson has pitched as expected as the team's fifth starter, typically going four or five strong innings before faltering.  Like most of the new additions to the Phillies in 2021, he's still waiting for his first Phillies baseball card.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Phillies at Nationals: May 11th to May 13th

2021 Chachi 1986 Topps Missing Links #10

1986 Topps #374

Tuesday and Wednesday 7:05, Thursday 1:05
Nationals Park - Washington, DC

At the Ballpark:  All fans will receive a Nationals World Series tote bag tonight and Wednesday is U.S. Navy Day at the ballpark.

Phillies 18-17
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 1 game behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Chase Anderson (1-3, 5.54)
Zack Wheeler (3-2, 2.83)
Zach Eflin (2-1, 3.38)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  J.T. Realmuto - .313
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 23
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 8
RBIs:  Didi Gregorius - 22
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 4

Wins:  Three tied with - 3
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.83
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 53
Saves:  Hector Neris - 6

Nationals 13-17
Tied for 4th Place in the N.L. East, 3 1/2 games behind the Mets

Nationals Probables
Erick Fedde (2-3, 5.27)
Jon Lester (0-1, 2.70)
Patrick Corbin (1-3, 7.36)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .308
Runs:  Josh Bell - 16
Home Runs:  Trea Turner - 7
RBIs:  Starlin Castro and Trea Turner - 14
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 7

Wins:  Six tied with - 2
ERA:  Max Scherzer - 2.33

Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 61
Saves:  Brad Hand - 3

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 35 - 2020 Topps Heritage #156 Ranger Suarez

Braves 6, Phillies 1
Game 35 - Sunday Night, May 9th in Atlanta
Record - 18-17, 2nd Place, 1 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Other than a lead-off home run from Andrew McCutchen, not much went right for the Phillies in this 6-1 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:  With both teams decked in pink in celebration of Mother's Day, the Phillies lost their second in a  row, somewhat diminishing the prior four-game sweep of the Brewers.  After a much-needed off day on Monday, they'll open a three-game series in Washington on Tuesday night.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola just didn't have it.  He labored through four innings, allowing five runs on five hits before yielding to the bullpen.  The offense couldn't come up with any clutch hits, going 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position as Braves' starter Huascar Ynoa kept them off-balance for six innings.

Featured Card:  Ranger Suarez made his season debut, pitching two shutout innings after relieving Nola.  It was Suarez's first appearance since last September and he was hit hard in his three appearances last year.  Suarez lost a significant chunk of time due to the coronavirus, and just wasn't the same last season, so it was nice to see him pitch well essentially for the first time since 2019.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #24 Jose Alvarado

#46
Jose Antonio Alvarado
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  245
Opening Day Age:  25
Born:  May 21, 1995, Maracaibo, Venezuela
How Obtained:  Acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-team trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers with the Dodgers receiving Garrett Cleavinger from the Phillies
Contract Status:  Arbitration eligible in 2022, free agency eligible in 2024
Major League Teams:  Tampa Bay Rays 2017-2020; Philadelphia Phillies 2021

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  N/A

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2017, 2019

0 - Alvarado baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/9/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi New Additions #4

2021 Chachi #24

A week after Sam Fuld was named the Phillies' new general manager, he and club president Dave Dombrowski executed the first transaction of their tenure, acquiring Jose Alvarado from the Rays in a three-team trade with the Dodgers.  Based on early results from the 2021 season, the deal seems to be a steal for the Phillies as Alvarado has pitched well (most of the time) in high-leverage situations.

Alvarado has not had many baseball card appearances to date, and his first appearance in a Topps flagship set came on a 2017 Topps Update Rookie Combos card.  Similar to a lot of new additions to the team for 2021, collectors are anxiously awaiting his first appearance on a Phillies baseball card.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 34 - 2017 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #9 Mark Appel

Braves 8, Phillies 7 (12 Innings)
Game 34 - Saturday Night, May 8th in Atlanta
Record - 18-16, Tied for 1st Place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies suffered a brutal 12th inning loss as the bullpen couldn't hold leads in the 9th, 11th and 12th innings.

What It Means:  The five game win streak is over, and hopefully the Phillies can take the series tonight with a Sunday Night Baseball victory.

What Happened:  The Phillies led 3-1 going into the bottom of the ninth inning.  Jean Segura had homered in the first, and Alec Bohm added an RBI-groundout.  In the second, Andrew McCutchen added an RBI single but then the Phillies offense completely shut down for the middle innings.

Hector Neris recorded two outs to start the ninth before a walk and a pinch-hit home run from Pablo Sandoval tied the game up.  In the 10th, Brandon Kintzler worked in and out of trouble with the Phillies once again taking a lead in the 11th on a Nick Maton RBI double.  In the bottom of the 11th, the Braves tied the score again when Didi Gregorius had a throwing error allowing Cristian Pache to score.

Finally, the Phillies took a 7-4 lead in the 12th on a pair of Braves errors and an RBI single from J.T. Realmuto.  In the nightmare bottom of the 12th, Enyel De Los Santos loaded the bases before surrendering a game-tying, bases clearing double to William Contreras, which was momentarily bobbled by left fielder McCutchen.  Matt Moore entered and allowed the game-winning single to Ehire Adrianza.

Featured Card:  The featured card for this game evolved as the game progressed, with Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez initially getting the nod for his strong start, allowing a run on two hits over 5 1/3 innings.  Then the card was going to be Maton for his clutch hit in the 11th, followed by Realmuto for his big hit in the 12th.  Neris, De Los Santos and Moore ruined those plans, so I'm going with a card for former #1 pick Mark Appel.

Appel came to the Phillies in the December 2015 Ken Giles trade with the Astros, and after a series of setbacks and injuries, he stepped away from the game in 2017.  Yesterday, he made his return to baseball, pitching 2 2/3 innings for the Reading Fightin Phils, allowing a run on three hits.  I'm rooting for Appel and I'm happy to see him back.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #23 Brandon Kintzler

#19
Brandon Lee Kintzler
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'10"  Weight:  196
Opening Day Age:  36
Born:  August 1, 1984, Las Vegas, NV
How Obtained:  Signed as a minor league free agent formerly with the Miami Marlins, February 10, 2021
Contract Status:  Signed through 2021
Major League Teams:  Milwaukee Brewers 2010-2015; Minnesota Twins 2016-2017; Washington Nationals 2018; Chicago Cubs 2018-2019; Miami Marlins 2020; Philadelphia Phillies 2021

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2021 Topps #31

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (5):  2011, 2014, 2018-2019, 2021

1 - Kintzler baseball card in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 5/6/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi #23

Veteran relief pitcher Brandon Kintzler is in his 12th season in the majors, having found his greatest success as an All-Star with the Twins in 2017.  He was sent to the Nationals that season at the trade deadline and ultimately set a career high with 29 saves.  He returned to the closer's role in 2020 with the Marlins, saving 12 games.  Kintzler, wanting to play for a winning team, opted to gamble on a minor league contract with the Phillies in February and the gamble has paid off (so far).

Kintzler's appearances in Topps flagship sets over the years have hopscotched around a bit, as 2018 and 2019 are the only two consecutive years he's had Topps base cards.  The sole card of his in my collection so far is his 2021 Topps series one card featuring him with the Marlins.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 33 - 2021 Topps Heritage #338 Jean Segura

Phillies 12, Braves 2
Game 33 - Friday Night, May 6th in Atlanta
Record - 18-15, 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense busted out with six first inning runs, enjoying their first easy win of the season, 12-2.

What It Means:  After not being able to put together consecutive wins since the first series of the season, the Phillies have now won five in a row.

What Happened:  Alec Bohm (RBI single), Jean Segura (two-run single) and Odubel Herrera (three-run home run) all had a hand in the big first inning, with Herrera connecting for his first extra-base hit of the season.  J.T. Realmuto added a two-run home run in the eighth.  Bryce Harper returned to the line-up after missing the entire Brewers series and went 2 for 5 with a double and a run scored.

Zach Eflin pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing two runs while striking out eight on the way to his second win of the season.

Featured Card:  With Harper, Segura also returned after missing 15 games with a quad injury.  He didn't miss a beat, going 4 for 5 in his return with a pair of RBIs, raising his season average to .369.

Transaction:  Segura (2b) was activated from the injured list with Mickey Moniak (of) sent back down to Lehigh Valley.  This was the third time Moniak has been up with the club for a short period.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Series Preview - Phillies at Braves: May 7th to May 9th

1986 Topps #246

1986 Topps #456

Friday and Saturday 7:20, Sunday 7:08
Truist Park - Atlanta, GA

At the Ballpark:  The first 15,000 fans on Friday night will receive a NAPA Auto Parts adjustable Braves hat.  Saturday is Teacher Appreciation Night and Sunday is Breast Cancer Awareness Day, coupled with MLB's annual Mother's Day celebration.

Phillies 17-15
1st Place in the N.L. East, 1 game ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Zach Eflin (1-1, 3.49)
Vince Velasquez (1-0, 4.91)
Aaron Nola (3-1, 2.89)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  J.T. Realmuto - .291
Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 21
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 8
RBIs:  Didi Gregorius - 22
Stolen Bases:  Roman Quinn - 4

Wins:  Three tied with - 3
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.83
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 49
Saves:  Hector Neris - 6

Braves 15-16
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 1 1/2 games behind the Phillies

Braves Probables
Charlie Morton (2-1, 5.08)
Ian Anderson (2-1, 3.27)
Huascar Ynoa (3-1, 2.36)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Ronald Acuna, Jr. - .324
Runs:  Ronald Acuna, Jr. - 29
Home Runs:  Ronald Acuna, Jr. - 10
RBIs:  Ronald Acuna, Jr. - 21
Stolen Bases:  Ronald Acuna, Jr. - 5

Wins:  Huascar Ynoa - 3
ERA:  Huascar Ynoa - 2.36

Strikeouts:  Charlie Morton - 39
Saves:  Will Smith - 7

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 32 - 2021 Topps Now #19 Zack Wheeler

Phillies 2, Brewers 0
Game 32 - Thursday Afternoon, May 6th in Philadelphia
Record - 17-15, 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler pitched a three-hit shutout and Alec Bohm homered in this 2-0 win against the Brewers.

What It Means:  This completed a four-game sweep against the Brewers and sent the Phillies on their flight to Atlanta in an extremely good mood.  The Phillies are on the road for their next nine games with three against the Braves, three with the Nationals and finally three against the Blue Jays in Dunedin, Florida.

What Happened:  Wheeler threw 118 pitches and struck out eight in his second career shutout, and his first since 2014.  The game was scoreless until Bohm homered in the seventh.  Rhys Hoskins provided an insurance home by doubling home Andrew McCutchen in the eighth.

Featured Card:  I have so many Bohm cards in my collection and so few Wheeler cards, but I need to give the nod to Wheeler here.  This is the Topps Now card he earned for his one-hitter against the Braves back on April 3rd.

Transaction:  JoJo Romero (lhp) was placed on the 10-day injured list with an elbow sprain and Ranger Suarez (lhp) was recalled.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist