Series Preview - Phillies at Padres: August 20th to August 22nd

2021 Chachi 1986 Topps Missing Links #7

1986 Topps #67

Friday 10:10, Saturday 8:40, Sunday 3:40
Petco Park - San Diego, CA

At the Ballpark:  On Saturday, all fans receive a nice-looking Padres backpack and on Sunday all kids receive their own Padres kids backpack.

Phillies 61-60
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Matt Moore (2-3, 6.07)
Aaron Nola (7-7, 4.48)
Kyle Gibson (2-2, 4.70)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Jean Segura - .299
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 69
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 24
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 68
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 10
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.77
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 194
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Padres 67-56
3rd Place in the N.L. West, 12 games behind the Dodgers

Padres Probables
Blake Snell (6-4, 4.80)
Joe Musgrove (8-8, 3.11)
TBD

Padres Leaders
Average:  Jake Cronenworth - .280
Runs:  Fernando Tatis - 83
Home Runs:  Fernando Tatis - 34
RBIs:  Manny Machado - 80
Stolen Bases:  Fernando Tatis - 23

Wins:  Joe Musgrove - 8
ERA:  Joe Musgrove - 3.11

Strikeouts:  Yu Darvish - 158
Saves:  Mark Melancon - 34

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

2021 Chachi #62 Adonis Medina

#77
Adonis Medina
Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  187
Opening Day Age:  24
Born:  December 18, 1996, Santo Domingo, DR
How Obtained:  Signed as an amateur free agent, May 29, 2014
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2020

First Phillies Card:  2017 Bowman Prospects #BP104
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2016 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #26
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2021 Topps Gypsy Queen #11

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (1):  2021

31 - Medina baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/16/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2020 Chachi #53

2021 Chachi #62

When Adonis Medina made his big league debut with the Phillies last September 20th, he became the first wearer of uniform #77 in team history.  Medina was recalled for just one game on August 14th and was optioned back to Lehigh Valley afterwards without getting to pitch.  Hopefully we'll see him actually pitch for the Phillies at some point in 2021.

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

Game 121 - 1976 Topps #168 Tom Hilgendorf

Diamondbacks 6, Phillies 2
Game 121 - Thursday Afternoon, August 19th in Phoenix
Record - 61-60, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Madison Bumgarner handcuffed the struggling Phillies offense for eight innings and Zack Wheeler was hit around a bit in this 6-2 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies were swept by the worst team in baseball.

What Happened:  Jean Segura doubled to start the game and the Phillies didn't collect another hit until Ronald Torreyes doubled to start the eighth.  They loaded the bases in the eighth, but got only one run out of it when Jean Segura, J.T. Realmuto and Bryce Harper were retired in order.  The Phillies again loaded the bases in the ninth, but Travis Jankowski struck out looking and Segura grounded out to short to end the game.  Wheeler gave up six runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings.  Eight runners were left on base and the team went 4 for 13 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  On Thursday afternoon, as the Phillies were sleepwalking towards another loss and as I was dealing with the latest work-related drama, news came out that Topps would be losing its baseball card license in favor of Fanatics, beginning in 2026.  I didn't like the news when it came out, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around what this means for my beloved hobby.  For me personally, it means I'll spend more of my disposable income on vintage cards, which is how I've been trending the last several years anyway.  I'll continue to buy Topps factory sets through 2025, and then I doubt I'll feel the need to start a new run of Fanatics flagship sets in 2026.  But who knows?

Is this good for the hobby or bad?  Much like Tom Hilgendorf here, I have no idea.  I'm sitting here staring off into the distance feeling a little confused, feeling a little cynical and feeling a little . . . old.  Hilgendorf and I will continue to ponder this in the coming months and years and if nothing else maybe this means we'll get to spend a little more time together, along with the other cards in my vintage baseball card binders.

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

Game 120 - 1965 Topps #184 John Boozer

Diamondbacks 4, Phillies 2
Game 120 - Late Wednesday Night, August 18th in Phoenix
Record - 61-59, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  For the second game in a row, the Phillies faded quietly into the late night, defeated 4-2 by the Diamondbacks, baseball's worst team.

What It Means:  The Phillies offense managed three hits Tuesday night, and four hits in this game.

What Happened:  With the offense dormant, Ranger Suarez had to be perfect.  He was not.  Suarez lasted into the fifth inning, allowing three runs on eight hits and four walks.  Diamondbacks' starting pitcher Humberto Castellanos baffled the Phillies line-up through 5 1/3 innings and added an RBI single of his own for good measure.  The Phillies' only two runs came on a passed ball in the first and an Odubel Herrera solo home run in the eighth.  They went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  I got nothing.  Here's a John Boozer card recently added to our 1965 Topps set that I plan on writing about at some point over the next few days.  You can follow along as we build this iconic set here.

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

2021 Chachi #61 David Paulino

#53
David Confesor Paulino
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'6"  Weight:  240
Opening Day Age:  27
Born:  February 6, 1994, Nizao, Dominican Republic
How Obtained:  Signed as a minor league free agent, January 18, 2021
Contract Status:  Signed through 2021
Major League Teams:  Houston Astros 2016-2017; Toronto Blue Jays 2018; Philadelphia Phillies 2021

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2021 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #23
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2021 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #23

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

1 - Paulino baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/16/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi #61

David Paulino was on the Phillies active roster for two games, and was designated for assingment on August 14th after pitching two innings for the club the night before.  Assuming he clears waivers and accepts a return to the IronPigs, we could see him again at some point this season if the Phillies need an additional bullpen arm.

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

Game 119 - 1995 Mellon Phillies #5 Gary Varsho

Diamondbacks 3, Phillies 2
Game 119 - Late Tuesday Night, August 17th in Phoenix
Record - 61-58, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Gibson and JD Hammer pitched effectively, but the Phillies offense remained jet lagged after the trip out west in this lifeless 3-2 loss.

What It Means:  No other team in baseball has lost more games than the Diamondbacks this season, and the Phillies line-up managed just three hits in this game.  Not great.

What Happened:  Gibson went six solid innings, allowing three runs on seven hits, and Hammer followed with two perfect innings while striking out four.  Bryce Harper homered for the Phillies in the third and the only other Phillies run scored on a wild pitch in the ninth.

Featured Card:  Diamondbacks catcher Daulton Varsho is the son of former Phillies player and coach Gary Varsho, and he's named after his Dad's one-time teammate Darren Daulton.  The elder Varsho appeared in 72 games for the Phillies in 1995, his final season in the majors.  He'd manage the Reading Phillies for several years before joining the big league coaching staff between 2002 and 2006.

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

2021 Chachi #60 Ian Kennedy

#31
Ian Patrick Kennedy
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'0"  Weight:  210
Opening Day Age:  36
Born:  December 19, 1984, Huntington Beach, CA
How Obtained:  Acquired from the Texas Rangers with Hans Crouse and Kyle Gibson for Josh Gessner, Kevin Gowdy and Spencer Howard, July 30, 2021
Contract Status:  Signed through 2021
Major League Teams:  New York Yankees 2007-2009; Arizona Diamondbacks 2010-2013; San Diego Padres 2013-2015; Kansas City Royals 2016-2020; Texas Rangers 2021; 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 #236

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (12):  2010-2021

3 - Kennedy baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/16/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi #60

Ian Kennedy has appeared in every Topps flagship set release (either base or Update) since 2010, which I find incredibly impressive. He was a 21-game winner for the Diamondbacks in 2011, and after converting to a closer he saved a career-high 30 games for the Royals in 2019.  Kennedy will get most of the Phillies' save opportunities down the stretch run.

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

Series Preview - Phillies at Diamondbacks: August 17th to August 19th

2021 Chachi 1986 Topps Missing Links #16

2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #11

Tuesday and Wednesday 9:40, Thursday 3:40
Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ

At the Ballpark:  There doesn't appear to be any promotions or giveaways for this series.  In a parallel universe, we're at this series and then traveling to San Diego for the Phillies-Padres series as well.  Our vacation schedules were changed numerous times because of the pandemic and this Phoenix to San Diego trip unfortunately won't be happening this year.

Phillies 61-57
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Kyle Gibson
Ranger Suarez
Zack Wheeler

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Jean Segura - .305
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 68
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 24
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 68
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 10
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.56
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 187
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Diamondbacks 38-81
5th Place in the N.L. West, 39 games behind the Giants

Diamondbacks Probables
TBD
TBD
Madison Bumgarner

Diamondbacks Leaders
Average:  Josh Rojas - .281
Runs:  Josh Rojas - 54
Home Runs:  Eduardo Escobar - 22
RBIs:  Eduardo Escobar - 65
Stolen Bases:  Nick Ahmed and Josh Rojas - 7

Wins:  Merrill Kelly - 7
ERA:  Merrill Kelly - 4.30

Strikeouts:  Merrill Kelly - 118
Saves:  Joakim Soria - 6

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

2021 Chachi #59 Kyle Gibson

#44
Kyle Benjamin Gibson
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'6"  Weight:  215
Opening Day Age:  33
Born:  October 23, 1987, Greenfield, IN
How Obtained:  Acquired from the Texas Rangers with Hans Crouse and Ian Kennedy for Josh Gessner, Kevin Gowdy and Spencer Howard, July 30, 2021
Contract Status:  Signed through 2022
Major League Teams:  Minnesota Twins 2013-2019; Texas Rangers 202-2021; 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 #224

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (6):  2013, 2015-2016, 2018-2020

1 - Gibson baseball card in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/16/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi #59

Kyle Gibson will hopefully solidify the Phillies starting pitching rotation for the remainder of the 2021 season and for all of 2022.  He's won at least 10 games in five different seasons with the Twins and Rangers, and Gibson was named to his first All-Star team this year.  He assumed his usual uniform number (#44) upon joining the Phillies and if outfielder Matt Vierling comes back up from the IronPigs this season, he'll need a new number.

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

Game 118 - 2019 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #10 Tyler Gilbert

Reds 7, Phillies 4
Game 118 - Sunday Afternoon, August 15th in Philadelphia
Record - 61-57, 2nd Place, 1 game behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola continued his inconsistent season, as he didn't make it out of the fifth inning in this 7-4 loss to the Reds.

What It Means:  The Phillies had Zack Wheeler, Matt Moore and Nola lined up to face the Reds in this series and wound up winning only the game started by Moore.  After an off-day Monday, they'll open a three-game set in Phoenix on Tuesday night.

What Happened:  Nola dug the Phillies into a 3-0 deficit over the first three innings.  He allowed six hits,  three walks and four runs while striking out four.  The Phillies got to within a run in the fifth when Bryce Harper walked with the bases loaded and Didi Gregorius followed with a sacrifice fly to make it 4-3.  But the Reds tacked on insurance runs against relievers Connor Brogdon and Hector Neris and the offense couldn't mount a comeback.  Only Odubel Herrera had a multi-hit game with three singles.

Featured Card:  On Saturday night, Tyler Gilbert made his first big league start for the Diamondbacks and threw the season's eighth no-hitter.  Gilbert was originally drafted by the Phillies in 2015 and he was traded to the Dodgers last February for outfielder Kyle Garlick.  The Dodgers left him unprotected in the rule 5 draft and the Diamondbacks took a chance on him.  I'm happy for Gilbert and I read a lot today about how the Phillies just never gave him a chance.

Transaction:  Chase Anderson (rhp) was activated from the injured list and Adonis Medina (rhp) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley after a one-game stay.

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

Game 117 - 2012 Topps #129 Matt Moore

Phillies 6, Reds 1
Game 117 - Saturday Afternoon, August 14th in Philadelphia
Record - 61-56, Tied for 1st Place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Matt Moore and Hector Neris combined for seven no-hit innings against the Reds and the Phillies used some clutch hitting to pull out a 6-1 victory.

What It Means:  A series win is in sight with the Sunday afternoon finale and Aaron Nola on the mound.

What Happened:  Moore, who has been hit hard recently and hasn't started since July 27th, threw six no-hit innings, walking only two in what could have been one of the best starts of his career.  Neris prolonged the no-hitter for an inning before Archie Bradley allowed a solo home run to Tyler Stephenson to begin the eighth.  

Ronald Torreyes homered in the first to start the scoring for the Phillies and J.T. Realmuto added an RBI-double in the sixth.  Insurance runs were added in the later innings via a Travis Jankowski RBI-single, a Bryce Harper RBI-triple with Harper then scoring on a head's up play when the shortstop lobbed the ball back to the pitcher's mound with no one covering home, and finally a solo home run from Andrew McCutchen.

Featured Card:  I've been fairly critical of Moore, but he turned in a pleasant surprise in this game with his nearly flawless performance.  Moore is a deserving candidate for a Phillies card in the Topps Update set, to be released later this year.

Transactions:  Bailey Falter (lhp) was activated from the Covid injured list and Adonis Medina (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley.  Mickey Moniak (of) was optioned back down while David Paulino (rhp) was designated for assignment.

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

Game 116 - 2021 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #23 David Paulino

Reds 6, Phillies 1
Game 116 - Friday Night, August 13th in Philadelphia
Record - 60-56, Tied for 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler didn't have his best stuff and the Phillies offense was baffled by Reds starter Tyler Mahle in this 6-1 loss.

What It Means:  It's going to be a stressful September unless the Phillies go on another long winning streak.

What Happened:  Wheeler admittedly didn't have it, allowing two big home runs to Joey Votto in the fourth, a three-run shot, and Nick Castellanos in the sixth.  Eugenio Suarez added a two-run home run in the ninth off Phillies' reliever David Paulino to put the game out of reach.  The Phillies had only five hits, including an RBI double from Didi Gregorius in the ninth.

Featured Card:  Paulino got roughed up in his return to the majors, allowing the Suarez home run and giving up three hits overall.  It was the pitcher's first appearance in a big league game since September 29, 2018 when he was pitching for the Blue Jays.  His Phillies tenure may be limited to just this one appearance as Paulino was designated for assignment on Sunday.

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

2010 Topps Phillies Team Set

#134 Team Card

#372 Ryan Howard / Cole Hamels FH

#42 Ryan Howard LL

#206 Ryan Howard LL

#188 Joe Blanton

#154 Pedro Feliz

#630 Ben Francisco

#70 Cole Hamels

#89 J.A. Happ

#424 David Herndon

#590 Ryan Howard

#486 Raul Ibanez

#474 Kyle Kendrick

#132 Cliff Lee

#500 Brad Lidge

#655 Ryan Mason

#403 Jimmy Rollins

#122 Carlos Ruiz

#300 Chase Utley

#23 Shane Victorino

#334 Jayson Werth

Update

#US-30 Roy Halladay AS

#US-265 Ryan Howard AS

#US-318 Domonic Brown

#US-100 Roy Halladay

#US-95 Jamie Moyer

#US-21 Roy Oswalt

#US-245 Placido Polanco

2009 Topps Phillies Team Set / 2011 Topps Phillies Team Set

Series Preview - Reds at Phillies: August 13th to August 15th

1986 Topps #1

1986 Topps #200

Friday 7:05, Saturday 4:05, Sunday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  On Friday and Saturday nights, the Phillies are hosting COVID-19 Vaccination Awareness Nights.  Fans are able to get a free one-shot Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine (must be at least 18 years of age) or first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine (must be at least 12 years of age) at the Suite level near the West VIP Elevator lobby.

On Saturday, all kids will receive a Bryce Harper t-shirt and on Sunday, fans 15 and over will receive a Phillies sustainable water bottle. 

Reds 62-54
2nd Place in the N.L. Central, 8 games behind the Brewers

Reds Probables
Tyler Mahle (9-3, 3.78)
Luis Castillo (6-11, 4.53)
Sonny Gray (4-6, 4.40)

Reds Leaders
Average:  Nick Castellanos - .319
Runs:  Jesse Winker - 77
Home Runs:  Joey Votto - 25
RBIs:  Joey Votto - 72
Stolen Bases:  Jonathan India - 8

Wins:  Tyler Mahle and Wade Miley - 9
ERA:  Wade Miley - 3.00

Strikeouts:  Tyler Mahle - 148
Saves:  Heath Hembree - 8

Phillies 60-55
1st Place in the N.L. East, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (10-6, 2.42)
TBD
Aaron Nola (7-6, 4.35)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Jean Segura - .313
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 67
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 24
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 68
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 10
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.42
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 181
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

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

Game 115 - Introducing the 2022 Chachi Set Design

Phillies 2, Dodgers 1
Game 115 - Thursday Afternoon, August 12th in Philadelphia
Record - 60-55, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez and four Phillies relievers somehow combined to shut down the Dodgers in this 2-1 series finale win.

What It Means:  The Phillies maintain a slim lead in the East and they'll open a three-game series against the Reds on Friday night.

What Happened:  Suarez is slowly getting stretched out and he threw 4 1/3 innings and 82 pitches in this game, allowing a run on three hits.  Archie Bradley picked up the win with two perfect innings of work and Ian Kennedy battled the Dodgers and the home plate umpire to pick up his third Phillies save.  Bryce Harper hit a solo home run in the first and Ronald Torreyes had a clutch two-out single in the fourth to deliver the eventual winning run.

Featured Cards:  Earlier than ever, Topps released its first look at its 2022 flagship design back on July 15th.  Over the past several years, I've tried to reveal the design I'll be using for the next year's Chachi set a day or two after Topps' big announcement, but this year work and a family vacation put me behind schedule.  But now, I'm happy to announce my Chachi custom baseball card set will be heading to the 2000s for the first time in 2022, paying tribute to the underrated (in my opinion) 2000 set.  I hinted at my leaning towards the 2000 set in last year's announcement post, and in the end it came down to that design or the designs for the 1972, 1984 or 1987 Topps sets.

I wanted to put some distance between using the 1972 design and this year's Topps Heritage set, as well as the 1987 design and Topps paying tribute to that set with its own 2022 insert releases.  The 1984 set's design would be easy enough to replicate but finding two photos of some of the players could pose a challenge.  So in the end, the 2000 Topps set won out and I'm excited to take this step into the future . . . relatively speaking.

Here's a look at potential future Chachi set candidates, and I'm getting close to the point where I'll run out of 1970s and 1980s Topps designs to use:

1965 - My favorite Topps design from the 1960s and the subject of this other blog of mine.
1972 - The only set design from the 1970s I've not used yet.  Will 2023 finally be the year for this groovy set?
1984, 1987, 1989 - Or will 2023 be the year I tackle the two-photo challenge of the 1984 set.
2001, 2006, 2008 - Over the past few years, I've really come to appreciate the designs of the 2006 and 2008 sets.
Other Future Candidates - 1981 Donruss, 1981 Fleer, 1982 Donruss, 1983 Fleer, 1985 Fleer, 1987 Donruss

For a complete visual summary of past years' Chachi sets, please see here.

Memory Lane
2014 Chachi Preview #1 (8/8/13)
2015 Chachi Preview #1 (8/15/14)
2016 Chachi Preview #1 (8/11/15)
2017 Chachi Preview #1 (8/10/16)
2018 Chachi Preview #1 (8/7/17)
2019 Chachi Preview #1 (8/20/18)
2020 Chachi Preview #1 (8/2/19)
2021 Chachi Preview #1 (8/7/20)

2022 Chachi Preview #1 (8/13/21)

Transactions:  David Paulino (rhp), who last pitched in the majors in 2018, had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley and Nick Maton (inf) was optioned back down.  Sam Coonrod (rhp) was moved to the 60-day injured list to open up a spot on the 40-man roster for Paulino.

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

Game 114 - 2019 R-Phils Phillies Top 25 Prospects #3 Daniel Brito

Dodgers 8, Phillies 2
Game 114 - Wednesday Night, August 11th in Philadelphia
Record - 59-55, Tied for 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Shoddy defense from Alec Bohm, including a costly error in the seventh, contributed to this 8-2 Dodgers win.

What It Means:  The Phillies will try to salvage the series (they did) in the Thursday afternoon finale.

What Happened:  With a rain delay expected, Connor Brogdon was the surprise starter and he was followed by Hector Neris.  Following an hour long rain delay, Kyle Gibson entered the game and pitched decently, but was the victim of bad defense.  Gibson went 4 1/3 innings, allowing six runs (three earned) on six hits and three walks.  Both Phillies runs scored in the fourth on a Ronald Torreyes two-run single.

Featured Card:  I wanted to send best wishes to Daniel Brito, a top infield prospect for the Phillies and a Phillies Room Favorite who collapsed during the IronPigs' game on July 31st.  The Phillies and all their minor league affiliates were photographed wearing "Brito Strong" shirts recently.  He's still hospitalized according to recent reports and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Transactions:  Andrew McCutchen (of) and Brogdon (rhp) were both activated from the injured list.  Jose Alvarado (lhp) was placed on the injured list with a left shoulder issue.  Damon Jones (lhp) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley.  Jones had a rough big league debut on Tuesday night, recording one out, but then allowing a single and two walks to load the bases before being relieved by Mauricio Llovera.

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

Game 112 - 2010 Chachi #37 Roy Halladay HL

Phillies 3, Mets 0
Game 112 - Sunday Afternoon, August 8th in Philadelphia
Record - 59-53, 1st Place, 2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  On the day the Phillies officially retired Roy Halladay's #34, Zack Wheeler was brilliant, pitching a complete game shutout to complete the three-game sweep of the Mets.

What It Means:  So far, and I hope there's more to come, this was the high point of the season.

What Happened:  Wheeler was fantastic.  It was his 34th start with the Phillies, corresponding to Halladay's uniform number.  And per a Matt Gelb Tweet, Wheeler became the first Phillies pitcher to retire 22 consecutive batters in a start since May 29, 2010 - Halladay's perfect game.  Wheeler allowed just two hits (both to Brandon Nimmo) and struck out 11 in his gem.  Once again, all Phillies runs came from solo home runs with Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto homering in the first and Bryce Harper adding his 20th home run of the season in the sixth.

Featured Card:  I'm sure Wheeler won't mind my going with a Halladay card here, and this is the card I created 11 years ago to mark Halladay's perfect game.  We again got to watch most of this game from our room at Disney's Riviera Resort.  What a great day!

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