Game 139 - 1981 Topps #3 RBI Leaders - Cooper & Schmidt

Brewers 4, Phillies 3
Game 139 - Wednesday Night, September 8th in Milwaukee
Record - 71-68, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Gibson, the Phillies offense (with the exception of Bryce Harper) and Connor Brogdon all had off nights, leading to this 4-3 loss in Milwaukee.

What It Means:  I guess things could be worse?  As Jim Salisbury Tweeted, the Phillies went 5-4 on this road trip, picking up two games on the Braves in the division.  The Braves have lost 9 of 14, and the Phillies play 14 of their next 17 games at home, where they are 11 games over .500 for the year.

What Happened:  Gibson threw 103 pitches in 4 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits.  Brogdon gave up a sixth inning home run to Eduardo Escobar in the sixth, allowing the Brewers to take a 4-3 lead.  Harper hit his 29th home run of the year in the first and then would walk with the bases loaded in the third.  The Phillies had a chance to do some damage in the third as they loaded the bases with no outs.  Jean Segura popped out to second, Harper walked and J.T. Realmuto barely avoided grounding into a double play, scoring the team's third run.  Didi Gregorius struck out looking to end the threat.

Featured Card:  I'm posting this card solely to state my appreciation for the Brewers' current home uniforms, which are some of the best in baseball and reflect an updated version of their classic uniforms from the '70s and '80s.

Transaction:  Zach Eflin (rhp) was moved from the Covid injured list to the 60-day injured list, and he'll undergo right knee surgery.  Eflin is expected to miss six to eight months, which is a major blow to the team's 2022 plans.

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

Game 138 - 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter #215 Aaron Nola

Brewers 10, Phillies 0
Game 138 - Tuesday Night, September 7th in Milwaukee
Record - 71-67, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A day after the Phillies buried the Brewers, the Brewers returned the favor in this 10-0 thrashing.

What It Means:  The Braves won their game, dropping the Phillies 2 1/2 games behind them for first place in the division.  The Phillies are two games behind in the second wild card race, still trailing the Reds and Padres.

What Happened:  The Phillies pitching wasn't great, but the offense wasn't much better.  The Phillies had five singles against Eric Lauer and a pair of Milwaukee relievers.  Nola went five innings, giving up three runs in the third on a few softly hit balls and a misplay by shortstop Freddy Galvis.  Ramon Rosso, Cam Bedrosian and Enyel De Los Santos combined to pitch three innings, allowing seven runs on six hits.

Featured Card:  Nola struck out his 1,000th batter, becoming the 37th Phillies pitcher to reach that mark. His season has deviated from dazzling to bad to mediocre.  As Matt Gelb Tweeted, Nola's season ERA is 4.57, which ranks 53rd among 67 pitchers with at least 120 innings pitched.

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

Game 137 - 2021 Topps Gypsy Queen #199 Jean Segura

Phillies 12, Brewers 0
Game 137 - Monday Afternoon, September 6th in Milwaukee
Record - 71-66, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  After struggling to put together any kind of offense against the lowly Marlins, the Phillies battered the first place Brewers with 16 hits and six home runs in this 12-0 win.

What It Means:  I had to labor on Labor Day, but the Phillies at least provided an enjoyable matinee and a great start to an important Brewers series.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler (six innings), Hector Neris (one innings) and Matt Moore (two innings) combined for the six-hit shutout.  Neris recorded his 500th career strikeout, putting him 19 behind Ron Reed on the team's all-time list for strikeouts from a relief pitcher.  That's pretty impressive.  The Phillies took the early lead in the first inning when Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run.  Freddy Galvis added a solo home run in the second.  Also homering were Brad Miller (twice), Andrew McCutchen and Jean Segura, whose eighth inning grand slam put the game out of reach.

Featured Card:  The slam was the first in Segura's career.  Nice job here of Topps going with the "second baseman / third baseman" position on Segura's Gypsy Queen card.  I thought it was a mistake, and I had forgotten Segura played 24 games last season at third, while playing 32 games at second.

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

Series Preview - Phillies at Brewers: September 6th to September 8th

1986 Topps #183

1986 Topps Traded #87T

Monday 2:10, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:40
American Family Field - Milwaukee, WI

At the Ballpark:  There are no giveaways and only a few ticket promotions for this series, and I'm hoping for a series win here.

Phillies 70-66
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (11-9, 3.01)
Aaron Nola (7-7, 4.54)
Kyle Gibson (4-3, 4.46)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .301
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 81
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper and Rhys Hoskins - 27
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.01
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 208
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Brewers 84-54
1st Place in the N.L. Central, 11 games ahead of the Reds

Brewers Probables
Brandon Woodruff (9-7, 2.35)
Eric Lauer (4-5, 3.43)
Freddy Peralta (9-4, 2.70)

Brewers Leaders
Average:  Avisail Garcia - .267
Runs:  Luis Urias - 67
Home Runs:  Avisail Garcia - 24
RBIs:  Avisail Garcia - 77
Stolen Bases:  Lorenzo Cain - 11

Wins:  Brent Suter - 12
ERA:  Brandon Woodruff - 2.35

Strikeouts:  Corbin Burnes - 196
Saves:  Josh Hader - 29

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

Game 136 - 2012 Topps Heritage #7 N.L. Pitching Leaders

Phillies 4, Marlins 3 (10 Innings)
Game 136 - Sunday Afternoon, September 5th in Miami
Record - 70-66, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies escaped Miami with a win, needing 10 innings and a clutch performance by the entire bullpen in the process.

What It Means:  The first place Brewers are up next with a three-game set in Milwaukee.  The Brewers hold a comfortable lead in the N.L. Central and are coming off a two-game winning streak.

What Happened:  This was a bullpen game as designed by manager Joe Girardi, and Sam Coonrod served as the opener.  Coonrod and Bailey Falter each allowed a run and a hit and the Marlins were held scoreless until a costly Brad Miller error in the sixth led to an unearned run, tying the score at 3-3.  The Phillies scored their first three runs via a solo home run from Bryce Harper in the fourth (his 27th) followed shortly by a two-run home run from Freddy Galvis.

In the 10th, and with two outs, Odubel Herrera singled home ghost-runner Galvis with the ultimate winning run.

Featured Card:  Ian Kennedy picked up the win with two scoreless (and perfect) innings that included four strikeouts.  His recent baseball card appearances are somewhat rare, although he did appear in the first series Topps flagship release from earlier this year.  The first cards of his in my Phillies collection came way back in 2012 when he shared a few League Leaders cards with Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee in the 2012 Topps and 2012 Topps Heritage sets.

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

Game 135 - 1934-36 Diamond Stars #57 "Cy" Blanton

Marlins 3, Phillies 2
Game 135 - Saturday Night, September 4th in Miami
Record - 69-66, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies held a slim 2-0 lead until Archie Bradley imploded in the eighth inning, and the Marlins shocked the Phillies (and their fans) with a 3-2 win.

What It Means:  These games are so not fun to watch.  Not fun at all.  As Matt Gelb Tweeted earlier today, the Marlins are 19-11 (.633) at home against the Phillies since 2018, and they're 95-130 (.422) at home against every other team.

What Happened:  Andrew McCutchen homered and Ranger Suarez delivered a surprise RBI-double in the fourth inning to give the Phillies their 2-0 lead.  Suarez inexplicably exited after five dominant innings along with only 71 pitches thrown and yielded to the bullpen.  Hector Neris and Connor Brogdon did their jobs, but Bradley allowed a lead-off double, an RBI-single by Miguel Rojas and a two-run home run from Lewis Brinson.  The Phillies offense went quietly in the top of the ninth and the game went into the loss column.

Featured Card:  I've got nothing for this game.  I've been thoroughly enjoying collecting cards from the 1934-36 Diamond Stars set and writing about each of the cards and the players featured on my other other other blog celebrating the cards found in the 1934-36 Diamond Stars set.  I'll plug that blog here with a card of former Phillies pitcher Cy Blanton who was the team's opening day starting pitcher in 1941.

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

Game 134 - 1992 ALS Phillies Phestival Steve Bedrosian

Marlins 10, Phillies 3
Game 134 - Friday Night, September 3rd in Miami
Record - 69-65, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A nightmare sixth inning, in which the Marlins scored seven times, doomed the Phillies in this 10-3 loss.

What It Means:  The Braves and Reds both also lost, so no ground was gained by the Phillies in the hunt for a postseason spot.

What Happened:  The Phillies battled back to tie the game at 3-3 in the top of the sixth on an RBI double from Matt Vierling.  Vierling had delivered an RBI triple in the second and Freddy Galvis homered to start the game.  In nine games so far, Vierling is batting .529 (9 for 17) with two doubles and a triple.  Kyle Gibson suffered his first shaky outing with the Phillies, allowing eight runs on eight hits.  Reliever JD Hammer allowed all three inherited runners from Gibson to score, along with two more runs of his own.  Galvis added a crucial error in the sixth that prolonged the inning and contributed to the Marlins' run deluge.

Featured Card:  In the eighth inning, reliever Cam Bedrosian made his Phillies debut, pitching a perfect inning with one strikeout.  He and his father Steve joined two other father-son combinations to have played for the Phillies - Ruben Amaro and Ruben Amaro, Jr., along with Mark Leiter and Mark Leiter, Jr.  Bedrosian made his debut in 2014 and spent seven seasons with the Angels.  The Phillies are his third team of 2021, as he pitched earlier in the season with the Reds and Athletics.

Transactions:  Didi Gregorius (ss) and Travis Jankowski (of) returned from paternity leave.  Nick Maton (inf) and Jorge Bonifacio (of) went back to Lehigh Valley.

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

Game 133 - 2021 Stadium Club #62 Andrew McCutchen

Phillies 7, Nationals 6
Game 133 - Thursday Afternoon, September 2nd in Washington
Record - 69-64, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies overcame a 6-0 deficit to win this game, 7-6, making it six games in a row and putting them just two games behind the Braves.

What It Means:  Following a damaging day of wind and rain from Hurricane Ida, the Phillies completed a three-game sweep of the Nationals and made their way to Miami for a weekend series.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola and Bailey Falter combined to allow six runs on eight hits through the first 4 2/3 innings.  The Phillies bullpen then settled in and kept the Nationals scoreless for the rest of the game.  Sam Coonrod picked up the win while Ian Kennedy recorded his sixth save with the Phillies.

Andrew McCutchen cleared the bases with a double to left in the top of the sixth.  He singled in the top of the eighth to improve the score to 6-4.  Two ground balls (from Nick Maton and Odubel Herrera) and a costly error from Nationals second baseman Luis Garcia gave the Phillies an improbable 7-6 lead in the eighth.

Featured Card:  Here's hoping McCutchen gets red hot down the stretch.  He went 2 for 5 in this game with four huge RBIs.

Transactions:  Active rosters expanded to 28 players on September 1st, and the Phillies added a pair of relievers.  Cam Bedrosian (rhp) and Ramon Rosso (rhp) had their contracts selected from Lehigh Valley.  Didi Gregorius (ss) was moved to the restricted list to extend his paternity leave by a day.  Rhys Hoskins (1b) was moved to the 60-day injured list.  Seranthony Dominguez (rhp) was activated from the injured list and optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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

Series Preview - Phillies at Marlins: September 3rd to September 5th

1986 Topps #392

2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #13

Friday 7:10, Saturday 6:10 and Sunday 1:10
loanDepot park - Miami, FL

At the Ballpark:  On Sunday, the first 5,000 kids will receive a Marlins 2021-2022 Player Calendar for Kids.

Phillies 69-64
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Kyle Gibson (4-2, 3.16)
Ranger Suarez (6-4, 1.48)
Zack Wheeler (11-9, 3.01)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .305
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 80
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 27
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.01
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 208
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Marlins 55-79
5th Place in the N.L. East, 16 1/2 games behind the Braves

Marlins Probables
Jesus Luzardo (3-3, 7.62)
Trevor Rogers (7-6, 2.45)
Elieser Hernandez (1-1, 3.62)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Miguel Rojas - .269
Runs:  Miguel Rojas - 59
Home Runs:  Jesus Aguilar and Adam Duvall - 22
RBIs:  Jesus Aguilar - 93
Stolen Bases:  Starling Marte - 22

Wins:  Sandy Alcantara - 8
ERA:  Sandy Alcantara - 3.36
Strikeouts:  Sandy Alcantara - 164
Saves:  Yimi Garcia - 15

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

Game 132 - 2021 Choice Reading Fightin Phils #34 Matt Vierling

Phillies 12, Nationals 6
Game 132 - Tuesday Night, August 31st in Washington
Record - 68-64, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies unloaded on the Nationals, scoring 12 runs on 18 hits as they won their fifth game in a row.

What It Means:  Unbelievably, the Phillies have scored seven or more runs in six consecutive games, which is their longest streak with that kind of run production since June 1933.  (h/t Todd Zolecki Tweet)

What Happened:  The runs were needed after another shaky start from Matt Moore, who allowed five runs on six hits over 3 1/3 innings of work.  Bailey Falter picked up the win 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.  Andrew McCutchen, Rafael Marchan and Brad Miller all homered for the Phillies.  Bryce Harper had three hits to raise his average to .306 and Matt Vierling, who until a short while ago had never played first base, got the start at first and collected four hits.

Featured Card:  Vierling began the season playing for the Double-A Reading Fightin Phils, and his only 2021 baseball card to date can be found in the Fightin Phils (first) team set.  Vierling wore #44 when he was first up with the club in June and July, but Kyle Gibson took that number after he was acquired from the Rangers on July 30th.  Vierling is now wearing #19, worn by reliever Brandon Kintzler up until his release in late July.

Transaction:  Vierling (of) was recalled when Travis Jankowski (of) was placed on the paternity list.

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

Game 131 - 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter #44 Bryce Harper

Phillies 7, Nationals 4
Game 131 - Monday Night, August 30th in Washington
Record - 67-64, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies and Zack Wheeler powered through in Washington for a 7-4 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  The Braves lost in Los Angeles, so the Phillies are 3 1/2 games behind them for the division lead.  They're three back in the second wild card race with the Reds, Padres and Cardinals all in front of them.

What Happened:  Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run in the first inning, his 26th, to start the scoring for the Phillies.  Ronald Torreyes had a huge three-run triple in the third to give the Phillies a 6-2 lead.  Brad Miller added an insurance run with a solo home run in the fifth, and Miller had a three-hit game.

Wheeler didn't have his best stuff, but he battled through six innings, allowing four runs on five hits.  Connor Brogdon, Archie Bradly and Jose Alvarado held the Nationals scoreless over the final three innings with Alvarado delivering his fifth save.

Featured Card:  Harper continues to carry the offense and his 1.008 OPS currently leads the majors ahead of Fernando Tatis, Jr. (1.007) and Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. (1.006).  If the Phillies are able to squeak into the postseason, Harper should deservedly get some MVP consideration.  And if he continues his hot hitting into September, he should hopefully be the frontrunner for the award.

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

2021 Chachi #64 Freddy Galvis

#8
Freddy Jose Galvis
Infield

Bats:  Both  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'10"  Weight:  190
Opening Day Age:  31
Born:  November 14, 1989, Punto Fijo, Venezuela
How Obtained:  Acquired from the Baltimore Orioles for Tyler Burch, July 30, 2021
Contract Status:  Signed through 2021
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2012-2017; San Diego Padres 2018; Toronto Blue Jays 2019; Cincinnati Reds 2019-2020; Baltimore Orioles 2021; Philadelphia Phillies 2021

First Phillies Card:  2009 Bowman Chrome Prospects #BCP149
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2007 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #8
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2012 Phillies Team Issue First Edition #13

Newest Card Added:  2021 Topps Heritage #283

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (8):  2014-2021

51 - Galvis baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 8/29/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2011 Chachi Almost #4
2012 Chachi #8
2013 Chachi #11
2013 Chachi #39 HL - Walk-Off HR
2014 Chachi #35
2015 Chachi #8
2016 Chachi Preview #5
2016 Chachi #8
2016 Chachi #66 RBI Leaders
2016 Chachi Archives #13
2016 Chachi Photo Day #15
2017 Chachi Preview #5
2017 Chachi #8
2017 Chachi #34 HL - 1st Inning Explosion
2017 Chachi Archives #7
2017 Chachi Photo Night #17
2018 Chachi Preview #1
2018 Chachi Departures #4

2018 Chachi Fan Favorites #4
2018 Chachi Ballpark Visits #6
2019 Chachi Ex-Phillies #4
2021 Chachi #64

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

Series Preview - Phillies at Nationals: August 30th to September 1st

1986 Topps #466

2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #12

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

At the Ballpark:  On Tuesday night, the Nationals are hosting a Pups in the Park event.

Phillies 66-64
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (10-9, 2.90)
Matt Moore (2-4, 6.12)
Aaron Nola (7-7, 4.30)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .301
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 76
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 27
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 10
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.90
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 204
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Nationals 55-74
4th Place in the N.L. East, 15 games behind the Braves

Nationals Probables
Josiah Gray (0-1, 2.89)
Patrick Corbin (7-13, 6.09)
Paolo Espino (4-4, 4.13)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .322
Runs:  Juan Soto - 86
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 25
RBIs:  Josh Bell - 73
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 21

Wins:  Max Scherzer - 8
ERA:  Patrick Corbin - 6.09

Strikeouts:  Max Scherzer - 147
Saves:  Brad Hand - 21

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

Game 130 - 2021 Chachi Photo Cards #8 Freddy Galvis

Phillies 7, Diamondbacks 4
Game 130 - Sunday Afternoon, August 29th in Philadelphia
Record - 66-64, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The bullpen made this a closer game than it needed to be, but the Phillies hung on to defeat the Diamondbacks, 7-4.

What It Means:  The Phillies will open a three-game series in Washington on Monday night.  The first place Braves will play three in Los Angeles.  The Phillies have 32 games remaining while the Braves have 33.  IF the Braves go 17-16 the rest of the way, the Phillies will need to go 22-10 to finish with one more win than them.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez turned in another solid performance, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing a run on five hits.  Connor Brogdon and Archie Bradley struggled, allowing the Diamondbacks to pull to within a 5-4 score after eight innings.  But the Phillies received back-to-back triples in the bottom of the eighth from Rafael Marchan and Travis Jankowski to add a few much needed insurance runs.

Jean Segura, Bryce Harper and Marchan all enjoyed multi-hit days.  Freddy Galvis hit a sacrifice fly in the first and added a two-run single in the fifth to give the Phillies a seemingly comfortable 5-1 lead at the time.

Featured Card:  Barring an unexpected development, for the second year in a row, there will be no team-issued Phillies photo card sets.  This is very disappointing to other Phillies collectors and me, as these photo card sets have been produced every season going back to the mid-1950s.  The Phillies began making complete sets available either via stadium giveaway or for purchase at The Vet in the mid-1980s, and prior to that most players received photo cards to use for autograph requests or for the team to simply hand out to fans.  I've spent quite a bit of time cataloguing all these sets, with an index to be found here.

The absence of the set last year made complete sense.  With no fans in the stands, there was really no need to produce extra merchandise.  I was hoping the photo card sets would return this year, especially when the ballpark returned to full capacity, but I imagine certain cost-cutting measures are still in place and the Phillies deemed the time and cost of producing a set to be greater than the benefit.  This is a shame.  But in an effort to fill the gaping holes in my annual Phillies baseball card binder, I took it upon myself to create a set of photo cards in 2020 and I just started work on this year's self-created set as well.  I'm happy with my finished product, but I'll be even happier if the Phillies start producing these sets again in 2022.

Transaction:  Didi Gregorius (ss) was placed on the paternity list and Nick Maton (inf) was recalled from Lehigh Valley.

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

Game 129 - At Last - An Enjoyable Phillies Game!

Phillies 7, Diamondbacks 0
Game 129 - Saturday Night, August 28th in Philadelphia
Record - 65-64, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  At long last, the Phillies won easily agains the Diamondbacks as Kyle Gibson threw six shutout innings.

What It Means:  An enjoyable Phillies game?  I had forgotten what that was like!

What Happened:  Gibson, Jose Alvarado, Hector Neris and Sam Coonrod combined for the shutout with Gibson leading the way by allowing only three hits.  The Phillies offense showed some life with back-to-back home runs from Odubel Herrera and Jean Segura in the third.  Segura had three hits on the night.  Didi Gregorius had a big night at the plate with three doubles.

Featured Card:  While we wait for a Gibson Phillies card, I'll indulge myself with a custom card featuring the foul ball given to our youngest son Ben at this game.  In the bottom of the first inning, with Herrera on second following a lead-off double, Segura was facing Diamondbacks' starting pitcher Humberto Mejia and bunted a ball foul up and over the net behind home plate and into Section C of the Diamond Club, row 16.  We happened to be sitting in row 17 for this game, and the kind fan who picked up the ball immediately handed it to Ben who was admittedly shaken by the near beaning.  For the record, Ben graciously later handed the ball over to his older brother Doug for safe-keeping and Doug now aims to get Segura to eventually sign the ball.

Field Report:  The foul ball was the highlight, but Doug added one pre-game autograph to his collection from catcher Rafael Marchan.

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

Game 128 - 2021 Topps Now #575 Brad Miller

Phillies 7, Diamondbacks 6 (11 Innings)
Game 128 - Friday Night, August 27th in Philadelphia
Record - 64-64, 2nd Place, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Despite a record-setting 26th blown save by the bullpen (courtesy of Ian Kennedy) the Phillies willed their way to this win with a few extra inning clutch hits.

What It Means:  Hopefully this is the start of another winning streak?

What Happened:  Aaron Nola went 5 1/3 innings and he left with a runner on third and the Phillies holding a slim 2-1 lead, thanks to a two-run home run from Bryce Harper in the third.  Connor Brogdon entered the game and a quick sacrifice fly tied the score at 2-2.  J.T. Realmuto gave the Phillies a two-run lead once again in the seventh with a two-run single to center.  Kennedy allowed a single and a home run (from Christian Walker) from the first two batters he faced in the ninth and the game would go to extra innings.

The Diamondbacks took a 6-4 lead in the 10th when Ketel Marte homered off Enyel De Los Santos.  Brad Miller then dramatically tied the game again with a two-run home run of his own in the bottom of the inning.  That set up Jean Segura to deliver the winning hit in the 11th, scoring ghost-runner Ronald Torreyes, and the Phillies had a subdued celebration on the field.

Featured Card:  I was harsh towards Miller during this game, so I'll give him the card here.  This is his third Topps Now card (so far) this season, from his July 29th walk-off grand slam.

Field Report:  Doug and I were there for this game and given the latest Covid outbreak on the club (see below) he came up empty in his pre-game autograph hunt.  And I'll admit we didn't stay for the full game as Doug had an early morning baseball practice the next day.  I did snap and Tweet the photo shown below, showing a seemingly new feature at the ballpark.  After each Nola strikeout, the bank of lights above the scoreboard would quickly flash and arrange into a K.  We were back at the ballpark on Saturday night, and the Phillies didn't repeat this light show with Kyle Gibson on the mound.

Transactions:  I've stopped counting how many players and games have been lost this season to Covid protocols and some of the Phillies players opting to not get vaccinated.  Zach Eflin (rhp), Luke Williams (inf) and Andrew Knapp (c) were placed on the Covid injured list.  Rafael Marchan (c) and De Los Santos (rhp) were recalled and Jorge Bonifacio (of) had his contract selected.  Finally, Chase Anderson (rhp) was released.

Hey there @PhilliesCBP - this K light new? We liKe it. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Usaw1SY2XT

— Jim Passaro (@jimpassaro) August 28, 2021

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Game 127 - 2021 Topps #460 Zach Eflin

Diamondbacks 8, Phillies 7
Game 127 - Thursday Night, August 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 63-64, 2nd Place, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The lowly Diamondbacks delivered the latest crushing blow to a floundering Phillies team in this 8-7 loss to open a four-game series.

What It Means:  The Phillies fell below .500 for the first time since August 1st, when they began their now-distant eight-game winning streak.

What Happened:  Zach Eflin was supposed to return, but was scratched shortly before game-time and Matt Moore was forced into duty.  Moore pitched four innings and allowed four runs on seven hits.  The Phillies offense continued to snooze for most of this game and Jean Segura briefly made it a 4-2 game with a two-run home run in the fifth.  The Diamondbacks scored twice in the top of the sixth off JD Hammer and Jose Alvarado to erase the two-run deficit.  The Phillies scored five runs in the bottom of the ninth to make this game appear to have been a lot closer than it was.  But with the tying run on first, Brad Miller struck out swinging to end the game.

Featured Card:  Rhys Hoskins and now Eflin appear to both be done for the season.  Eflin's knee didn't feel right prior to his scheduled return and on Friday afternoon he was also placed on the Covid-injured list.  It was a bit of a lost season for Eflin who made 18 starts and went 4-7 with a 4.17 ERA.

Transaction:  Eflin (rhp) was briefly activated along with Alvarado (lhp).  Hoskins (1b) was placed on the injured list and Chase Anderson (rhp) was designated for assignment.

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Game 126 - 2021 Stadium Club #124 Rhys Hoskins

Rays 7, Phillies 4
Game 126 - Wednesday Night, August 25th in Philadelphia
Record - 63-63, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler faced one too many Rays batters and the Phillies endured yet another frustrating loss, getting swept by the Rays in two games in the process.

What It Means:  The Phillies' postseason hopes are slipping away as the injuries mount.

What Happened:  The Phillies twice came back to tie this game, only to have their hopes dashed in the ninth.  Bryce Harper hit a two-run home run in the fifth to tie the score at 3-3.  The Rays briefly took the lead in the top of the eighth and Rhys Hoskins hit a solo home run in the bottom of the inning to tie the score at 4-4.  Wheeler came out for the top of the ninth and allowed a single, double and a crushing three-run home run to Francisco Mejia to give the Rays a 7-4 lead.  With a fully rested bullpen, manager Joe Girardi's decision to leave Wheeler in the game completely backfired.

Featured Card:  And this is the game that ended Hoskins' 2021 season.  The hobbled first baseman could barely move and at one point he fell flat to the ground attempting to field a ground ball to his right.  It would be announced the following day that his groin injury was too severe to overcome and he'd potentially have surgery to repair the damage and to get him (hopefully) ready for 2022.  Losing Hoskins at this stage of the season was a gut punch to the team and its fans.

Transaction:  Jorge Bonificado (of) cleared waivers and was outrighted to Lehigh Valley.

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Series Preview - Diamondbacks at Phillies: August 26th to August 29th

2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #10

2021 Chachi 1986 Topps Missing Links #8

Thursday and Friday 7:05, Saturday 6:05 and Sunday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  On Saturday, all kids 14 and under will receive a pair of Richman's Ice Cream Phillies sunglasses.  And on Sunday, all kids will receive a back-to-school Phillies gym bag presented by Fante's Plumbing, Heating & Air.

Diamondbacks 43-85
5th Place in the N.L. West, 40 games behind the Giants

Diamondbacks Probables
Zac Gallen (1-7, 4.59)
Taylor Widener (2-1, 4.34)
Humberto Mejia (0-0, 3.60)
Madison Bumgarner (7-8, 4.17)

Diamondbacks Leaders
Average:  Josh Rojas - .279
Runs:  Pavin Smith - 57
Home Runs:  Eduardo Escobar - 22
RBIs:  Eduardo Escobar - 65
Stolen Bases:  Nick Ahmed and Josh Rojas - 7

Wins:  Madison Bumgarner and Merrill Kelly - 7
ERA:  Merrill Kelly - 4.30

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

Phillies 63-63
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 5 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zach Eflin (4-7, 4.17)
Aaron Nola (7-7, 4.33)
Kyle Gibson (3-2, 3.77)
Ranger Suarez (5-4, 1.46)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .293
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 72
Home Runs:  Rhys Hoskins - 27
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 10
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.90
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 204
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

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Game 125 - First Family Trip to the Ballpark Since May

Rays 3, Phillies 1
Game 125 - Tuesday Night, August 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 63-62, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  More lack of clutch hitting against a tough Rays' pitching staff and a rough inning from Archie Bradley led to this 3-1 loss.

What It Means:  The Braves also lost, so the Phillies stay put in the standings.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez pitched a gem, going 6 2/3 innings (his longest outing of the year) and allowing a run on six hits.  Bradley came on in the eighth with the score tied, 1-1, and allowed a lead-off single to Brett Phillips before hitting Randy Arozarena.  Nelson Cruz then doubled home both Phillips and Arozarena, although Odubel Herrera didn't help matters when he whiffed on the ball and it rolled to the warning track.  The Phillies only run came in the fourth when Brad Miller doubled home Didi Gregorius.  Gregorius had two of the team's six hits, with the offense going 0 for 5 overall with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card/Field Report:  And we were there!  After enjoying dinner in the Boardwalk area of the ballpark, near Bull's BBQ, and getting the requisite photo and autograph from the Bull himself, Greg Luzinski, we settled into our seats in the Diamond Club.  Doug received his first in person autograph in two years when Miller graciously signed his scorecard prior to the game.  It was muggy and the game honestly flew by, especially as it was our first game as a family since late May.  Unfortunately, the Phillies couldn't pull out the win and as Bryce Harper would say on Wednesday, the team is basically just "wasting time" at this point.

Transactions:  Freddy Galvis (inf) and Sam Conrad (rhp) were both activated from the injured list.  Jorge Bonifacio (of) was designated for assignment and Enyel De Los Santos (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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