Game 92 - Romano Surrenders Walk-Off Inside the Park Home Run

Philadelphia Phillies	3
San Francisco Giants	4

1989 Topps Tiffany #418

Late Tuesday Night, July 8th

Oracle Park - San Francisco, CA
53-39, Tied for 1st Place, 10 games ahead of the Marlins

One Sentence Summary:  Holding a 3-1 lead heading the bottom of the ninth, Jordan Romano gave up a walk-off, three-run, inside the park home run to Patrick Bailey for the gut-punch loss.

What It Means:  How much longer can the Phillies stick with Romano?  This was his third blown save, and he dropped to 1-4 with a 7.44 ERA in 32 2/3 innings pitched.

What Happened:  Otto Kemp doubled home Alec Bohm in the top of the sixth to tie the score at 1-1.  Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run home run into McCovey Cove in the top of the seventh to give the Phillies a 3-1 lead.  Taijuan Walker allowed a run over four innings in his return to the starting rotation.  Tanner Banks, Max Lazar, Matt Strahm and Daniel Robert all kept the Giants off the board until Romano entered the game in the ninth, trying for the save.  Romano allowed a Casey Schmitt double to start the inning, and Wilmer Flores singled to put runners at the corners.  With one out, Bailey nearly hit the ball out of the ballpark, but it caromed off the wall past Brandon Marsh as Bailey circled the bases, scoring the winning run.

Featured Card:  Of course, people were quick to draw comparisons to the walk-off, three-run, inside the park home run hit by Bob Dernier against the Giants on May 15, 1989.  @schmenk-bsky posted this handy chart of walk-off, inside the park home runs throughout the franchise's history.

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Game 91 - Phils Can't Seem to Win at Oracle

Philadelphia Phillies	1
San Francisco Giants	3

2024 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (3rd Edition) #26

Late Monday Night, July 7th

Oracle Park - San Francisco, CA
53-38, 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted another solid start from Cristopher Sanchez, dropping this series opening game against the Giants by a 3-1 score.

What It Means:  The team's troubles at Oracle Park continue.  Through this game, they were 3-17 in their last 20 games at the ballpark, and it wouldn't get any better on Tuesday.

What Happened:  Sanchez allowed a run on seven hits while striking out eight in his seven innings of work.  Orion Kerkering took the loss, allowing the Giants to score twice in the bottom of the eighth, breaking a 1-1 tie.  The Phillies scored their only run in the fifth when Bryson Stott came home on a wild pitch.  The offense had six hits and was a combined 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Nine players born in Italy have appeared in the major leagues, including former Phillies farmhand Sam Aldegheri, now with the Angels.  The Phillies dealt Aldegheri, born in Verona, to the Angels last season for reliever Carlos Estevez.  Given we just returned from a wonderful 10-day trip to Italy, and with no other logical choice for this post, here's one of Aldegheri's minor league cards.

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Game 90 - Wheeler Dazzles Again in CG Win

Cincinnati Reds	1
Philadelphia Phillies	3

2025 Topps #392

Sunday Afternoon, July 6th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
53-37, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler allowed a solo home run to Austin Hays in this one-hit, 12 strikeout, complete game win over the Reds.

What It Means:  Wheeler is white hot right now.  In his last six starts, he's 3-1 with a 0.68 ERA and 54 strikeouts over 40 innings pitched.  This win sealed the series for the Phillies, and they headed west next for a three-game set with the Giants.

What Happened:  Wheeler improved to 9-3 and needed 108 pitches for his complete game.  The Phillies tied the game in the bottom of the fifth when Brandon Marsh walked and Kyle Schwarber doubled him home.  Bryson Stott hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to give the Phillies the lead.  Wheeler set the Reds down in order in the top of the ninth to seal the win.

Featured Card:  This is the fourth card for Wheeler in this year's Topps Now set, by far the most among all the Phillies.  We "watched" the beginning of this game along the Giudecca Canal in Venice, while enjoying an amazing dinner at Trattoria Ai Cacciatori.  If you're ever there, I can personally recommend their linguini with clams.  Il cibo è delizioso, la vista è fantastica. 

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Game 89 - Sosa, Bohm Homer in Win Over Reds

Cincinnati Reds	1
Philadelphia Phillies	5

2025 Topps Heritage #240

Saturday Afternoon, July 5th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
52-37, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Alec Bohm broke a 1-1 tie with a two-run home run in the bottom of the sixth, as the Phillies would hold off the Reds in this 5-1 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies would go for the series win on Sunday behind Zack Wheeler.  (I like their chances here.)

What Happened:  Edmundo Sosa tied the score at 1-1 with a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth, and Bohm gave the Phillies the lead for good with his shot in the sixth.  Kyle Schwarber would give the Phillies a 5-1 lead in the eighth with a two-run home run of his own, his 27th of the year.  Ranger Suarez battled through five innings, allowing a run on five hits while striking out six.  Jordan Romano, who got the win, Tanner Banks, Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm held the Reds scoreless over the final four innings.

Featured Card:  Bohm has steadily increased his production since the start of the season, and he's now batting .283 with eight home runs and 41 RBIs.  His RBI tally is third on the team behind Schwarber and Nick Castellanos.  Also, he's a screenshot from my phone as we spent this day in a very, very hot Florence, Italy.  With a 10:05 start time, I had no shot of listening to any of this game.

Transaction:  Buddy Kennedy (inf), designated for assignment when Bryce Harper was activated, cleared waivers and was outrighted to Lehigh Valley.  Rather than accept the assignment, Kennedy elected free agency, ending his time with the Phillies.  In 12 games over the past two seasons, he batted .111 (2 for 18) with a double and two RBIs.

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Game 88 - Luzardo's Troubles Continue in Loss to Reds

Cincinnati Reds	9
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2025 Topps
Philadelphia Phillies #PHI-15

Friday Afternoon, July 4th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
51-37, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo's inconsistency continued, as the Phillies dropped this series opening game to the Reds, 9-6.

What It Means:  Luzardo is a concern.  In his last seven starts, he's 2-5 with a 9.49 ERA in 30 1/3 innings pitched.  Prior to that, in his first 11 starts of the season, he had been 5-0 with a 2.15 ERA in 67 innings pitched.

What Happened:  And the Phillies spotted Luzardo a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first on an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly and a Nick Castellanos two-run home run.  The Reds would score nine runs off Luzardo and reliever Joe Ross in 4 2/3 innings, putting the game basically out of reach.  Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run double in the sixth, but the Reds' bullpen kept the Phillies off the board over the final three innings.

Featured Card:  Reds' left fielder Austin Hays went 1 for 5 in this game with an RBI double in the top of the third to tie the game at 3-3.  Hays was batting .281 though this game, and has had way more success with the Reds than he did during his short time with the Phillies last year.  Even though he was granted free agency on November 22, 2024, Topps included him in the retail Phillies team set this year.

Transaction:  Seth Johnson (rhp) was added back to the roster following Wednesday's double header and the struggling Mick Abel (rhp) was sent down to the IronPigs.

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Game 87 - Sanchez Handles Friars in Game 2 Win

San Diego Padres	1
Philadelphia Phillies	5

Game 2

2025 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club/Club 215

Wednesday Night, July 2nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
51-36, 1st Place, 2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez, following in the footsteps of Ranger Suarez and Zack Wheeler, became the latest Phillies pitcher to toss a masterpiece in this 5-1 win over the Padres.

What It Means:  Having won the series against the Padres, and split the double header, the Phillies would welcome the Reds to Citizens Bank Park on Friday afternoon, Independence Day.

What Happened:  Sanchez improved to 7-2, throwing seven innings and allowing a run on five hits while striking out five.  Orion Kerkering and Matt Strahm combined for the final two scoreless innings.  Max Kepler provided all the runs Sanchez would need with a two-run home run in the fourth.  Brandon Marsh hit a solo home run in the fifth and Nick Castellanos added an RBI-single later in the inning to give the Phillies a 4-1 lead.  Alec Bohm capped the scoring with an RBI-triple in the seventh.

Featured Card:  Here's Sanchez's card from the ballpark exclusive Kids Club/Club 215 set.

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Game 86 - Pivetta Earns Revenge on His Former Team

San Diego Padres	6
Philadelphia Phillies	4

Game 1

2018 Topps Gallery #74

Wednesday Afternoon, July 2nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
50-36

One Sentence Summary:  Nick Pivetta kept his former team off-balance and Mick Abel got knocked around in this 6-4 loss to the Padres.

What It Means:  Thunderstorms on Tuesday washed out that game and necessitated a day-night double header on Wednesday.

What Happened:  Abel lasted just 1 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on two hits and (most troubling) five walks.  Taijuan Walker, Seth Johnson and Daniel Robert provided some bullpen stability, holding the Padres scoreless over the final 5 2/3 innings of the game.  The Phillies didn't score until the sixth inning, when Kyle Schwarber led off with a solo home run, his 26th of the season.  Edmundo Sosa tripled home another run in the seventh, and would score on a wild pitch, making it a 6-3 game.  With runners at second and third and one out in the ninth, Schwarber struck out to end the game.

Featured Card:  Pivetta improved to 9-2, allowing a run on seven hits and striking out six in six innings.

Transaction:  Johnson (rhp) was added to the roster as the 27th man for the double header.

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Game 85 - Wheeler's Masterful Gem Downs Padres

San Diego Padres	0
Philadelphia Phillies	4

2025 Topps Now #365

Monday Night, June 30th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
50-35, 1st Place, 2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler, on his way to being named Pitcher of the Month for June, continued to make his case for a Cy Young Award in this 4-0 win over the Padres. 

What It Means:  Wheeler was named National League Pitcher of the Month on July 3rd, and he was added to the National League All-Star roster on July 6th.  He's got a chance to be the starting pitcher in the All-Star Game in Atlanta.

What Happened:  Wheeler improved to 8-3, allowing six hits, no walks, and striking out 10 in his eight-inning outing.  Tanner Banks tossed the final scoreless inning to clinch the combined shutout.  Wheeler was 2-1 with a 0.58 ERA in June, allowing two earned runs over five starts.  He walked seven while striking out 42.  The Phillies received RBIs from Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh and Trea Turner to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead through four innings.  Nick Castellanos added a solo home run, his 10th of the season, in the fifth.

Bryce Harper returned to the line-up after missing 21 games with a wrist injury.  He was 0 for 2 with a walk and a hit by pitch.

Featured Card:  Here's the Topps Now card issued for Wheeler's latest gem.

Transaction:  Harper (1b) was activated from the injured list and Buddy Kennedy (inf) was designated for assignment.

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Game 84 - Suarez Joins Lee, Oswalt and Carlton atop Franchise Leaderboard

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Atlanta Braves	1

2025 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club/Club 215

Sunday Afternoon, June 29th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
49-35, 1st Place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez was stellar in this 2-1 win over the Braves, lowering his season ERA to 2.00 and improving to 7-2 with this four-hit, eight strikeout performance.

What It Means:  The Phillies increased their division lead to 1 1/2 games with this win, coupled with a Mets loss.

What Happened:  Suarez has a 1.19 ERA over his past 10 starts, which is the lowest by any Phillies pitcher in a 10-start stretch since Cliff Lee did it in 2011.  Also in that sub-1.20 ERA club over a 10-start stretch, dating back to 1969, are Roy Oswalt (2010) and Steve Carlton (1972).  Orion Kerkering struck out the side in the eighth and Matt Strahm kept the Braves off the board in the ninth to secure his fifth save.  The Phillies scored twice in the fifth.  Bryson Stott singled to lead off the inning and Otto Kemp doubled him home.  Kemp would eventually score the winning run on a Trea Turner sacrifice fly.

Featured Card:  It's Suarez for sure, and I was surprised Topps didn't issue him a Topps Now card to mark his historic 10-start stretch by a Phillies pitcher.  This is his card from the Phillies Kids Club/Club 215 set, only available at the ballpark.

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Game 83 - Schwellenbach Stifles Phils

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Atlanta Braves	6

2025 Topps #424

Saturday Night, June 28th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
48-35, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense were held in check by Braves' starter Spencer Schwellenbach and Jordan Romano surrendered a seventh inning grand slam to Sean Murphy in this 6-1 loss.

What It Means:  This game started as we began a 10-day trip to Italy, visiting Rome, the Tuscany region, Florence and Venice.  It was an absolutely incredible trip and core memories were made.  Similar to what I've done in the past whenever returning from a family vacation, I'll post game summaries solely for sake of completeness.  Given the time zone difference, we watched/listened to only a few moments here and there from these games.  As much as I loved the trip, and time spent with my family, I missed our dog, our house and the Phillies, and it's good to be home.

What Happened:  Schwellenbach allowed a run on three hits in his seven innings of work, while striking out 12.  Jesus Luzardo was the losing pitcher, allowing two runs on seven hits over five innings.  Romano's ERA crept up to 7.28 after his latest shaky outing.  The lone Phillies run scored in the sixth when Alec Bohm singled home Brandon Marsh.

Featured Card:  Romano has been a bust so far, and I'm starting to think he won't finish the season on the Phillies' roster.  This is his card from Topps Series Two, and his Blue Jays uniform has been Photoshopped into a Phillies uniform.

Transaction:  Daniel Robert (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Alan Rangel (rhp) was sent back down.

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Philadelphia Phillies at San Francisco Giants

2005 Topps #44

2005 Topps #636

Monday, July 7th - 9:45
Tuesday, July 8th - 9:45
Wednesday, July 9th - 3:45

Oracle Park - San Francisco, CA
The Giants are offering three theme tickets for this series - Anime Night on Monday, Law Enforcement Appreciation Night on Tuesday, and Fellowship Day on Wednesday afternoon.

Philadelphia Phillies

2005 Phillies Leaders
Average:  Chase Utley - .291
Runs:  Jimmy Rollins - 115
Home Runs:  Pat Burrell - 32
RBIs:  Pat Burrell - 117
Stolen Bases:  Jimmy Rollins - 41

Wins:  Jon Lieber - 17
ERA:  Brett Myers - 3.72

Strikeouts:  Brett Myers - 208
Saves:  Billy Wagner - 38

San Francisco Giants

2005 Giants Leaders
Average:  Ray Durham - .290
Runs:  Pedro Feliz - 69
Home Runs:  Pedro Feliz - 20
RBIs:  Pedro Feliz - 81
Stolen Bases:  Omar Vizquel - 24

Wins:  Noah Lowry - 13
ERA:  Noah Lowry - 3.78

Strikeouts:  Noah Lowry - 172
Saves:  Tyler Walker - 23

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Cincinnati Reds at Philadelphia Phillies

2005 Topps #376

2025 Chachi 2005 Topps Missing Links #13

Friday, July 4th - 1:05
Saturday, July 5th - 4:05
Sunday, July 6th - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
The Phillies play three straight afternoon games over the holiday weekend.  On Sunday, all kids will receive a Phanatic beach towel.

Cincinnati Reds

1995 Reds Leaders
Average:  Barry Larkin - .319
Runs:  Barry Larkin - 98
Home Runs:  Ron Gant - 29
RBIs:  Reggie Sanders - 99
Stolen Bases:  Barry Larkin - 51

Wins:  Pete Schourek - 18
ERA:  Pete Schourek - 3.22

Strikeouts:  Pete Schourek - 160
Saves:  Jeff Brantley - 28

Philadelphia Phillies

1995 Phillies Leaders
Average:  Gregg Jefferies - .306
Runs:  Gregg Jefferies - 69
Home Runs:  Three tied with - 11
RBIs:  Charlie Hayes - 85
Stolen Bases:  Lenny Dykstra and Jim Eisenreich - 10

Wins:  Paul Quantrill - 11
ERA:  Paul Quantrill - 4.67

Strikeouts:  Curt Schilling - 114
Saves:  Heathfliff Slocumb - 32

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San Diego Padres at Philadelphia Phillies

2005 Topps Retired Signature #61

2005 Topps #170

Monday, June 30th - 6:35
Tuesday, July 1st - 6:35
Wednesday, July 2nd - 1:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
The extremely popular and incredibly impressive Xfinity Fireworks Shows are tonight and Tuesday night.  On Wednesday, all kids are invited to run the bases following the game.

San Diego Padres

1985 Padres Leaders
Average:  Tony Gwynn - .317
Runs:  Tony Gwynn - 90
Home Runs:  Carmelo Martinez - 21
RBIs:  Steve Garvey - 81
Stolen Bases:  Garry Templeton - 16

Wins:  Andy Hawkins - 18
ERA:  Dave Dravecky - 2.93

Strikeouts:  Eric Show - 141
Saves:  Rich Gossage - 26

Philadelphia Phillies

1985 Phillies Leaders
Average:  Mike Schmidt - .277
Runs:  Juan Samuel - 101
Home Runs:  Mike Schmidt - 33
RBIs:  Glenn Wilson - 102
Stolen Bases:  Juan Samuel - 53

Wins:  Kevin Gross - 15
ERA:  Shane Rawley - 3.31

Strikeouts:  Kevin Gross - 151
Saves:  Kent Tekulve - 14

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Game 82 - Phils Explode with Five Home Runs, 13 Runs in Win

Philadelphia Phillies	13
Atlanta Braves	0

2025 Topps
Summer Superstars #SS-32

Friday Night, June 27th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
48-34, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies finally scores runs in bunches, punishing the Braves with a 13-0 victory.

What It Means:  They'll try to continue swinging the bats tonight with Jesus Luzardo on the mound.  The Phillies Room will be down for routine summer maintenance over the next week-plus, returning to live posting following a long holiday weekend.

What Happened:  After a 2 hour, 19 minute rain delay at the outset, the Phillies opted to let Mick Abel have the night off and went with a bullpen game.  The Phillies jumped on Braves' starter Bryce Elder quickly, scoring 10 runs off him in his two innings of work.  After a quiet series in Houston, the Phillies hit five home runs - two from Trea Turner and one each from Nick Castellanos, Otto Kemp and Kyle Schwarber.  Castellanos' and Kemp's home runs were both three-run shots, with Kemp collecting his first big league long ball.  J.T. Realmuto was 3 for 4 at the plate before the veteran regulars were lifted with the game well in hand.

Alan Rangel pitched five scoreless innings of relief, earning a rare save in a blow-out game.  Luke Williams pitched the ninth for the Braves, allowing Turner's second home run.

Featured Card:  Turner needed a triple for the cycle when he came to bat against Williams, and he admitted following the game he had very briefly considered not stepping on home following his home run, so that it would be scored a triple.  He was 4 for 6 in this game with four runs scored.  This is an appropriately-themed insert card from the recently released Topps Series Two.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves - Time to Score Some Runs

2005 Topps #689

2005 Topps Update #UH2

Friday, June 27th - 7:15
Saturday, June 28th - 7:15
Sunday, June 29th - 1:35

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
The Braves shoot off fireworks after every Friday night home game.  On Sunday, the first 3,000 kids will receive a Spencer Strider growth chart.

Philadelphia Phillies 47-34
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 1/2 game behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Mick Abel (2-1, 3.47)
Jesus Luzardo (7-3, 4.08)
Ranger Suarez (6-2, 2.08)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .295
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 57
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 24
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 55
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 19

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo and Zack Wheeler - 7
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.55
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 126
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8

Atlanta Braves 37-43
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 10 games behind the Mets

Braves Probables
Bryce Elder (2-4, 4.77)
Spencer Schwellenbach (6-4, 3.21)
Spencer Strider (3-5, 4.07)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Austin Riley - .269
Runs:  Matt Olson - 46
Home Runs:  Matt Olson - 15
RBIs:  Michael Harris - 52
Stolen Bases:  Michael Harris - 11

Wins:  Spencer Schwellenbach - 6
ERA:  Chris Sale - 2.52

Strikeouts:  Chris Sale - 114
Saves:  Raisel Iglesias - 9

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Game 81 - Phils Nearly Suffer Shutout Sweep, Exit Houston in 2nd Place

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Houston Astros	2

1974 Topps #47 Ruthven

Thursday Afternoon, June 26th

Daikin Park - Houston, TX
47-34, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Hunter Brown baffled Phillies' batters and the Astros nearly pulled off a shutout sweep in this deflating 2-1 loss.

What It Means:  It's not going well.  This game marked the mathematical half-way point of the season, and the only thing I'm confident about is the Phillies' starting pitching.  Bryce Harper may return to the line-up as soon as Monday, but he'll be missing again for the upcoming weekend series against the Braves.

What Happened:  Following Ranger Suarez and Zack Wheeler, Cristopher Sanchez was the latest Phillies pitcher to throw a gem and get rewarded with a no-decision.  Sanchez struck out 11 in six innings, allowing a run on five hits.  Max Lazar pitched a scoreless seventh, and Orion Kerkering allowed the winning run to score in the bottom of the eighth.  After being shut out for the first 25 innings of this series, the Phillies pushed across a lone run in the top of the eighth.  Bryson Stott walked, went to third on a Rafael Marchan single, and scored on a Brandon Marsh sacrifice fly.

Featured Card:  Incredible note from @schmenk-bsky on Bluesky, showing this is the first time the Phillies have been swept in a three-game series while giving up only five runs.  The Astros pulled off the shutout sweep back in August 1974, scoring seven runs to the Phillies' none.  The final scores of those games - 1-0, 1-0, 5-0, and the losing pitchers were Dick Ruthven, Steve Carlton and Wayne Twitchell.

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Game 80 - Houston, We Have No Offense

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Houston Astros	2

1996 Leaf Signature Series
Extended Series Autographs

Wednesday Night, June 25th

Daikin Park - Houston, TX
47-33, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies were shut out for the second consecutive night, this time by Colton Gordon and four Astros' relievers in this 2-0 loss.

What It Means:  They'll try to avoid the three-game sweep this afternoon, and hope the Braves take care of the Mets tonight.

What Happened:  The offensive performance from the Phillies was only slightly better than Tuesday night.  The line-up managed seven singles, two each from Kyle Schwarber and Brandon Marsh, while going 1 for 5 with runners in scoring position.  Zack Wheeler gave up a run on four hits in his six innings of work, striking out eight.  Matt Strahm gave up a solo home run to Victor Caratini in the bottom of the eighth.

Featured Card:  The Phillies were shut out for the first time in consecutive games since August 13 and 14, 2022.  Had Strahm not allowed the eighth inning home run, they would have lost consecutive games by 1-0 scores for the first time since April 19 and 20, 1996, according to this post on Bluesky.  Those games came against the Cardinals and the losing pitchers were Russ Springer and Ricky Bottalico.

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Game 79 - Phils Fall Short, Wasting Ranger's Pitching Gem

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Houston Astros	1

2024 Topps
Golden Mirror #661

Tuesday Night, June 24th

Daikin Park - Houston, TX
47-32, 1st Place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted a stellar pitching performance from Ranger Suarez in this 1-0 loss to the Astros.

What It Means:  Where's the offense?

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez dropped to 6-2 and his ERA went down to 2.08 as he allowed just a run on four hits, while striking out seven in 7 2/3 innings of work.  He allowed a solo home run to Cooper Hummel in the bottom of the eighth inning for the only run of the game.  The Phillies were once again handled by Astros' starter Framber Valdez, collecting only four hits, and going 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Phillies Room favorite Whit Merrifield announced his retirement from baseball, having last played in 42 games for the Braves last season after his release by the Phillies.  I was thrilled when the Phillies signed Merrifield, but it didn't pan out for him here, as he batted .199 in 53 games before the team released him last July 12th.  In his retirement announcement, Merrifield addressed the Phillies fans, saying, "Philly, I liked you way more than you like me.  Sorry I stunk for you."  All the best in your retirement, Whit!

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Philadelphia Phillies at Houston Astros - Messing with Texas

2005 Topps #117

2005 Topps #381

Tuesday, June 24th - 8:10
Wednesday, June 25th - 8:10
Thursday, June 26th - 2:10

Daikin Park - Houston, TX
The Astros host a Dollar Dog Night tonight at the ballpark formerly known as Enron Field (2000-02), Astros Field (2002, briefly) and Minute Maid Park (2002-24).

Philadelphia Phillies 47-31
1st Place in the N.L. East, 1 game ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (6-1, 2.20)
Cristopher Sanchez (6-2, 2.87)
Zack Wheeler (7-2, 2.61)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .300
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 57
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 24
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 55
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 19

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo and Zack Wheeler - 7
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.61
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 118
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8

Houston Astros 45-33
1st Place in the N.L. West, 5 games ahead of the Mariners

Astros Probables
Framber Valdez (8-4, 3.09)
Colton Gordon (2-1, 4.54)
Hunter Brown (8-3, 1.88)

Astros Leaders
Average:  Jeremy Pena - .326
Runs:  Jeremy Pena - 47
Home Runs:  Isaac Paredes - 16
RBIs:  Isaac Paredes - 45
Stolen Bases:  Jeremy Pena - 15

Wins:  Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez - 8
ERA:  Hunter Brown - 1.88

Strikeouts:  Hunter Brown - 109
Saves:  Josh Hader - 19

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Game 78 - Luzardo's Arm, Sosa's Bat Lead Phils Back to First

New York Mets	1
Philadelphia Phillies	7

2025 Topps Heritage #250

Sunday Night, June 22nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
47-31, Tied for 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo pitched a gem and Edmundo Sosa fell a triple short of the cycle in this 7-1 drubbing of the Mets.

What It Means:  What a wonderful game!  The Phillies re-took first place, and following a day off on Monday they'll open a three-game series in Houston.

What Happened:  Luzardo improved to 7-3, pitching 6 2/3 fantastic innings, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out seven.  The highlight of the night for him was striking out Juan Soto to end the sixth inning on a nearly 98mph fastball.  Max Lazar gave up a solo home run to Francisco Lindor, the Mets' only run.

The Phillies scored five times in the fourth inning.  Kyle Schwarber led off the inning with a solo home run, his 24th of the season.  Nick  Castellanos doubled and Otto Kemp singled him home.  With J.T. Realmuto and Kemp on board, Edmundo Sosa hit a three-run home run to right center field, giving the Phillies a 5-0 lead.  In the seventh, Alec Bohm drove home a run with a sacrifice fly and Castellanos capped the scoring with an RBI-double.  Sosa, needing a triple for the cycle, struck out looking in the eighth.

Featured Card:  I'll give the nod to the offensive star of the game, Sosa.

Transaction:  Alan Rangel (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Michael Mercado (rhp) was optioned back down.

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Game 77 - Mets Batters Mash 7 Solo Homers, Crushing Phils

New York Mets	11
Philadelphia Phillies	4

2016 Topps Gypsy Queen #234

Saturday Night, June 21st

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
46-31, Tied for 1st Place, 10 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Mets hit seven solo home runs, four off Phillies' starter Mick Abel in the first three innings of the game, in this 11-4 thrashing.

What It Means:  Flush it.  And I despise the Mets.

What Happened:  Abel was hit hard, allowing the four solo home runs and departing with his team trailing, 4-3.  Joe Ross, Michael Mercado and Taijuan Walker contributed to the barrage, each allowing a solo home in the later innings.  The Phillies scored twice in the first, on an RBI double from Nick Castellanos and an RBI ground out from Max Kepler.  They briefly took the lead in the second when Otto Kemp doubled, went to third on a ground out and scored on a wild pitch.

Featured Card:  Matt Gelb posted on Bluesky that Abel is the fifth pitcher in Phillies history to allow four or more home runs in three innings pitched or fewer.  He joins the club also occupied by Jerad Eickhoff (2019), Brian Sanches (2007), Vicente Padilla (2005) and Robert Person (1999).

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Game 76 - Phils Retake 1st Place with Big Win Over Mets

New York Mets	2
Philadelphia Phillies	10

2025 Topps Now #326

Friday Night, June 20th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
46-30, 1st Place, 1 game ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A six-run seventh inning powered the Phillies to a huge 10-2 win over the division rival Mets in this series opener.

What It Means:  The Phillies are in sole possession of first place for the first time since May 30th.  They'll try to widen their lead with a few more wins this weekend.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler battled through five innings before handing things over to the bullpen.  With the Phillies holding a slim 2-0 lead, Taijuan Walker allowed back-to-back home runs to Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil in the top of the sixth, tying the score.  In the bottom of the seventh, Brandon Marsh doubled and Trea Turner doubled him home to retake the lead.  Big hits followed - RBI singles from Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos, and then a two-run double from Bryson Stott, scoring Castellanos and Realmuto within seconds of each other.  Castellanos piled on two more runs with a two-run home run in the eighth.

Featured Card:  I was going to go with a Tanner Banks card, as the reliever came up huge, throwing 1 2/3 scoreless innings after Walker had given up the pair of home runs.  But this Topps Now card is likely going to be one of my favorite cards of the year.

Field Report:  We were there!  Primarily motivated by the need to pick up some more 2025 photo cards, but also interested in attending a big game on a nice Friday night, Jenna and I impulsively bought standing room only tickets for the game.  I had reached out to the Phillies asking if there was any chance they had some extra photo cards for a long-time collector and partial season ticket holder, and to my surprise they accommodated my request.  New cards in hand, we enjoyed a leisurely dinner at Pass and Stow before settling in at the Kona Wave bar to enjoy the atmosphere and the win.

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