Monday, June 8, 2026

Philadelphia Phillies at Toronto Blue Jays: First June Road Trip

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #8
2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH121

Monday, June 8th - 7:07
Tuesday, June 9th - 7:07
Wednesday, June 10th - 7:07

Rogers Centre - Toronto, Ontario
Nice job by the Blue Jays as tonight the first 15,000 fans will receive a Roy Halladay replica jersey.  On Wednesday, the first 15,000 fans receive a Dylan Cease bobblehead.
Philadelphia Phillies 35-30
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (7-2, 1.46)
Zack Wheeler (5-1, 2.31)
Jesus Luzardo (4-4, 4.56)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .338
Runs:  Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber - 40
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 23
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 40
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 13

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 7
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 1.46
Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 103
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 15
Toronto Blue Jays 32-34
3rd Place in the A.L. East, 7 games behind the Rays and Yankees

Blue Jays Probables
Patrick Corbin (2-2, 3.98)
TBD
Trey Yesavage (2-3, 3.16)

Blue Jays Leaders
Average:  Ernie Clement - .306
Runs:  Vladimir Guerrero - 38
Home Runs:  Kazuma Okamoto - 13
RBIs:  Kazuma Okamoto - 37
Stolen Bases:  Andres Gimenez - 7

Wins:  Kevin Gausman and Jeff Hoffman - 4
ERA:  Kevin Gausman - 3.60
Strikeouts:  Dylan Cease - 92
Saves:  Louis Varland - 11
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Game 65 - Offense Bails Out Nola in Win Over White Sox

Chicago White Sox  5 
Philadelphia Phillies  9 

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards
Sunday Afternoon, June 7th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
35-30, 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The offense came through with several clutch hits, bailing out a lackluster performance from Aaron Nola in this 9-5 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies won the series with the White Sox and they'll now head out on the road for three games in Toronto and three games in Milwaukee.

What Happened:  Nola went 4 1/3 innings, allowing five runs on six hits, as his ERA increased to 5.86.  The Phillies scored early and often and fortunately kept adding on runs throughout the game.  In the bottom of the first, Bryce Harper doubled home Trea Turner, who had also doubled to reach, with the game's first run.  Rafael Marchan connected for a two-run home run in the second, and Brandon Marsh added a solo home run in the third, breaking a 3-3 tie.  

The White Sox took a 5-4 lead in the top of the fifth, but the Phillies came back with three runs of their own in the bottom of the inning, led by Alec Bohm's RBI double and a tie-breaking RBI single from Bryson Stott.  Not done yet, Marsh and Bohm hit back-to-back RBI singles in the sixth to give the Phillies a 9-5 lead.  Jonathan Bowlan pitched two scoreless innings, striking out three, to preserve the win.

Featured Card:  Marsh raised his average to .338 putting him atop the National League batting leaderboard.
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Sunday, June 7, 2026

Game 64 - Painter Shelled Again in Loss to White Sox

Chicago White Sox  6 
Philadelphia Phillies  3 

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215
Saturday Afternoon, June 6th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
34-30, 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Andrew Painter had yet another rough outing as the Phillies fell to the White Sox, 6-3.

What It Means:  With the series tied up, the Phillies go for a series win this afternoon with Aaron Nola on the mound.

What Happened:  Painter allowed four runs in the first inning after starting the game with a hit batter, a walk, RBI single and another walk.  He'd allow two more runs in the third and was pulled with two outs in the fifth with a final line of 4 2/3 innings pitched, eight hits, six runs and a pair of home runs.  Tanner Banks had his best outing of the year with 2 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.  Brandon Marsh had two more hits, including a sixth inning home run.  Alec Bohm hit a solo home run in the fourth.

Featured Card:  Here's hoping Painter turns things around, as we need the rookie to help stabilize an otherwise fairly strong starting pitching rotation.  There doesn't appear to be a clear-cut replacement for him from within the organization, so he'll likely stay in the rotation for now.

Field Report:  It was scorching hot, so we avoided photo day and our seats in Section 315, opting instead for the comfort of Pass and Stow and the many locations throughout the ballpark with breezes blowing.

Transaction:  Zach Pop (rhp) cleared waivers and rather than accept an assignment to Lehigh Valley, he elected free agency.  Pop pitched in seven games for the Phillies with no record and a 3.68 ERA in 7 1/3 innings pitched.

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Game 63 - Offense Leads Phils to Win Over Chisox

Chicago White Sox  6 
Philadelphia Phillies  8 

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards
Friday Night, June 5th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
34-29, 2nd Place, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The offense showed some punch and the bullpen held off the White Sox in this 8-6 series opening win.

What It Means:  For the first time since early in the season, the Phillies have crawled back into the postseason picture with a Wild Card spot.  There's still a lot of baseball to be played, but after the 9-19 start to the year, this is a great sign of things to come.

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo didn't have his best stuff, allowing five runs and three home runs in six innings of work.  Fortunately, Jonathan Bowlan, Brad Keller and Jhoan Duran were on, holding the White Sox to just one unearned run over the final three innings.  The Phillies exploded for five runs in the second inning, starting with a two-run home run from Brandon Marsh, his sixth of the year.  Alec Bohm capped the scoring with a two-run double.  Adolis Garcia added a solo home run in the fourth, and two insurance runs scored in the eighth on an Edmundo Sosa sacrifice fly, scoring a head-first diving Kyle Schwarber, and a wild pitch from White Sox reliever Seranthony Dominguez.  Schwarber was 4 for 5 with four singles in this game.

Featured Card:  I'll give Bohm the card for his big double in the second, although he was easily thrown out at third trying to extend it to a triple.  I am irrationally thrilled with the return of the 4x6 team-issued photo cards after a three-year absence of the cards to the general public, and here's Bohm's card from the $5 set now available for sale at the ballpark.

Field Report:  We enjoyed this game with friends in the Diamond Club, staying to watch the Duran light show and his 15th save.

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Friday, June 5, 2026

Chicago White Sox at Philadelphia Phillies: Let's Keep Rolling!

2006 Topps #560
2006 Topps #182

Friday, June 5th - 6:40
Saturday, June 6th - 4:05
Sunday, June 7th - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
It's a good weekend for the fans!  Friday night, all adults will receive a Phillies floppy hat and players take to the field before the game on Saturday for the annual photo day.  On Sunday, all kids will receive a Jhoan Duran Card Show bobblehead.
Chicago White Sox 33-29
2nd Place in the A.L. Central, 2 games behind the Guardians

White Sox Probables
Anthony Kay (5-1, 3.77)
Sean Burke (2-3, 3.72)
David Sandlin (1-1, 8.10)

White Sox Leaders
Average:  Chase Meidroth - .272
Runs:  Miguel Vargas - 46
Home Runs:  Munetaka Murakami - 20
RBIs:  Munetaka Murakami and Miguel Vargas - 41
Stolen Bases:  Luisangel Acuna - 11

Wins:  Davis Martin - 8
ERA:  Davis Martin - 2.61
Strikeouts:  Davis Martin - 73
Saves:  Seranthony Dominguez - 11
Philadelphia Phillies 33-29
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jesus Luzardo (4-4, 4.30)
Andrew Painter (1-6, 5.74)
Aaron Nola (3-4, 5.55)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .333
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 38
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 23
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 40
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 12

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 7
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 1.46
Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 103
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 14
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Game 62 - Phillies Complete Season Sweep of Padres

San Diego Padres  4 
Philadelphia Phillies  6 

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215
Thursday Afternoon, June 4th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
33-29, 2nd Place, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Keeping pace with Cristopher Sanchez's dominance, Zack Wheeler threw a gem of his own and was supported with some actual clutch hits in this 6-4 win over the Padres.

What It Means:  The Phillies completed the season sweep of the Padres, winning all six games against them.  The surprising White Sox come to town next for a weekend series, although their slugging rookie star Munetaka Murakami has landed on the injured list.

What Happened:  Wheeler went seven strong, improving to 5-1 and striking out eight.  His one mistake was allowing a two-run home run in the seventh to Manny Machado.  Bryson Stott had an RBI single in the fourth, Adolis Garcia hit a solo home run (5) to lead off the fifth and Justin Crawford scored on a throwing error from the pitcher later in the inning.  The Phillies went nuts and scored three times in the seventh, with Trea Turner and Alec Bohm contributing RBI singles.  Jose Alvarado gave up a two-run home run in the ninth to Jackson Merrill before recording the final out.

Featured Card:  I'm pulling for Garcia to turn things around, and he collected three hits in this series, including his fifth inning home run.
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Game 61 - Sanchez Sets Lefty Record for Scoreless Streak

San Diego Padres  2 
Philadelphia Phillies  3 

2026 Topps Now #283
Wednesday Night, June 3rd
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
32-29, 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez continued his dominant season, while setting the all-time record for consecutive scoreless innings by a left-handed pitcher with 50 2/3.

What It Means:  Sanchez passed lefty Carl Hubbell on the all-time list, as Hubbell's streak was 45 1/3 scoreless innings in 1933.  Sanchez incredibly now finds himself third all-time on the list, behind just Orel Hershiser (59 innings in 1988) and Don Drysdale (58 innings in 1968).  Absolutely amazing.

What Happened:  The Phillies had to score some runs to support Sanchez's gem, and Adolis Garcia delivered with an RBI double in the fifth, scoring Bryson Stott who had doubled to start the inning.  In the top of the seventh, the scoreless streak came to an end when Ty France doubled with two outs and scored on a Jackson Merrill single to left.  Both hits were clean, and if the streak had to end, I'm glad it ended this way instead of on an error or a bloop home run from someone.  The Phillies took back the lead in the seventh, on solo home runs from J.T. Realmuto (3) and Kyle Schwarber (23).  Jhoan Duran was perfect again in the ninth, earning his 14th save.

Featured Card:  Sanchez received a Topps Now card for his efforts.  He went seven innings, allowing four hits, the one run and striking out eight.  He's now 7-2 with a 1.46 ERA and hopefully heading for an All-Star Game start.
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Thursday, June 4, 2026

Game 60 - Phils Handle Padres; #StrikeOutALS; Photo Cards Return!

San Diego Padres  2 
Philadelphia Phillies  3 

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards
Tuesday Night, June 2nd
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
31-29, 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Bryce Harper hit a key two-run home run and Aaron Nola enjoyed a strong start in this 3-2 series opening win against the Padres.

What It Means:  There's still not a lot of offense or hits in bunches, but a win is a win.

What Happened:  Nola gave up a two-run home run and only three other hits while striking eight over five innings.  The bullpen did its job, with Jose Alvarado earning the win, Orion Kerkering and Brad Keller earning holds and Jhoan Duran earning his 13th save.  Harper hit his blast in the bottom of the fourth, tying the game at 2-2.  Alec Bohm grounded into a double play in the sixth, scoring Brandon Marsh with the go-ahead run.  Marsh was 4 for 4 in the game.

Featured Card / Field Report:  It was a special night at the ballpark as we celebrated the annual ALS Awareness Night on Lou Gehrig Day.  Patients, families and caregivers came together to be recognized before and throughout the game, with the added bonus of ALS United Mid-Atlantic receiving a sizable gift from the Phillies and the night's sponsor, Asplundh.  

I enjoyed the game with family from the sponsor's suite, and we enjoyed visits from Dickie Noles, Milt Thompson and Gary Mathews, as well as a pregame visit with Greg Luzinski.  The highlight for my Mom was her getting to see the Duran light show during his entrance in person.  
 

Additionally, and also exciting, is the apparent return of the team-issued photo card sets for sale the ballpark for $5 each.  I didn't see these sets for sale yet in the wild, but individual cards were used as identifiers within mystery grab bags sold at the game containing an autographed hat or ball.  Thanks to fellow long-time collectors Rick and Steve for the head's up on the apparent return of the set, missing since 2022.  At the top of the post is the Don Mattingly card from the set, found within one of the grab bags we purchased with an autographed Mattingly Phillies hat, and the first official Mattingly Phillies card.

Transaction:  Prior to the game, Nola (rhp) was activated from the paternity list and Nolan Hoffman (rhp) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 59 - Phils Demolished by Dodgers

Philadelphia Phillies  1 
Los Angeles Dodgers  9 

2026 Topps #151
Sunday Afternoon, May 31st
UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
30-29, 3rd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Andrew Painter and the Phillies were demolished by the Dodgers in this not-enjoyable-to-watch 9-1 loss.

What It Means:  This game was so bad, it caused a four day break from the blog and a sweep of the Padres in the next series for me to fully recover.

What Happened:  Painter went 3 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits, including a pair of home runs.  His ERA through his first 11 appearances in the majors is 5.74.  Tanner Banks, Chase Shugart and Nolan Hoffman all gave up runs in their relief outings as well.  Yoshinobu Yamamoto earned the win for the Dodgers, striking out 10 in 5 1/3 innings, and not allowing a hit until the fourth inning.  Bryson Stott hit a solo home run in the ninth.  J.T. Realmuto departed the game early after getting hit by a Yamamoto fastball in the third inning.

Featured Card:  Last year's batting leader, Trea Turner, went 1 for 4 in this game to raise his season average to .223.  It's crazy to me how much he's struggling this year.  Freddie Freeman, who finished third in the batting average race last season was hitting .271 through this game.
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Tuesday, June 2, 2026

San Diego Padres at Philadelphia Phillies - Looking for Offense

2006 Topps #237
2006 Topps #408

Tuesday, June 2nd - 6:40
Wednesday, June 3rd - 6:40
Thursday, June 4th - 1:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Today is Lou Gehrig Day and the Phillies are hosting an ALS Awareness Night.  It's a Star Wars theme night on Wednesday.
San Diego Padres 32-26
2nd Place in the N.L. West, 5 games behind the Dodgers

Padres Probables
Randy Vasquez (5-3, 3.28)
Walker Buehler (3-3, 4.88)
Lucas Giolito (2-0, 4.97)

Padres Leaders
Average:  Fernando Tatis - .266
Runs:  Manny Machado - 28
Home Runs:  Manny Machado - 10
RBIs:  Manny Machado - 30
Stolen Bases:  Fernando Tatis - 14

Wins:  Randy Vasquez - 5
ERA:  Michael King - 3.18
Strikeouts:  Michael King - 65
Saves:  Mason Miller - 17
Philadelphia Phillies 30-29
Tied for 2nd Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (3-4, 5.72)
Cristopher Sanchez (6-2, 1.47)
Zack Wheeler (4-1, 2.27)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .317
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 36
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 22
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 39
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 11

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 6
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 1.47
Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 95
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 12
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Sunday, May 31, 2026

Game 58 - Sosa's Clutch Homer Leads to Win

Philadelphia Phillies  4 
Los Angeles Dodgers  3 

2026 Topps #289
Late Saturday Night, May 30th
UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
30-28, 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Edmundo Sosa hit a clutch, two-run home run with two outs in the top of the eighth to send the Phillies to a 4-3 win over the Dodgers.

What It Means:  The lack of offense and clutch hitting is still troubling, but somehow the Phillies will look to take the series from the Dodgers this afternoon, with Andrew Painter on the mound.

What Happened:  The offense has been largely quiet during the West Coast swing, and this game was no different.  Alec Bohm hit a solo home run in the top of the second to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead.  The Dodgers countered with a run of their own in the bottom of the inning.  With Orion Kerkering on the mound in the seventh, his first time back on the mound in Los Angeles since last year's disastrous end to the NLDS, the Dodgers took a 2-1 lead.  In the eighth, Justin Crawford singled, went to second on a Kyle Schwarber ground out and scored on a Bryce Harper single to right.  Sosa then hit his decisive home run, just clearing the left center field wall.  Jhoan Duran pitched a perfect ninth, securing his 12th save.

Featured Card:  Here's Sosa's card from this year's Topps flagship release.

Transaction:  Max Lazar (rhp) was activated from the 60-day injured list and optioned to Lehigh Valley.  Zach Pop (rhp) was also activated, but with Lazar needing his spot on the 40-man roster, Pop was designated for assignment.

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Game 57 - Wheeler Has Rare Off-Night in Loss to Dodgers

Philadelphia Phillies  2 
Los Angeles Dodgers  4 

2025 Topps #622
Late Friday Night, May 29th
UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
29-28, 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler gave up four solo home runs and the Phillies offense managed three hits in this 4-2, series opening loss to the Dodgers.

What It Means:  Six innings into this game on Friday night, I found myself wondering why I had decided to stay up to watch it.

What Happened:  Wheeler allowed solo home runs in the first, second, third and fifth innings to Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy, Shohei Ohtani and Will Smith.  Dodgers' lefty starter Justin Wrobleski no-hit the Phillies through 5 2/3 innings until Kyle Schwarber launched a home run to center, his 22nd of the season.  In the eighth, Brandon Marsh doubled and came home on an RBI-single from Steward Berrroa.  Schwarber, Marsh and Berroa's hits accounted for all the offense from the Phillies in this game.

Featured Card:  Berroa was claimed off waivers from the Brewers on April 8th, and he becomes the latest player inserted into the line-up in the hope of generating some more offense.  He appeared in 28 games with the Blue Jays in 2024, and in a pair of games with the Brewers last season.  He's got one mainstream baseball card to date, found in the 2025 Topps flagship set.

Transaction:  Berroa (of) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Otto Kemp (of) was sent back down.  Aaron Nola (rhp) was placed on the paternity list, with Nolan Hoffman (rhp) taking his place on the roster.

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Saturday, May 30, 2026

Game 56 - Sanchez Sets Franchise Record for Scoreless Innings Streak

2006 Chachi #44

Philadelphia Phillies  3 
San Diego Padres  0 

Wednesday Afternoon, May 27th
Petco Park - San Diego, CA
29-27, 2nd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez threw seven more scoreless innings, breaking the franchise record set by Grover Cleveland Alexander in 1911, as the Phillies squeaked by the Padres, 3-0.

What It Means:  This was a big win for the club, as they swept the Padres and have some momentum heading into a big series against the Dodgers.  It was also a big win for Sanchez, as he's clearly cemented himself among the game's elite pitchers.  Alexander threw 41 consecutive scoreless innings in 1911, and Sanchez's streak is now up to 44 2/3 innings.

What Happened:  Justin Crawford did his part to preserve the streak with a running, leaping catch in center in the sixth inning.  Sanchez improved to 6-2, with his ERA dropping to 1.47.  He struck out nine in the game.  With Brad Keller and Jhoan Duran unavailable out of the bullpen, the Phillies went with a Jonathan Bowlan/Jose Alvarado tandem to close things out, and Alvarado earned his first save of the year.  The Phillies scored a pair of runs on RBIs from Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner in the sixth.  Turner added a solo home run in the ninth, his second in as many days.

Featured Card:  Sanchez earned a Topps Now card for his efforts, but I wanted to add a card for his feat to the 2026 Chachi set too.  I'll hopefully add another if he ultimately breaks the major league record held by Orel Hershiser of 59 consecutive scoreless innings, set in 1988.
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Friday, May 29, 2026

Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers: Phils Look to Extend Winning Streak

2006 Topps Philadelphia Phillies SGA #17
2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH96

Friday, May 29th - 10:15
Saturday, May 30th - 10:10
Sunday, May 31st - 4:10

UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
There are two bobble head giveaways during this series, with fans receiving an Alex Vesia bobblehead tonight an a Teoscar Hernandez bobblehead tomorrow night, complete with a sunflower seed tossing arm.
Philadelphia Phillies 29-27
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (4-0, 1.67)
Andrew Painter (1-5, 5.40)
Jesus Luzardo (4-4, 4.38)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .326
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 35
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 21
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 38
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 11

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 6
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 1.47
Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 95
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 11
Los Angeles Dodgers 36-20
1st Place in the N.L. West, 4 1/2 games ahead of the Diamondbacks and Padres

Dodgers Probables
Justin Wrobleski (6-2, 3.07)
Roki Sasaki (3-3, 4.93)
Yoshinobu Yamamoto (4-4, 3.09)

Dodgers Leaders
Average:  Andy Pages - .303
Runs:  Three tied with - 36
Home Runs:  Andy Pages - 13
RBIs:  Andy Pages - 50
Stolen Bases:  Andy Pages - 7

Wins:  Justin Wrobleski - 6
ERA:  Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 3.09
Strikeouts:  Shohei Ohtani - 61
Saves:  Edwin Diaz and Tanner Scott - 4
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Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Game 55 - Nola + Long Balls = Win

Philadelphia Phillies  4 
San Diego Padres  3 

2026 Topps Heritage #183
Late Tuesday Night, May 26th
Petco Park - San Diego, CA
28-27, 3rd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola's solid outing was supported by three solo home runs in the first three innings from Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and J.T. Realmuto in this 4-3 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies would go for the series sweep on Wednesday afternoon, with Cristopher Sanchez on the mound looking to break the franchise's consecutive scoreless inning streak.

What Happened:  Nola had his strongest start of the season, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out five over six innings.  Jhoan Duran pitched a perfect ninth to notch his 11th save.  Harper, Turner (batting second) and Realmuto launched their solo shots three innings in a row, and Edmundo Sosa would have joined them in the fourth with a solo home run had center fielder Jackson Merrill not robbed him with a leaping catch, bringing the ball back over the wall.  Turner looked good batting second, hitting a 434-foot home run off the third deck in the third, snapping an 0 for 18 streak.  He'd add a line-drive single in the fifth.

Featured Card:  Hopefully Turner is turning the corner and his .225 average slowly starts to go up in the coming weeks.
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Game 54 - Luzardo + Long Balls = Win

Philadelphia Phillies  3 
San Diego Padres  0 

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215
Monday Night, May 25th
Petco Park - San Diego, CA
27-27, 3rd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo and three relievers combined to shut out a strong Padres team on Memorial Day.

What It Means:  It's a great start to what should be a tough six-game road swing against the Padres and Dodgers.

What Happened:  Luzardo evened his record at 4-4, allowing four hits and striking out six over six innings of work, escaping jams in seemingly every inning.  Orion Kerkering and Brad Keller worked effectively as set-up guys for closer Jhoan Duran, who clinched his 10th save of the season and the 100th save of his career.  Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run in the first, his 21st of the season, giving Luzardo all the run support he'd need.  The Phillies added two runs in the seventh on a two-run home run from Brandon Marsh.  The only other hit from the Phillies' offense was a single from Schwarber to start the seventh.

Featured Card:  Duran's first 74 saves came with the Twins, with this being his 26th save with the Phillies.  Here's his card from the team-issued Kid Club / Club 215 set.
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Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Game 53 - Phils Fall Flat Against Guardians

Cleveland Guardians  3 
Philadelphia Phillies  1 

2026 Topps Heritage #331
Sunday Afternoon, May 24th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
26-27, 3rd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies dropped the series finale against the Guardians, scoring just five runs all weekend against the strong Cleveland pitching staff.

What It Means:  To be fair, the Guardians scored only four runs against the Phillies' pitching staff, but they won two out of the three games.  The team flew to San Diego following the game, where they opened a three-game series on Memorial Day.

What Happened:  Andrew Painter had perhaps his strongest start to date in the majors.  He fell to 1-5, but he allowed just two runs on six hits over 6 1/3 innings pitched.  Painter departed with his team trailing 2-0, and they'd get to within a run when Brandon Marsh tripled to lead off the seventh and came home on a Bryce Harper sacrifice fly.  But reliever Jonathan Bowlan gave that run right back in the eighth when Travis Bazzana hit a solo home run.

Featured Card:  Rhys Hoskins is batting just .188 for the season, but he had a big hit in this game, doubling to left in the sixth to score the Guardians' second run of the game.  Hoskins hasn't appeared on any Guardians cards yet, and I recently pulled this card from a pack of Topps Heritage.
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Monday, May 25, 2026

Philadelphia Phillies at San Diego Padres: West Coast Swing Starts

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #1
2006 Topps #477

Monday, May 25th - 6:40
Tuesday, May 26th - 9:40
Wednesday, May 27th - 4:10

Petco Park - San Diego, CA
Tonight is a Bark at the Park theme night and tomorrow night, fans will receive a patriotic Padres Aloha shirt and 
Philadelphia Phillies 26-27
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jesus Luzardo (3-4, 4.85)
Aaron Nola (2-4, 6.04)
Cristopher Sanchez (5-2, 1.62)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .320
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 33
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 20
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 36
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 10

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 5
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 1.62
Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 86
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 9
San Diego Padres 31-21
2nd Place in the N.L. West, 1 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Padres Probables
Randy Vasquez (5-2, 2.96)
Griffin Canning (0-2, 9.00)
Walker Buehler (3-2, 5.05)

Padres Leaders
Average:  Gavin Sheets - .253
Runs:  Manny Machado - 26
Home Runs:  Gavin Sheets - 9
RBIs:  Manny Machado - 25
Stolen Bases:  Fernando Tatis - 12

Wins:  Randy Vasquez - 5
ERA:  Michael King - 2.76
Strikeouts:  Michael King - 63
Saves:  Mason Miller - 16
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Sunday, May 24, 2026

Game 52 - Wheeler Dominates Again in Shutout Win

Cleveland Guardians  0 
Philadelphia Phillies  3 

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215
Saturday Night, May 23rd
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
26-26, 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler and three relievers held the Guardians to three hits in this 3-0 shutout win.

What It Means:  Weather permitting (again), the Phillies will go for a series win this afternoon.  Saturday's game was delayed for nearly two hours due to rain.

What Happened:  Wheeler improved to 4-0 with his ERA dropping to 1.67 in his latest stellar outing.  Orion Kerkering and Brad Keller were perfect in the seventh and eighth innings, and Jhoan Duran allowed a ninth inning lead-off double before retiring the side and recording his ninth save.  Bryson Stott connected for a clutch two-out, two-run single in in the fourth to get the Phillies on the board.  Adolis Garcia walked with the bases loaded in the sixth for an insurance run.

Featured Card:  Here's Wheeler's card from the team-issued Kids Club set, which I completed on Friday night with the addition of the Aaron Nola card.  It's an 18-card set, for now, and one of the employees manning the Kids Club booth told me there are no plans for additional cards.  That could change of course, and the addition of a Don Mattingly card to the set would be a welcome addition.
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Saturday, May 23, 2026

Game 51 - Sanchez's Latest Gem Wasted in Loss

Cleveland Guardians  1 
Philadelphia Phillies  0 

2011 Total Philadelphia Phillies Postcards
Friday Night, May 22nd
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
25-26, 2nd Place, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Christopher Sanchez's eight shutout innings was wasted in this 1-0 loss, as Guardians' starter Gavin Williams shut down the Phillies offense.

What It Means:  The Phillies have scored nine runs in the last four games, and they'll try to right the ship this afternoon if the weather cooperates.

What Happened:  Sanchez extended his scoreless streak to 37 2/3 innings, passing Cliff Lee's mark of 34 scoreless innings.  Sanchez now owns the second longest scoreless streak in franchise history, with his sights on the all-time record of 41 straight scoreless innings set by Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander.  Sanchez allowed four hits and struck out six.  Jhoan Duran allowed a ninth inning solo home run to pinch-hitter Kyle Manzardo for the only run of the game.  Williams struck out 11 Phillies and Cade Smith pitched a perfect ninth to record his league-leading 17th save.

Featured Card:  Here's a Lee card the Phillies included in their team-issued postcard set given away on Fan Appreciation Day in 2011.  Lee's streak included three consecutive shutouts in June 2011.

Field Report:  Jenna and I attended this game, picking up our Sanchez bobble heads, and never actually making it to our seats due to the steady drizzle falling throughout the night.  We were lucky enough to squeeze in at a table with family at Pass and Stow, staying dry and hoping for any kind of offense to support Sanchez's gem.

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Friday, May 22, 2026

Cleveland Guardians at Philadelphia Phillies: Memorial Day Weekend '26

2006 Topps #467
2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH145

Friday, May 22nd - 6:40
Saturday, May 23rd - 4:05
Sunday, May 24th - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
All fans will receive a Crisotopher Sanchez bobblehead on Friday night.  On Sunday, all kids receive a Phanatic children's book, the latest in the seemingly never-ending series.
Cleveland Guardians 30-22
1st Place in the A.L. Central, 3 1/2 games ahead of the White Sox

Guardians Probables
Gavin Williams (6-3, 3.67)
Slade Cecconi (3-4, 5.16)
Parker Messick (5-1, 2.45)

Guardians Leaders
Average:  Bryan Roccio - .290
Runs:  Jose Ramirez - 30
Home Runs:  Angel Martinez - 9
RBIs:  Chase DeLauter - 30
Stolen Bases:  Jose Ramirez - 20

Wins:  Gavin Williams - 6
ERA:  Parker Messick - 2.45
Strikeouts:  Gavin Williams - 73
Saves:  Cade Smith - 16
Philadelphia Phillies 25-25
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 9 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (5-2, 1.82)
Zack Wheeler (3-0, 1.99)
Andrew Painter (1-4, 5.77)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .325
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 33
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 20
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 36
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 9

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 5
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 1.82
Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 80
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 8
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