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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Game 50 - Nothing Goes Right for Phils in Latest Loss

Cincinnati Reds	9
Philadelphia Phillies	4

1987 Fleer #177

Wednesday Afternoon, May 20th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
25-25, Tied for 2nd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Sal Stewart and the Reds offense demolished Phillies pitching in this 9-4 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies had won six straight series, every series since Don Mattingly was named interim manager, before dropping this series, fairly easily, to the Reds.  The Guardians come to town next in what's looking to be a soggy Memorial Day weekend.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola gave up four runs on eight hits over five long innings.  Relievers Tim Mayza and Jose Alvarado both gave up a pair of runs in their innings of work.  The Phillies' offense had six hits and went 1 for 4 with runners in scoring position.  Alec Bohm and Edmundo Sosa hit home runs in the sixth to get the Phillies to within a run, making it 5-4, Reds.  But Orion Kerkering gave up a two-run double to Nathaniel Lowe in the top of the seventh to again widen the margin.  Stewart was 4 for 5 with a ninth inning two-run home run off Alvarado.

Kyle Schwarber missed the entire series due to illness.  Bryce Harper and Adolis Garcia were a combined 0 for 19 in the series with eight strikeouts.

Featured Card:  Hey, it's Tom Hume again!

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Game 49 - Phils Snooze Through Loss to Reds

Cincinnati Reds	4
Philadelphia Phillies	1

1986 Fleer #179

Tuesday Night, May 19th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
25-24, 2nd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A lack of offense, suspect base running and shaky defense led to this fairly boring 4-1 loss.

What It Means:  Kyle Schwarber was out of the line-up for the second game in a row with some sort of bug, and he'd miss Wednesday afternoon's game too.  Let's hope he feels better soon.  This was the kind of lifeless loss the Phillies suffered through quite a bit in April.

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo didn't get any run support in his outing, and he allowed two runs on five hits in six innings of work.  Tanner Banks continued his miserable season so far, allowing two more runs in the seventh after Luzardo had left.  The Phillies had three hits throughout the entire game - a first inning double from Alec Bohm, a second inning single from Bryson Stott and a third inning solo home run from Trea Turner.  Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns struck out nine in his six innings with a trio of Reds relievers holding the Phillies hitless over the final three frames.

Featured Card:  I've got nothing, so here's a card of Reds' great and Phillies Room Favorite Tom Hume.

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Game 48 - Stott's Clutch Eighth Inning Homer Leads to Win

Cincinnati Reds	4
Philadelphia Phillies	5

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Monday Night, May 18th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
25-23, 2nd Place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Bryson Stott hit a clutch, two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to give the Phillies a one-run lead and the eventual win.

What It Means:  Kind of a spoiler, but Stott's home run was likely the only highlight from this entire series with the Reds.

What Happened:  Andrew Painter was spotted a two-run lead in the first with the benefit of only one hit (Trea Turner's lead-off double) followed by two walks and sacrifice flies from Edmundo Sosa and Adolis Garcia.  Painter would let the Reds tie it up 2-2 in the top of the second.  He'd depart after six innings, and just 69 pitches, having allowed the two runs on three hits.  Alec Bohm hit a solo home run in the bottom of the sixth, but the Reds responded again with single runs in the seventh and eighth.  Stott hit his huge home run with two outs in the eighth, scoring pinch-runner Garrett Stubbs, running for Bohm who had singled to open the inning.  Jhoan Duran threw a perfect ninth to record his eighth save.

Featured Card:  Here's Stott's card from the team-issued Kids Club / Club 215 set.

Transaction:  The Phillies swapped out Felix Reyes (of) for Otto Kemp (of), optioning Reyes to Lehigh Valley.  Kemp has been hitting well for the IronPigs, while Reyes was batting .158 (6 for 38) for the Phillies.

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Cincinnati Reds at Philadelphia Phillies: Phils Return Home

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH71

2006 Topps #41

Monday, May 18th - 6:40
Tuesday, May 19th - 6:40
Wednesday, May 20th - 1:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
There are no giveaways, but Tuesday is a Youth Baseball and Softball Celebration theme night and Wednesday afternoon is Weather Education Day.

Cincinnati Reds 24-23
Tied for 4th Place in the N.L. Central, 5 1/2 games behind the Cubs

Reds Probables
Nick Lodolo (0-1, 8.68)
Chase Burns (5-1, 1.87)
Andrew Abbott (3-2, 4.21)

Reds Leaders
Average:  Elly De La Cruz - .302
Runs:  Elly De La Cruz - 35
Home Runs:  Elly De La Cruz - 11
RBIs:  Elly De La Cruz and Sal Stewart - 31
Stolen Bases:  Sal Stewart - 10

Wins:  Chase Burns - 5
ERA:  Chase Burns - 1.87

Strikeouts:  Chase Burns - 55
Saves:  Emilio Pagan - 6

Philadelphia Phillies 24-23
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 8 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Andrew Painter (1-4, 6.21)
Jesus Luzardo (3-3, 5.07)
Aaron Nola (2-3, 5.91)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .329
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 33
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 20
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 36
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 9

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 5
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 1.82

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 80
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 7

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Game 47 - Wheeler, Stott Lead Phils Over Bucs in Series Sweep

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Pittsburgh Pirates	0

2026 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils Mystery Promo Set

Sunday Afternoon, May 17th

PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
24-23, 2nd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler threw seven scoreless innings as the Phillies shut out the Pirates for the second day in a row, sealing the series sweep.

What It Means:  The Phillies are firing on all cylinders, and they'll look to continue their winning ways with a six-game home set against the Reds and Guardians.

What Happened:  Wheeler out dueled Paul Skenes, who was chased after five-plus innings and was charged with five runs on six hits.  Wheeler improved to 3-0, and lowered his ERA to 1.99 with his dominant performance, in which he allowed four hits, walked a batter, and struck out eight.  The game was scoreless until the fifth when the Phillies scored a pair on an RBI ground out from Justin Crawford and an RBI-single from Trea Turner.  Bryce Harper homered to lead off the top of the sixth against Skenes, with Alec Bohm then singling and Brandon Marsh doubling to end Skenes' day.  Bryson Stott doubled them both home to give the Phillies a 5-0 lead.  In the eighth, Stott hit a solo home run, his fourth of the season to cap the scoring for the weekend.

Featured Card:  Here's one of the more unique Wheeler cards I've added recently, as the Reading Fightin Phils included a Wheeler card as part of a mystery promo pack when you buy their Series 1 team set.  Wheeler made two rehab starts with Reading in April.

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Game 46 - Sanchez Dominant in Complete Game Shutout

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Pittsburgh Pirates	0

2026 Topps Now #209

Saturday Afternoon, May 16th

PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
23-23, Tied for 2nd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez tossed his second career shutout and struck out a career high 13 Pirates en route to this 6-0 win.

What It Means:  This win got the team to .500 for the first time since April 13th, when they were 8-8.  They'll go for the series sweep on Sunday afternoon as Zack Wheeler battles Paul Skenes.  Dusty Wathan was the interim interim manager for this game, as Don Mattingly was attending his son's college graduation from Purdue University.

What Happened:  Sanchez needed 108 pitches for his gem, and he scattered six hits while walking none.  He struck out Marcell Ozuna four times and Oneil Cruz three times.  Bryce Harper stayed hot, launching a three-run home run in the top of the first inning that hit the batter's eye in dead center field and traveled an estimated 457 feet.  Kyle Schwarber contributed a two-run double in the second to give the Phillies and Sanchez a 5-0 lead.  Trea Turner doubled home Justin Crawford in the eighth for an unneeded, but welcome insurance run.

Featured Card:  As expected/hoped, Sanchez received a Topps Now card for his second career shutout.

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