Game 126 - Phils Squeak by Fish on Controversial Umpire Call

Miami Marlins	5
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2025 Topps Chrome Platinum
1955 Topps Doubleheaders #55DH-4

Monday Night, August 17th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
68-58, 2nd Place, 6 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez won his league-leading 16th game and a controversial replay review aided the Phillies in this 6-5 win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Phillies kicked off their homestead with their fourth win in a row.  In the seventh, the Marlins' Javier Sanoja doubled down the first base line with the ball initially called foul.  Upon replay review, it was ruled fair, but what would have been the tying run was placed back at third base.  Marlins' manager Clayton McCullough earned a justifiable ejection due to the umpire's mishap.

We arrived home on Monday after our odyssey to Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, and I proudly plopped in front of the TV for the duration of this game.

What Happened:  Sanchez allowed a run on six hits while striking out six over six innings of work.  The Phillies' bullpen allowed the Marlins to creep back into the game, as Sanchez had departed with a 4-1 lead.  Jhoan Duran escaped trouble in the ninth to record his 27th save.  The Phillies received RBI singles from Trea Turner and Luis Arraez in the third, and an RBI pinch-hit single from Derek Hill in the sixth.  Hill also walked with the bases loaded in the seventh.  Alec Bohm provided the needed insurance run in the eighth with an RBI single to drive home Bryce Harper.  Harper was 3 for 4 in the game.

Featured Card:  I'll feature another Harper card here, as there is no shortage of his cards in my collection.  Here's his 1955-inspired card from the recently released Topps Chrome Platinum set, with Mike Schmidt making an appearance on the back of the card.  Even though it's recently released, Topps still considers this a 2025 set for some reason.

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Game 125 - Phils Come from Behind for Series Sweep

Philadelphia Phillies	7
Minnesota Twins	5

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Sunday Afternoon, August 16th

Target Field - Minneapolis, MN
67-58, 2nd Place, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies rallied for a come-from-behind victory and Jhoan Duran shut down his former team in the ninth for his 26th save of the season.

What It Means:  We listened to this entire game, from pregame to postgame, in the middle of our 12+ hour drive from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh.  The Phillies completed the sweep and would open up a six-game series against the Marlins and Cardinals on Monday.

What Happened:  The Twins jumped out to an early 4-0 lead following a first inning grand slam from Brooks Lee off Andrew Painter.  Painter would settle down after that, allowing one more run in five innings pitched.  The Phillies didn't start chipping away until scoring four in the sixth, capped by Alec Bohm's three-run home run to make it a 5-4 game.  In the eighth, Bryce Harper singled and Luis Arraez doubled to start the inning.  Bohm singled to right to tie the game, and with two outs Bryan De La Cruz grounded a single to left, scoring two runs and giving the Phillies the lead.  Duran put a few runners on in the ninth but ended up striking out the side to secure the save.

Featured Card:  With no more De La Cruz cards to post, I'll give Bohm another card here.

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Game 124 - Bohm Goes 5 for 5 in Win Over Twins in MN

Philadelphia Phillies	9
Minnesota Twins	1

2026 Topps #377

Saturday Night, August 15th

Target Field - Minneapolis, MN
66-58, 2nd Place, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Alec Bohm went 5 for 5 and the Phillies were in control following a seven-run fifth inning in this 9-1 win over the Twins.

What It Means:  They'd go for a series sweep (one win in Iowa, two in Minnesota) on Sunday afternoon.  (I'm officially only one week behind in my game summary posts.)

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo reaped the benefit of the offensive surge, allowing a run on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings pitched.  He struck out nine to temporarily give him the team lead.  Zack McFarlane and Chase Shugart struck out five more Twins in a combined 2 1/3 innings of relief.  The Phillies took a 1-0 lead in the second when Alec Bohm doubled and eventually came home on a J.T. Realmuto sacrifice fly.  They poured it on in the fifth.  Luis Arraez walked with the bases loaded to score the first run of the inning.  Bohm and Sosa both singled scoring two more and then Bryson Stott lifted a three-run home run over the right field wall to give the Phillies an 8-0 lead.  Bohm would double and come home on another Realmuto sac fly in the ninth to bookend the day's scoring.  Bohm had three doubles and a pair of singles in the game.

Featured Card:  Bohm, who I was honestly hoping would be dealt at the trade deadline, has been red hot.  Through this game and so far in August, he was batting .367 with five doubles and five RBIs.

Field Report:  After the magical Field of Dreams game, Jenna and I made the four hour drive from Cedar Rapids to Minneapolis, touring Paisley Park on Friday and spending the day at Target Field on Saturday.  We toured the ballpark in the afternoon, watched some of the Phillies' batting practice at the conclusion of the tour and made our way to Section 12, right behind the Phillies' dugout on the third base line, for some enjoyable baseball.  Jenna immediately started receiving texts at the start of the game that we were clearly visible on the TV broadcast whenever a right-handed batter was at the plate.  There was a great pregame tribute to former Twin Jhoan Duran before the game and it was cool being so close to the action.

Both the Brewers and Twins use cheerleaders and a between innings host to keep the crowd engaged throughout the game.  I'm hoping the Phillies avoid going the cheerleader route for as long as possible, and the between inning host gave off a minor league ballpark vibe.

Transaction:  Kameron Misner (of) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley following the Field of Dreams game.

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St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies: Looking to Extend Winning Streak

2006 Topps #84

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #7

Friday, August 21st - 6:40
Saturday, August 22nd - 6:05
Sunday, August 23rd - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Two great promotions are on deck for this weekend series.  Tonight, all fans receive a Kyle Schwarber bobblehead, with Schwarber wearing the popular, retro baby blue uniform.  On Sunday, all kids will receive a Bryce Harper football jersey.

St. Louis Cardinals 66-63
3rd Place in the N.L. Central, 13 1/2 games behind the Brewers

Cardinals Probables
Hunter Dobbins (3-3, 3.42)
Andre Pallante (12-6, 3.57)
Kyle Leahy (10-4, 3.24)

Cardinals Leaders
Average:  Alec Burleson - .288
Runs:  JJ Wetherholt - 85
Home Runs:  Jordan Walker - 26
RBIs:  Jordan Walker - 94
Stolen Bases:  Jordan Walker - 17

Wins:  Andre Pallante - 12
ERA:  Michael McGreevy - 3.54

Strikeouts:  Matthew Liberatore - 125
Saves:  Riley O'Brien - 33

Philadelphia Phillies 70-58
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 5 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jesus Luzardo (11-5, 3.23)
Andrew Painter (2-8, 6.43)
Cristopher Sanchez (16-4, 2.51)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .274
Runs:  Trea Turner - 84
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 37
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 74
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.51

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 187
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 28

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2026 Chachi Field of Dreams Set

I knew I'd create a few custom cards from the Field of Dreams game for my 2026 Chachi set, but when walking from the movie site to the actual ballpark, I had the idea for an insert set to commemorate the event.  There was a meandering gravel path between the two locations with some concessions, helpful ushers and what looked to be somewhat sturdy, life-size standees of stars from the Phillies and Twins.  I took pictures of all the Phillies and the one ex-Phillie, with Jenna posing with a few of her favorites.

Shown here are those 11 photos, presented on a 1941 Play Ball design, which is close enough to represent the 1939 throwback uniforms worn by the Phillies.

Game 123 - The Field of Dreams Game

2026 Chachi #69

2026 Chachi Friendly Encounters #8

2026 Topps Now #551

Philadelphia Phillies	7
Minnesota Twins	1

Thursday Night, August 13th

Field of Dreams - Dyersville, IA
65-58, 2nd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  On a magical night for baseball, the Phillies shined in a 7-1 win over the Twins at baseball's Field of Dreams, situated in the middle of a huge corn field in Iowa.

What It Means:  This is easily the best regular season Phillies game I've ever attended.

What Happened:  After a moving pregame ceremony in which both teams and two dozen Hall of Famers emerged from the corn stalks in right field, Kyle Schwarber hit the third pitch of the game into the corn over the right field wall.  Bryce Harper walked, went to third on a Luis Arraez single and scored on a Bryson Stott single to center.  The Phillies scored three more runs in the fourth on a two-run home run from Schwarber that bounced off the glove of Twins' right fielder Luke Keaschall and over the wall.  Trea Turner then doubled and Harper singled him home.  Brandon Marsh capped the scoring with a two-run home run in the seventh.  Every Phillie in the starting line-up had a hit in the game, except for catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Aaron Nola allowed a second inning home run to Keaschall, but settled in and allowed five hits overall while striking out nine in his five inning outing.  Brooks Raley, Jonathan Bowlan, Orion Kerkering and Jhoan Duran kept the Twins off the scoreboard over the final four innings.

Featured Card:  I wanted to create a Chachi highlight card to celebrate the game, and given the hundreds of pictures I took during the day it was hard to parse down the photos to just a few to show here.  I also decided to create an insert set using photos of the Phillies standees located on the path leading between the movie site and the actual ballpark.  Given the Phillies chose to wear 1939-inspired uniforms, I kept the insert card design simple and based it on the 1941 Play Ball set.  I feature these in a future post.

Field Report:  It was incredible.  Jenna and I decided we needed to go to this game as soon as it was announced the prior year.  With both boys working and occupied with summer activities, we received their permission to make it a solo trip.  We pulled into Dyersville around 1:15 after the 90 minute drive from Cedar Rapids.  After waiting in line for the parking lots to open at 2pm, we quickly parked, trekked across the muddy grass parking lot and waited in line again for our early access passes from travel group, On Location.  The early access was amazing, as we were able to explore the movie site and the surrounding stores with very few other fans around at that point.  Jenna captured a selfie with Shane Victorino, we spent an appropriate amount of money on souvenirs and I took in the Field of Dreams from the movie, standing on the pitching mound, enjoying the view from second base and of course, thinking about my Dad.

In a truly magical touch, fans needed to cross through the corn field from the movie site to the ballpark area.  There was a meandering path lined with cutouts of Phillies and Twins players and then more merchandise and food concessions outside the larger (and new) ballpark.  We watched in awe as Mike Schmidt and Adrian Beltre stood in line with other fans for merchandise.  We made our way to our lofty seats in Section 304, Row DD, and enjoyed the view before the pregame ceremonies.  The game itself was extremely enjoyable as well, especially given the Phillies were in command from the outset.  Lifelong memories were created.

Transaction:  Kameron Misner (of) was recalled from Lehigh Valley as the 27th man for the game, but did not make an appearance.

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Game 122 - Phils Stumble Out of St. Louis with Another Loss

Philadelphia Phillies	1
St. Louis Cardinals	7

1963 Topps #404

Wednesday Afternoon, August 12th

Busch Stadium - St. Louis, MO
64-58, 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler was off, Jose Alvarado was wild and the Phillies offense was dormant in this 7-1 loss to the Cardinals.

What It Means:  This would be the low point of the road trip, as the Phillies lost two out of three to the Cardinals and found themselves officially out of a playoff spot.  The Field of Dreams game was coming up on Thursday, followed by a weekend twofer in Minnesota.

What Happened:  Wheeler lasted five innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits.  Jose Alvarado tried to keep the game at a 5-1 deficit, but allowed a hit, three walks and two more runs in the seventh.  The Phillies' bats were mostly quiet, going 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position.  Luis Arraez hit a ground-rule, RBI double in the fourth, hopefully busting out of his slump.

Featured Card:  We listened to this game on the four hour drive from Madison, Wisconsin to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Current Phillie Derek Hill was famously born in Iowa, and he'd become the first native Iowan to play a big league ballgame in the state on Thursday night.  Backup catcher Bob Oldis, with the Phillies in 1962 and 1963, was born in Preston, Iowa, growing up in Iowa City.

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Game 121 - Lack of Offense Dooms Phils in St. Louis

Philadelphia Phillies	0
St. Louis Cardinals	2

2019 Topps Heritage #252

Tuesday Night, August 11th

Busch Stadium - St. Louis, MO
64-57, 2nd Place, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted a solid effort from Cristopher Sanchez, grounding into four double plays and collecting five singles in this 2-0 loss.

What It Means:  Really just a forgettable game.

What Happened:  Sanchez battled through six innings and 89 pitches thrown on a steamy St. Louis night, allowing four hits and striking out seven.  The Cardinals scored their two runs off relievers Alex McFarlane in the seventh and Tim Mayza in the eighth.  The Phillies offense was 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  Luis Arraez is in the midst of 2 for 23 slump, batting .087 over the past five games.

Featured Card:  Jenna and I spent the day in Madison, Wisconsin, birthplace of Phillies reliever Pat Neshek, an All-Star with the team in 2017.  This is his Lowell Palmer inspired card from the 2019 Topps Heritage set.

Transaction:  Alan Rangel (rhp) was optioned to the IronPigs and McFarlane (rhp) was recalled.

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Game 120 - Painter and Sosa Deal Cards a Loss

Philadelphia Phillies	6
St. Louis Cardinals	5

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Monday Night, August 10th

Busch Stadium - St. Louis, MO
64-56, 2nd Place, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Andrew Painter took a no-hitter into the sixth inning and Edmundo Sosa had three RBIs in this 6-5, series opening win over the Cardinals.

What It Means:  This would be the only positive news to come out of this St. Louis series.

What Happened:  Ivan Herrera doubled with one out in the bottom of the sixth to ruin Painter's surprising no-hit bid.  Painter would win his second game of the season, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out six.  The Phillies had built a 6-2 lead heading to the eighth, which they'd need as Alan Rangel allowed three runs in 2 2/3 innings pitched.  Jonathan Bowlan took on the closer's role in a depleted bullpen, earning his first career save.  Sosa had an RBI-single in the second and a two-run double against his former team in the eighth.  Kyle Schwarber had a two-hit night, including an RBI-double in the seventh.

Featured Card:  Let's go with Bowlan here, despite Painter's strong outing.  Bowlan was acquired in the offseason from the Royals in exchange for fellow reliever Matt Strahm, who has since been cut from the Royals.  Bowlan is 29 years old and under team control through the 2032 season.  His lone Phillies card to date can be found in the team-issued photo card set.

Transaction:  Caleb Kilian (rhp) was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain and Chase Shugart (rhp) made a quick return to the bullpen in his place.  Kilian's season is likely done, and the trade deadline day acquisition made just four appearances with the Phillies, allowing five earned runs in 3 1/3 innings pitched for a 13.50 ERA.

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Game 119 - Phils Walk It Off in 12th on Hill's Clutch Hit

2006 Chachi #59

2008 Chachi #20

2022 Chachi #33

2022 Chachi #50

Toronto Blue Jays	6
Philadelphia Phillies	7

12 Innings

Sunday Afternoon, August 9th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
63-56, 2nd Place, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies got a much-needed win when Derek Hill singled home J.T. Realmuto with the game's winning run in the 12th inning.

What It Means:  They avoided a Blue Jays sweep and next headed out on the road (and the corn fields) with stops in St. Louis, Dyersville and Minneapolis.

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo was fantastic, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out 12 over seven innings.  The Phillies led 5-2 upon Luzardo's exit, powered by a three-run home run from Kyle Schwarber in the third, a solo homer from Schwarber in the fifth and an RBI-single from Alec Bohm in the sixth.  Orion Kerkering blew it in the eighth, giving up three runs on four hits and allowing the Blue Jays to tie the game.  The Blue Jays took a brief lead in the top of the 12th, scoring off Caleb Kilian, but clutch RBI singles from Bryson Stott and Hill in the bottom of the 12th led to the win.

Featured Card:  In advance of the Field of Dreams game on Thursday, the Phillies did something really cool prior to this game by having four of their own "ghost players" throw out ceremonial first pitches.  Tim Granville (2006), Tim Lahey (2008), Jeff Singer (2022) and Will Toffey (2022) were all on the Phillies active roster briefly, but never appeared in a game with the club.  Of course, they all have their own Chachi cards, shown here.

Field Report:  Jenna and I attended the Twins-Brewers game at American Family Field in Milwaukee.  It was a gorgeous ballpark, and while a thunderstorm raged outside, we sat comfortably dry inside with the retractable roof closed.  The Brewers walked it off in the 10th on a Jake Bauers single.  Highlights from the game included Jacob Misiorowski's 200th strikeout of the season and a few leaping catches in right field by Luis Lara.

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

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Game 118 - Nola Records 2,000th K, but Phils Fall in Extras

Toronto Blue Jays	7
Philadelphia Phillies	5

11 Innings

2026 Topps Now #536

Saturday Night, August 8th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
62-56, 2nd Place, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The bullpen wasted Aaron Nola's surprisingly solid outing as the Phillies fell in 11 innings to the Blue Jays, 7-5.

What It Means:  The Phillies would look to avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon.  We listened/watched some of this game as we arrived in Milwaukee after a lengthy (and unplanned) road trip from New Jersey.  It was unplanned as our flight west was unexpectedly cancelled on late Friday night due to thunderstorms in the area.

What Happened:  Nola allowed a home run and two runs overall in five innings of work, striking out eight.  He departed at the start of the sixth inning after a comebacker nailed him in the knee.  (Nola would be fine and make his next start on Thursday.)  The Phillies plated four runs in the sixth to take a 4-2 lead.  Trea Turner and Bryce Harper hit back-to-back home runs off Max Scherzer, chasing him from the game.  Brandon Marsh would add a sacrifice fly and Justin Crawford tripled home Bryson Stott, who had doubled to reach.  Jose Alvarado allowed the Blue Jays to tie the game in the eighth, allowing two runs on a hit and a pair of walks.  Chase Shugart gave up the lead in the 10th and 11th innings and was saddled with the loss.

Featured Card:  There was some history in this game as Scherzer struck out Kyle Schwarber in the sixth for his 3,516th career strikeout, passing Walter Johnson for 10th place on the all-time list.  Nola recorded his 2,000th career strikeout, and was rewarded with a Topps Now card for the feat.

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Game 117 - Utley Inducted Onto Wall of Fame; Phils Lose to Jays

Toronto Blue Jays	5
Philadelphia Phillies	4

2025 Topps Chrome Platinum #479

Friday Night, August 7th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
62-55, 2nd Place, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A lack of clutch hitting and a shaky performance from Zack Wheeler led to this 5-4 loss to the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  The Chase Utley Wall of Fame induction ceremony was fantastic, while the game kind of stunk.

What Happened:  Wheeler went 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and walking five.  The Phillies offense had five hits, and went 2 for 11 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  This is the latest addition to the 448 different Utley cards in my Phillies collection.

Field Report:  Before beginning our multi-state, three ballpark odyssey on Saturday morning, Jenna and I attended the Chase Utley Wall of Fame induction ceremony at the ballpark.  This has become a tradition for us, and it's one of the best things the Phillies do all year.  We waited out the two hour rain delay at the outset to listen to Pat Burrell's and Utley's speeches before the game began.  They passed on the traditional "victory lap" around the field in a Toyota truck, likely due to more rain on the way and the fact the ballgame had already been significantly delayed.  Still, it was a fantastic ceremony and I'm glad we were there.  With a big trip kicking off the following morning, we admittedly departed the game early along with several thousand of our fellow fans.

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Miami Marlins at Philadelphia Phillies: It's Good to be Home

2006 Topps #397

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #3

Monday, August 17th - 6:40
Tuesday, August 18th - 6:40
Wednesday, August 19th - 6:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
The Phillies Room support staff is back from a fantastic trip that took us through Milwaukee, Dyersville and Minneapolis.  We'll slowly get caught back up, but for now a three-game series with the Marlins is on tap.  On Tuesday, fans can stay after the game for a Flo Rida concert.

Miami Marlins 64-61
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

Marlins Probables
Janson Junk (6-7, 4.41)
TBD
Sandy Alcantara (13-7, 3.43)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Otto Lopez - .308
Runs:  Otto Lopez - 73
Home Runs:  Heriberto Hernandez - 18
RBIs:  Liam Hicks - 62
Stolen Bases:  Esteury Ruiz - 29

Wins:  Sandy Alcantara - 13
ERA:  Sandy Alcantara - 3.43

Strikeouts:  Eury Perez - 133
Saves:  Pete Fairbanks - 18

Philadelphia Phillies 67-58
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (15-4, 2.54)
Zack Wheeler (10-4, 2.89)
Aaron Nola (4-9, 5.33)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .274
Runs:  Trea Turner - 82
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 37
RBIs:  Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber - 72
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 15
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.54

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 185
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 26

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