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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Game 45 - Phils Storm Back for Win in Pittsburgh!

Philadelphia Phillies	11
Pittsburgh Pirates	9

10 Innings

2025 Topps Update
Stars of MLB #SMLB-82

Friday Night, May 15th

PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
22-23, Tied for 2nd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  After falling behind 6-0 after three innings, the Phillies stormed back to tie the game in the ninth and win the game in the 10th, with a thrilling 11-9 victory.

What It Means:  TV broadcaster Tom McCarthy wasn't being hyperbolic when he called this the "victory of the year" following the win.  After the dismal start to the season, the Phillies are now 13-4 under interim manager Don Mattingly.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola suffered a disastrous third inning, giving up a pair of home runs and digging the 6-0 deficit.  The Phillies chipped away in the fourth (Bryson Stott sacrifice fly) and fifth (Kyle Schwarber two-run home run), with the score standing at 8-3 Pirates after six innings.  Schwarber hit a two-run home run in the seventh for his 20th home run of the season, making it an 8-5 game.  

Gregory Soto came on for the Pirates in the ninth to try to secure the save, and his inning went like this: Edmundo Sosa reached on an error by shortstop Konnor Griffin, wild pitch, pinch-hitter Adolis Garcia walked, Trea Turner singled to load the bases, Schwarber walked with the bases loaded.  Bryce Harper hit what appeared to be a grand slam, but it just missed clearing the wall.  Still, Harper's blast, his fourth hit of the game, scored two more runs to tie the score.

In the top of the 10th, Brandon Marsh doubled home ghost runner Alec Bohm, and Rafael Marchan came through with a two-run single to give the Phillies a 11-9 lead and eventually, an impressive win.

Featured Card:  The card could have gone to Harper or Marsh, or even Marchan, but Schwarber is a home run machine right now, and I'll give him the card despite the atrocious base running he displayed in the ninth.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Pittsburgh Pirates: Closing in on .500

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #13

2006 Topps #416

Friday, May 15th - 6:40
Saturday, May 16th - 4:05
Sunday, May 17th - 1:35

PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
There are postgame fireworks following tonight's game, and on Sunday all kids receive a Brandon Lowe Pirates jersey.

Philadelphia Phillies 21-23
Tied for 2nd Place in the N.L. East, 9 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (2-3, 5.14)
Cristopher Sanchez (4-2, 2.11)
Zack Wheeler (2-0, 2.55)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .340
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 30
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 18
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 30
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 8

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 4
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.11

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 67
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 7

Pittsburgh Pirates 24-20
4th Place in the N.L. Central, 4 games behind the Cubs

Pirates Probables
Braxton Ashcraft (2-2, 2.77)
Bubba Chandler (1-4, 4.62)
Paul Skenes (6-2, 1.98)

Pirates Leaders
Average:  Nick Gonzales - .315
Runs:  Oneil Cruz - 34
Home Runs:  Oneil Cruz and Brandon Lowe - 10
RBIs:  Oneil Cruz - 30
Stolen Bases:  Oneil Cruz - 15

Wins:  Paul Skenes - 6
ERA:  Paul Skenes - 1.98

Strikeouts:  Paul Skenes - 56
Saves:  Gregory Soto - 4

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Game 44 - Luzardo, Schwarber Star in Win Over Sox

Philadelphia Phillies	3
Boston Red Sox	1

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids  Club / Club 215

Thursday Night, May 14th

Fenway Park - Boston, MA
21-23, Tied for 2nd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  On a rainy night in Boston, Jesus Luzardo threw six shutout innings and Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run home run in the eighth, sending the Phillies to a 3-1 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies won the series, but it's a little concerning they only scored six runs in all three games.  A weekend tilt in Pittsburgh is next on the slate.

What Happened:  Luzardo and Ranger Suarez matched scoreless innings through the first five frames.  Suarez would depart after 5 1/3, having struck out eight and allowing four hits.  Luzardo went six innings, also allowing four hits and striking out four.  With no score, and Boston reliever Tyler Samaniego on the mound, Trea Turner singled to lead off the eighth.  Schwarber hit a laser of a home run to right field, his 18th of the season, giving the Phillies a 2-0 lead.  An insurance run was scored later in the inning on a Bryson Stott infield hit to third.  Jose Alvarado gave up a run in the eighth.  Jhoan Duran struck out the side in the ninth to record his seventh save.

Featured Card:  Here's Schwarber's card from this year's team-issued Kids Club / Club 215 set.

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Game 43 - Rafaela's Pinch-Hit Blast Sinks Phils

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Boston Red Sox	3

2011 Topps Lineage #30

Wednesday Night, May 13th

Fenway Park - Boston, MA
20-23, Tied for 3rd Place, 10 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Ceddane Rafaela's pinch-hit, two-run home run in the sixth off Orion Kerkering sunk the Phillies in this 3-1 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies would look to take the series on Thursday night with Jesus Luzardo on the mound, facing old friend Ranger Suarez.

What Happened:  Andrew Painter had a promising start, allowing a solo home run and four hits overall in his five-inning outing.  Painter struck out four.  The only offense from the Phillies came from Justin Crawford, who just bounced a home run off the top of the center field wall to tie the game at 1-1 in the third.  Rafaela hit his blast in the sixth, and the Phillies couldn't string together any offense to overcome the deficit.  Other the Crawford's home run, the offense had two singles the entire night.

Featured Card:  We've only visited Fenway Park once, back in 2014, and watching the entirety of this three-game series on TV made me realize it's likely time for a return trip soon.  Here's Chase Utley in front of the Green Monster on one of his many 2011 Topps cards featuring him in Fenway.

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Game 42 - Wheeler, Schwarber Take Care of Sox in Opener

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Boston Red Sox	1

2026 Topps #261

Tuesday Night, May 12th

Fenway Park - Boston, MA
20-22, Tied for 2nd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler solidified the team's confidence that he is in fact back, pitching 7 1/3 strong innings in this 2-1 series opening win against the Red Sox.

What It Means:  The Phillies look to continue to win series, digging themselves out of the early hole they dug themselves in April.

What Happened:  Wheeler needed just 16 pitches through the first three innings, the fewest pitches thrown by a starting pitcher through the first three innings since at least 2000.  He departed having thrown 87 pitches (57 for strikes) and allowing six singles while striking out four.  Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run in the top of the first, his 17th home run of the season.  It was the fifth consecutive game with a home run for Schwarber, tying a club record set by six other Phillies, most recently by Odubel Herrera in 2018.  Brandon Marsh singled to lead off the second and came home on a ground-rule double by Bryson Stott to complete the Phillies' scoring for the night.

Featured Card:  Here's Wheeler base card from this year's Topps flagship set.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Boston Red Sox: 3-Game Set at Fenway

2006 Topps Philadelphia Phillies #13

2006 Topps #355

Tuesday, May 12th - 6:45
Wednesday, May 13th - 6:45
Thursday, May 14th - 6:45

Fenway Park - Boston, MA

Philadelphia Phillies 19-22
Tied for 2nd Place in the N.L. East, 9 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (1-0, 3.12)
Andrew Painter (1-4, 6.89)
Jesus Luzardo (3-3, 5.98)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .353
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 28
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 16
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 27
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 7

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 4
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.11

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 67
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 5

Boston Red Sox 17-23
5th Place in the A.L. East, 9 1/2 games behind the Rays

Red Sox Probables
TBA
Sonny Gray (3-1, 3.54)
Ranger Suarez (2-2, 2.77)

Red Sox Leaders
Average:  Wilyer Abreu - .295
Runs:  Three tied with - 19
Home Runs:  Willson Contreras - 8
RBIs:  Willson Contreras - 23
Stolen Bases:  Jarren Duran - 8

Wins:  Three tied with - 3
ERA:  Connelly Early - 3.16

Strikeouts:  Connelly Early - 39
Saves:  Aroldis Chapman - 8

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Game 41 - Schwarbombs Away on Mother's Day

Colorado Rockies	0
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2026 Topps #197

Sunday Afternoon, May 10th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
19-22, Tied for 2nd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber homered twice and Christopher Sanchez threw seven shutout innings in this 6-0 Mother's Day win over the Rockies.

What It Means:  The Phillies head out on the road for three games in Boston, followed by three games in Pittsburgh.

What Happened:  It shouldn't be lost among the accolades for Sanchez and Schwarber that Brandon Marsh went 4 for 4 to raise his average to .353, making him the leading hitter in baseball.  Sanchez allowed six hits, walking none and striking out seven in his dominant outing.  Schwarber and Bryce Harper hit back-to-back home runs in the first, which was all the scoring the Phillies would need for the win.  Schwarber would homer again in the second inning.

Featured Card:  Homers from Schwarber and Harper in the first give me a good excuse to feature this Combo Player Card from Series One of the this year's Topps flagship set.

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Game 40 - Bohm, Turner Bust Out of Slumps in Win

Colorado Rockies	3
Philadelphia Phillies	9

2026 Topps Heritage #81

Saturday Night, May 9th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
18-22, Tied for 3rd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Alec Bohm and Trea Turner busted out of their slumps in a big way as the Phillies easily dismantled the Rockies, 9-3.

What It Means:  They'll go for the series win this afternoon, and then head out on a six-game road trip against the Red Sox and Pirates.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola was the beneficiary of the run support, but he couldn't stick around long enough to earn the win.  Nola gave up three runs on six hits and a pair of walks before being lifted for Tim Mayza with two outs in the fifth.  Tanner Banks, Chase Shugart and Orion Kerkering shut the Rockies down for the rest of the game.

Turner has been mired in a season-long slump after winning the batting title, and went 0 for 6 on Friday.  He went 4 for 5 in this game.  Kyle Schwarber hit a three-run home run in the five-run third inning.  Bryce Harper left the game after the first inning with a migraine and his replacement, Felix Reyes, went 0 for 4 as his average dropped to .139.

Featured Card:  Bohm was essentially benched Thursday and Friday, and in his first at-bat back in the line-up, he hit a solo home run to left.  He'd connect again with another solo shot to lead off the fourth.  Still not done, Bohm added a two-run double in the eighth.

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Game 39 - Impressive, Unexpected Comeback Bid Falls Short

Colorado Rockies	9
Philadelphia Phillies	7

11 Innings

2022 Topps Heritage #523

Friday Night, May 8th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
17-22, Tied for 3rd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Trailing 6-0 after five innings, the Phillies would tie up this ballgame late, only to fall in 11 innings to the Rockies.

What It Means:  The four-game winning streak is a distant memory and the Phillies will try to break the two-game losing streak tonight.

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo continued his inconsistent season, falling victim once again to one bad inning.  Cruising through three innings after allowing a first inning run, Luzardo couldn't retire a batter in the fourth and he was chased from the game having allowed six runs on six hits, three walks and a wild pitch.  A Kyle Schwarber solo home run (his 13th for the season and 200th with the Phillies) and a J.T. Realmuto RBI double made it a 6-2 game after six innings.  The Phillies stormed back with five runs in the eighth to tie the score, with the big hits being Bryson Stott's two-run double and Justin Crawford's two-run home run.  It was Crawford's first in the  majors.

Featured Card:  Jhoan Duran, Jose Alvarado and Orion Kerkering worked a scoreless 8th, 9th and 10th innings.  Brad Keller was in instant trouble in the 11th, eventually allowing two runs to score.  Keller, who was viewed as the set-up man for Jhoan Duran when he was signed, hasn't been impressive so far this season.  He's had four clean appearances (no baserunners) out of his 17 total relief appearances.

Transaction:  Dylan Moore (inf-of) cleared waivers and was outrighted to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 38 - Painter Hit Hard in Lopsided Loss

Athletics	12
Philadelphia Phillies	1

2006 Fleer Tradition #29

Thursday Night, May 7th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
17-21, Tied for 3rd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Andrew Painter allowed eight runs in 3 2/3 innings, putting the Phillies in an early hole they couldn't dig out from in this lopsided loss to the A's.

What It Means:  The modest four-game winning streak is over and the Rockies come to town next for a weekend series.

What Happened:  Painter (eight runs), Tanner Banks (two runs) and Chase Shugart (two more runs) had days they'd like to forget.  Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run in the fourth, giving the fans one brief moment to cheer during this game.  The rest of the offense managed five singles.  Garrett Stubbs made his big league debut at third base late in the game, as Alec Bohm was given a much-needed complete day off, and Stubbs would also pitch a scoreless ninth inning.

Featured Card:  Painter's ERA is 6.89 following his first seven appearances in the majors, with that number going up to 7.81 if you just count his six starts.  I saw an encouraging post somewhere noting Cole Hamels had an ERA of 5.50 through his first seven starts, and it's forgotten now how much Hamels struggled upon his promotion to the majors in May 2006.  Painter's make-up and poise seem fine, so hopefully the young pitcher can figure things out and start pitching like the top prospect he is.

Transaction:  Grant Holman (rhp) was claimed off waivers from the Detroit Tigers and optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 37 - Sosa's Clutch Hit in 8th Leads to Comeback Win

Athletics	3
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2019 Topps Heritage #286

Wednesday Night, May 6th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
17-20, Tied for 2nd Place, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A four-run eighth inning capped by a go-ahead, two-run single from Edmundo Sosa, led to a 6-3 win over the Athletics.

What It Means:  The Phillies would go for the series sweep on Thursday night, but they'd fall quite a bit short.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler made his first home start since August 2, 2025, pitching 6 1/3 innings and allowing three runs on five hits while striking out four.  Brad Keller walked a tight-rope (again) in the ninth, loading the bases, before securing his third save.  The Phillies trailed 3-2 after six innings, following a solo home run from Adolis Garcia.  In the eighth, the Phillies loaded the bases on a Kyle Schwarber walk, a costly error from Jeff McNeil to put Bryce Harper aboard, and a Garcia single.  Sosa fell behind 0-2 and then fouled off four straight pitches before singling to center to score Schwarber and Harper.  Brandon Marsh and Justin Crawford brought two more runs home later in the inning.

Featured Card:  I've been waiting to feature this card, and the starring roles played by Garcia and Sosa in this win was a good reason.  Both players came up through the Cardinals' system and they were reunited with the Phillies when Garcia signed with the club in the offseason.

Field Report:  Jenna and I enjoyed this game from Section 315, in front of a group of rowdy nurses, after enjoying a pre-game meal from Pass and Stow.

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