Game 72 - Rincones Stars in Win Over Marlins

Miami Marlins	0
Philadelphia Phillies	7

2024 Topps Pro Debut
Autographs #PD-54

Monday Night, June 15th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
39-33, 2nd Place, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Gabriel Rincones, Jr. connected for his first big league hit - a solo home run in the second - and knocked in another run in the third in this 7-0 win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  I'm hoping the offense shows up two games in a row as Jesus Luzardo faces off against Tyler Phillips and the Marlins tonight.

What Happened:  Rincones' big moment supported another solid start from Zack Wheeler.  Wheeler improved to 6-1 and saw his ERA drop to 2.01 as he went six innings, allowing a pair of hits and striking out nine.  Tim Mayza, Jonathan Bowlan and Chase Shugart shut down the Marlins over the final three innings.  J.T. Realmuto stayed hot, hitting a two-run home run in the fifth.  Brandon Marsh, Justin Crawford and Edmundo Sosa all enjoyed multi-hit games.  The slumping Trea Turner left the game in the sixth after being hit on the wrist by a William Kempner fastball.

Featured Card:  I have 14 Rincones cards in my Phillies collection, including this autographed card from the 2024 Topps Pro Debut set.

Transaction:  Steward Berroa (of) was activated from the paternity list and optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Miami Marlins at Philadelphia Phillies: Division Week Begins

2006 Topps #578

2006 Topps Philadelphia Phillies SGA #11

Monday, June 15th - 6:40
Tuesday, June 16th - 6:40
Wednesday, June 17th - 1:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
It's a Country Music Night tonight at the ballpark and on Tuesday all fans will receive a Phillies soccer scarf.

Miami Marlins 36-36
4th Place in the N.L. East, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

Marlins Probables
Ryan Gusto (0-1, 6.00)
Tyler Phillips (1-1, 1.86)
Sandy Alcantara (6-4, 4.25)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Otto Lopez - .343
Runs:  Otto Lopez - 44
Home Runs:  Liam Hicks - 13
RBIs:  Liam Hicks - 51
Stolen Bases:  Jakob Marsee - 17

Wins:  Max Meyer - 7
ERA:  Max Meyer - 2.75

Strikeouts:  Max Meyer - 95
Saves:  Pete Fairbanks - 9

Philadelphia Phillies 38-33
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 8 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (5-1, 2.22)
Jesus Luzardo (5-4, 4.35)
Andrew Painter (1-7, 6.43)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .322
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 46
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 24
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 42
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 14

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 8
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 1.82

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 116
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 18

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Game 71 - Sanchez, Offense Sputter Out in Finale

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Milwaukee Brewers	4

1992 Fleer #521

Sunday Afternoon, June 14th

American Family Field - Milwaukee, WI
38-33, 2nd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez experienced a rare off-day and the Phillies offense couldn't get a thing going in this 4-0 shutout loss.

What It Means:  Well that was disappointing.  The Phillies open up a six-game homestead against the Marlins on Monday night.  The Mets come to town for three beginning on Thursday.

What Happened:  Settling in to watch Sanchez take care of the Brewers line-up, my plans were quickly scuttled when Jackson Chourio connected for a first inning home run, and Blake Perkins followed with a three-run home run in the fourth.  The Phillies offense managed four singles and not one runner reached scoring position against starter Kyle Harrison and relievers Abner Uribe and Aaron Ashby.  Sanchez dropped to 8-3, allowing four runs on eight hits and striking out only three in 5 2/3 innings.

Featured Card:  Reliever Ashby is the nephew of former Phillie Andy Ashy, who spent time with the club in two different stints in 1991-92 and 2000.

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Game 70 - Realmuto, Stott Pace Phils Past Crew

Philadelphia Phillies	9
Milwaukee Brewers	8

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Saturday Night, June 13th

American Family Field - Milwaukee, WI
38-32, 2nd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies barely held on to win a wild game in Milwaukee, downing the Brewers by a score of 9-8.

What It Means:  Cristopher Sanchez takes the mound this afternoon as the Phillies look for another series win.

What Happened:  Brandon Marsh, Edmundo Sosa and J.T. Realmuto each had three hits in this game, with Realmuto driving in four runs.  Sosa hit a solo home run in the second to start the scoring.  Two more runs scored in the fourth on a Bryson Stott double and Realmuto's RBI single.  Stott added his second double of the night in the sixth, breaking a 3-3 tie and scoring the first of five runs in the inning.  Realmuto had the big blow, launching a three-run home run to give the Phillies a 7-3 lead.  Marsh singled home Bryce Harper for a much-needed insurance run in the eighth, giving the Phillies a 9-5 lead.

Aaron Nola struggled again.  He didn't get out of the fifth inning, allowing three runs on six hits, including a pair of home runs.  Jose Alvarado and Brad Keller faltered late in the game, giving up a combined five runs to the Brewers in lengthy seventh and eighth innings.  Jhoan Duran restored ordered, pitching a perfect ninth, and earning his 18th save.

Featured Card:  This is the first card I've featured for Realmuto so far this season, which is an indication of how his year has gone so far.  His 3 for 4 night raised his season average to .210.

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Game 69 - Misiorowski Dominates Phillies

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Milwaukee Brewers	6

1970 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Friday Night, June 12th

American Family Field - Milwaukee, WI
37-32, 2nd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  In one of the most dominant pitching performances in recent history, Jacob Misiorowski pitched a complete game shutout against the Phillies, striking out 15 batters.

What It Means:  The Phillies had no shot in this game.

What Happened:  Misiorowski faced the minimum 27 batters.  Kyle Schwarber singled to center to start the fourth but was erased on 4-6-3 double play ground out off the bat of Bryce Harper.  The Brewers starter needed 95 pitches for his masterpiece, and the game took two hours, four minutes to complete.  Misiorowski threw 58 pitches topping 100 mph, and he struck out Schwarber in the first on a pitch that hit 104.5 mph - the fastest pitch thrown by a starting pitcher since pitch tracking started in 2008.

The Phillies went with opener Tanner Banks to help ease Andrew Painter into this game.  Banks allowed a first inning run and Painter allowed five runs over five innings, raising his season ERA to 6.43.  It will be interesting to see how Misiorowski and Cristopher Sanchez continue to measure against each other as the season progresses.  I'll also be interested to see how much longer the Phillies stick with Painter in the rotation.

Featured Card:  The last opposing pitcher to face just 27 Phillies batters was the Expos' Gary Waslewski on July 6, 1969.  Waslewski allowed a hit to Rick Joseph and walked Deron Johnson, but both runners were erased on double plays.

Transaction:  A lat muscle tear suffered by Adolis Garcia in Wednesday's game against the Blue Jays set off a flurry of roster moves prior to this game.  On Thursday, the Phillies acquired Derek Hill (of) and cash considerations from the White Sox for minor leaguers Dylan Campbell (of) and Jose Colmenares (inf).  Jackson Rutledge (rhp) was designated for assignment to make room for Hill on the 40-man roster.  Hill is a veteran of seven big league seasons, and he was batting .213 with four home runs with the White Sox so far this season.  He played in all three recent games against the Phillies, going 1 for 7 with a home run off Jesus Luzardo.  Hill has seen time with the Tigers, Nationals, Rangers, Giants, Marlins and White Sox.

Before this game, Hill was activated and Gabriel Rincones, Jr. (of) was recalled from Lehigh Valley.  Garcia (of) was placed on the 60-day injured list and Steward Berroa (of) was placed on the paternity list.  Rincones started in right and went 0 for 3 in his big league debut, with a pair of strike outs.

2025 Topps Update #US305

2026 Choice Reading Fightin Phils (Series 1) #7

2026 Choice Reading Fightin Phils Top Ten Prospects #5

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Game 68 - Harper, Schwarber and Bohm Homer in Win

Philadelphia Phillies	7
Toronto Blue Jays	4

2026 Topps Now Road
to Opening Day #OD-181

Wednesday Night, June 10th

Rogers Centre - Toronto, Ontario
37-31, 2nd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies refreshingly showed some offense, launching three home runs, in support of Jesus Luzardo's strong start.

What It Means:  That's a series win in Toronto, and the Phillies next head to Milwaukee for a weekend series.

What Happened:  This game was never as close as the final score indicates, as the Blue Jays scored three runs in the seventh off a surprisingly wild Chase Shugart.  The Phillies led 7-1 heading to the bottom of the seventh.  Bryce Harper (15), Alec Bohm (8) and Kyle Schwarber (24) homered, accounting for six of those runs.  Bryson Stott added an RBI single in the seventh.  Schwarber, Harper, Bohm and Stott each enjoyed two-hit games.  Jesus Luzardo went 5 2/3 innings, allowing a run and striking out eight.  As a result of Shugart's rough outing, Jhoan Duran was needed for the ninth and despite allowing a few baserunners, he shut down the Jays, earning his 17th save.

Featured Card:  Harper got things going with his first inning home run, and he was 2 for 4 with three runs scored in this game.  This is his card from the Topps Now Road to Opening Day Phillies team set.  Topps has produced these team sets since 2017.

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Game 67 - Duran Can't Close the Door as Jays Win

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Toronto Blue Jays	3

2009 Upper Deck #809

Tuesday Night, June 9th

Rogers Centre - Toronto, Ontario
36-31, 2nd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  After the Phillies had taken the lead in the top of the ninth, Jhoan Duran blew his first save of the year in this 3-2 loss to the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  Duran had been perfect, saving 16 straight games, until the Blue Jays got to him in this game.

What Happened:  Dylan Cease and Zack Wheeler held the offense mostly at bay throughout the early part of this game.  Cease struck out 11 and gave up an RBI double to Brandon Marsh in the first.  Wheeler went six strong and allowed a solo home run to Jesus Sanchez in the bottom of the sixth before being relieved.  The Phillies took a brief 2-1 lead in the ninth when Bryce Harper drew a lead-off walk, went to second on Alec Bohm's ground out, and scored on Bryson Stott's double to left.

Duran wouldn't retire a batter in the ninth.  Back-to-back singles from Sanchez and Yohendrick Pinango put runners at first and third.  Pinch-runner Myles Straw scored from third on a wild pitch, tying the game.  Brandon Valenzuela then singled to left, scoring the winning run.

Featured Card:  The only two Phillies relievers with more consecutive saves than Duran are Brad Lidge and Jonathan Papelbon.  Lidge of course accomplished the feat in 2008, saving 41 straight games during the regular season.

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Game 66 - Sanchez Masters Jays in Series-Opening Win

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Toronto Blue Jays	2

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Monday Night, June 8th

Rogers Centre - Toronto, Ontario
36-30, 2nd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez surprisingly gave up a pair of runs but struck out 10 on the way to his eighth win of the year.

What It Means:  We watched all of these games throughout the week, but a busy work schedule, a bad ear infection and a peaceful Saturday morning means I'm reliving them all after the fact.

What Happened:  Sanchez looked just slightly human, allowing two runs, including a solo home run to Ernie Clement in the fifth.  Brad Keller and Jhoan Duran locked it down, with Duran earning his 16th save.  Adolis Garcia hit a two-run home run in the first.  Sadly, just as the slugger seemed to be turning things around, he'd have his season likely ended with an injury suffered in Wednesday night's game.  Alec Bohm and J.T. Realmuto added two runs on RBI singles in the third.

Featured Card:  Sanchez would have gotten the card here without the benefit of hindsight, but since I might not get a chance to post any more Garcia cards this year, here's his recently released, team-issued photo card.  In 67 games, Garcia batted .195 with seven home runs and 21 RBIs, and three of those home runs had come in June.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Milwaukee Brewers: June is Heating Up

2006 Topps #412

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH74

Friday, June 12th - 7:40
Saturday, June 13th - 7:10
Sunday, June 14th - 2:10

American Family Field - Milwaukee, WI
It's Pride Night at the ballpark tonight.  Tomorrow, the first 25,000 fans will receive a William Contreras trading card bobblehead, which uses the design of a 1975 Topps card.  On Sunday, the first 5,000 kids will receive a Slidin' Sal Frelick jersey.

Philadelphia Phillies 37-31
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 8 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Andrew Painter (1-7, 6.21)
Aaron Nola (3-4, 5.86)
Cristopher Sanchez (8-2, 1.54)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .326
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 45
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 24
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 42
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 14

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 8
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 1.54

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 113
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 17

Milwaukee Brewers 41-25
1st Place in the N.L. Central, 4 games ahead of the Cardinals

Brewers Probables
Jacob Misiorowski (7-2, 1.50)
Shane Drohan (3-1, 3.11)
Kyle Harrison (7-1, 2.72)

Brewers Leaders
Average:  William Contreras - .285
Runs:  Brice Turang - 52
Home Runs:  Jake Bauers - 12
RBIs:  Jake Bauers - 43
Stolen Bases:  David Hamilton - 14

Wins:  Aaron Ashby - 9
ERA:  Jacob Misiorowski - 1.50

Strikeouts:  Jacob Misiorowski - 116
Saves:  Trevor Megill - 8

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Philadelphia Phillies at Toronto Blue Jays: First June Road Trip

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #8

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH121

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

Rogers Centre - Toronto, Ontario
Nice job by the Blue Jays as tonight the first 15,000 fans will receive a Roy Halladay replica jersey.  On Wednesday, the first 15,000 fans receive a Dylan Cease bobblehead.

Philadelphia Phillies 35-30
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

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

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

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 7
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 1.46

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 103
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 15

Toronto Blue Jays 32-34
3rd Place in the A.L. East, 7 games behind the Rays and Yankees

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

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

Wins:  Kevin Gausman and Jeff Hoffman - 4
ERA:  Kevin Gausman - 3.60

Strikeouts:  Dylan Cease - 92
Saves:  Louis Varland - 11

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Game 65 - Offense Bails Out Nola in Win Over White Sox

Chicago White Sox	5
Philadelphia Phillies	9

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Sunday Afternoon, June 7th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
35-30, 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

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

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

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

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

Featured Card:  Marsh raised his average to .338 putting him atop the National League batting leaderboard.

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Game 64 - Painter Shelled Again in Loss to White Sox

Chicago White Sox	6
Philadelphia Phillies	3

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Saturday Afternoon, June 6th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
34-30, 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Game 63 - Offense Leads Phils to Win Over Chisox

Chicago White Sox	6
Philadelphia Phillies	8

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Friday Night, June 5th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
34-29, 2nd Place, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

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

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

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

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

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

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

2006 Topps #560

2006 Topps #182

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

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
It's a good weekend for the fans!  Friday night, all adults will receive a Phillies floppy hat and players take to the field before the game on Saturday for the annual photo day.  On Sunday, all kids will receive a Jhoan Duran Card Show bobblehead.

Chicago White Sox 33-29
2nd Place in the A.L. Central, 2 games behind the Guardians

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

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

Wins:  Davis Martin - 8
ERA:  Davis Martin - 2.61

Strikeouts:  Davis Martin - 73
Saves:  Seranthony Dominguez - 11

Philadelphia Phillies 33-29
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

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

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

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 7
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 1.46

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 103
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 14

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Game 62 - Phillies Complete Season Sweep of Padres

San Diego Padres	4
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Thursday Afternoon, June 4th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
33-29, 2nd Place, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

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

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

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

Featured Card:  I'm pulling for Garcia to turn things around, and he collected three hits in this series, including his fifth inning home run.

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Game 61 - Sanchez Sets Lefty Record for Scoreless Streak

San Diego Padres	2
Philadelphia Phillies	3

2026 Topps Now #283

Wednesday Night, June 3rd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
32-29, 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

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

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

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

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

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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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