Milwaukee Brewers at Philadelphia Phillies: Playoff Berth in Reach

2006 Topps #147

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH25

Tuesday, September 22nd - 6:40
Wednesday, September 23rd - 6:40
Thursday, September 24th - 6:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
There are theme nights this series, with Mystery Squishy Dumpling Bundle (?) night on Wednesday and Harry Potter night on Thursday, but otherwise no giveaways.

Milwaukee Brewers 98-58
1st Place in the N.L. Central, 11 games ahead of the Cubs

Brewers Probables
Dustin May (2-2, 5.40)
Logan Henderson (10-3, 2.51)
Kyle Harrison (10-5, 4.23)

Brewers Leaders
Average:  Jackson Chourio - .285
Runs:  Brice Turang - 97
Home Runs:  Jake Bauers - 26
RBIs:  Brice Turang - 93
Stolen Bases:  David Hamilton - 28

Wins:  Jacob Misiorowski - 15
ERA:  Jacob Misiorowski - 1.86

Strikeouts:  Jacob Misiorowski - 247
Saves:  Trevor Megill - 29

Philadelphia Phillies 86-70
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 6 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (13-5, 2.99)
Aaron Nola (7-10, 4.49)
Tim Mayza (3-4, 3.46)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .271
Runs:  Trea Turner - 99
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 95
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 25

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 18
ERA:  Jesus Luzardo - 2.87

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez - 221
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 32

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Game 156 - Sanchez, Crawford, Bullpen Prevail Over Mets

Philadelphia Phillies	7
New York Mets	2

2026 Topps Chrome
Wave Refractors #73

Sunday Afternoon, September 20th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
86-70, 2nd Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies finally looked again like a play-off caliber team in this rainy, Sunday afternoon win over the Mets.

What It Means:  The Magic Number to clinch a playoff spot is down to 3.  The Phillies split this series with the Mets and are headed home to wrap up the regular season with six games against the postseason bound Brewers and Rays, beginning on Tuesday night.

What Happened:  The Phillies jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first on a Luis Arraez sacrifice fly and another clutch, two-out RBI single from Alec Bohm.  They took a 4-0 lead in the third when Kyle Schwarber walked, was doubled home by Trea Turner and Arraez singled Turner home.  Cristopher Sanchez was pulled in the seventh inning, much to his displeasure, having allowed a run on six hits and striking out six.  Alex McFarlane entered, allowed an inherited run to score, but struck out Juan Soto on three straight pitches to end the threat.  Justin Crawford broke the game open in the eighth with a bases-clearing triple.  Sanchez notched his 18th win of the season, becoming the first Phillies pitcher with at least 18 wins in a season since Roy Halladay won 19 in 2011.

Featured Card:  The rookies came up big in this game, with both McFarlane and Crawford playing pivotal roles.  I'll give the card to Crawford here, as his triple allowed the Phillies to have their first real breathing room in a game since the prior Sunday.

Transaction:  Following his latest disastrous outing on Saturday afternoon, Orion Kerkerking (rhp) was optioned to the IronPigs and Max Lazar (rhp) was recalled.

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Game 155 - Bullpen Falters Again in Latest Loss

Philadelphia Phillies	3
New York Mets	10

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Saturday Afternoon, September 19th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
85-70, 2nd Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Andrew Painter battled through 5 1/3 innings, but the offense could score only three runs for the fifth game in a row and the bullpen duo of Brooks Raley and Orion Kerkering imploded in this 10-3 loss.

What It Means:  This was one of the most depressing losses of the season, and that's saying something.

What Happened:  After 4 1/2 innings, the Phillies held a 3-1 lead thanks to an Alec Bohm RBI single in the fourth, followed by a Bryce Harper sacrifice fly and another Bohm RBI single in the fifth.  In the bottom of the fifth, Painter allowed a two-run home run to Francisco Alvarez, giving the Mets a 4-3 lead, but then struck out the side to end the inning.  Raley entered in the sixth and could not retire a batter, and the inning ended with the Mets up, 6-3.  Kerkering entered in the eighth and was atrocious, allowing four more runs on four hits, a pair of walks and a wild pitch.

Featured Card:  Raley owns an 8.71 ERA in his 15 relief appearances with the Phillies, and there's a chance he's not on the postseason roster.  Kerkering definitely will not be on the postseason roster, as he was demoted to the IronPigs following this game.  His season, and perhaps his Phillies tenure, are over.  In 24 games since the All-Star break, Kerkering has a pair of blown saves and a 9.43 ERA in 21 innings pitched.

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Game 154 - Soto's Blast, Lack of Offense Contribute to Loss to Mets

Philadelphia Phillies	3
New York Mets	6

2024 Topps #552

Friday Night, September 18th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
85-69, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense remains unable to score more than three runs in a game and Orion Kerkering allowed a back-breaking, three-run home run to Juan Soto in the sixth in this 6-3 loss.

What It Means:  We escaped having to watch any of this game, as we were enjoying Boyz II Men performing with the Philly Pops at the venue formerly known as the Mann Music Center.

What Happened:  The Mets plated three runs in the first off opener Tim Mayza and new acquisition Jose Urquidy.  Urquidy would settle down to pitch four scoreless innings, keeping the Phillies in the ballgame.  The Phillies made it a 3-1 game in the second when Bryson Stott doubled home Edmundo Sosa, who had singled to reach.  They got to within a run in the top of the sixth on Sosa's solo home run.  Following Soto's shot off Kerkering, the Phillies scored just once more on a Derek Hill solo home run in the seventh.  Sosa finished a triple short of the cycle, and was pinch-hit for with Brandon Marsh to start the ninth inning.  Marsh flied out to left.

Featured Card:  Urquidy allowed two inherited runners from Mayza to score, but then he kept the Mets off the board through the fifth inning, scattering five hits and striking out six.  He's not had a baseball card appearance since 2024, and this is his card from the Topps flagship set.

Transaction:  Urquidy (rhp) was activated and Kyle Backhus (lhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 153 - Nola Follows Wheeler with Impressive Start

Philadelphia Phillies	3
New York Mets	0

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Thursday Night, September 17th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
85-68, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola was fantastic, taking a no-hit bid into the sixth inning, as the Phillies shut down the Mets in this 3-0 win.

What It Means:  The magic number to clinch a playoff spot has dropped to 5.

What Happened:  Nola's no-hitter ended with one out in the sixth when Nick Morabito connected for a clean single to left.  Nola then induced a double play to end the inning.  He has a 2.10 ERA over his last 10 starts, which is not something I saw coming before the All-Star break.  Bryce Harper singled home Brandon Marsh with the game's first run in the fifth.  Luis Arraez and Justin Crawford added sac flies in the seventh and eighth innings.  Jonathan Bowlan left the game with a groin injury, further depleting an already shaky bullpen, and Jhoan Duran recorded his 32nd save.

Featured Card:  Here's Nola's card from the Kids Club/Club 215 set available at the ballpark.  When we last visited the club kiosk prior to the game on September 8th, they were all out of Duran cards for the year.

Transaction:  In need of pitching depth, the Phillies claimed Jose Urquidy (rhp) off waivers from the Chicago White Sox and transferred Caleb Killian to the 60-day injured list.  Urquidy was a 13-game winner with the Astros in 2022 and pitched three scoreless innings against the Phillies in relief in the World Series.  In 11 games with the Pirates and White Sox this season, he's 2-2 with a 5.28 ERA in 29 innings pitched.

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Game 152 - Wheeler Provides Vibe Boost with Solid Outing

Philadelphia Phillies	3
Washington Nationals	0

2026 Topps Sandglitter #261

Wednesday Night, September 16th

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
84-68, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler looked strong again in his start against the Nationals, and the Phillies gave him enough run support for a 3-0 win.

What It Means:  A solid start from Wheeler was needed following the Jesus Luzardo injury news and another rough outing from Cristopher Sanchez.

What Happened:  Wheeler allowed four hits over his seven innings, walking one and striking five.  He's one away from his milestone 2,000th career strikeout.  Jose Alvarado and Jhoan Duran took care of the final two innings with Duran recording his 31st save.  The Phillies scored two quick runs in the first with Alec Bohm singled home Trea Turner, who had walked to reach.  Bryson Stott walked with the bases loaded to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead with one out, but the Phillies couldn't score any more runs.  They left 13 runners on base in this game, and became the first team in 71 years to walk 13 times in a nine-inning game, but score only three runs.  Bryce Harper singled in the seventh and came around to score on a Luis Arraez double to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead.

Featured Card:  I'll gladly give Wheeler the card here.  He's 3-1 with a 1.04 ERA in his last four starts, striking out 29 over 26 innings.  Somehow I ended up with the Sandglitter version of his 2026 Topps card, one of 91 (!) parallel sets available from the 2026 Topps set per TCDB.

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Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets: Magic Number is 6

2026 Chachi Previews #1

2006 Topps #431

Thursday, September 17th - 7:15
Friday, September 18th - 7:15
Saturday, September 19th - 4:10
Sunday, September 20th - 1:10

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
The first 18,000 fans tonight will receive a Francisco Lindor bobblehead, and the first 15,000 fans on Friday will receive a Snoopy plush.  On Saturday, fans will receive a Carlos Beltran bobblehead and it's also Beltran's Mets Hall of Fame induction and number retirement night.  Finally, a Howie Rose retirement ceremony will be held on  Sunday afternoon.

Philadelphia Phillies 84-68
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (6-10, 4.69)
TBD
Andrew Painter (3-9, 5.54)
Cristopher Sanchez (17-6, 2.93)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .270
Runs:  Trea Turner - 96
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 95
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 25

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 17
ERA:  Jesus Luzardo - 2.87

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 221
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 31

New York Mets 69-83
5th Place in the N.L. East, 19 1/2 games behind the Braves

Mets Probables
Nolan McLean (11-9, 3.24)
Zac Thornton (4-5, 3.44)
Christian Scott (4-5, 3.76)
Jonah Tong (2-1, 3.43)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Carson Benge - .270
Runs:  Carson Benge - 78
Home Runs:  Juan Soto - 25
RBIs:  Bo Bichette - 74
Stolen Bases:  A.J. Ewing - 24

Wins:  Nolan McLean - 11
ERA:  Nolan McLean - 3.24

Strikeouts:  Nolan McLean - 184
Saves:  Devin Williams - 16

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Game 151 - Phils Unable to Provide Any Joy

Philadelphia Phillies	3
Washington Nationals	6

2026 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (Series 2) #4

Tuesday Night, September 15th

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
83-68, 2nd Place, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Christopher Sanchez stumbled through 6 1/3 innings, Jonathan Bowlan allowed a three-run to the first batter he faced, and the Phillies offense was absent for the middle innings of this game, as the team lost to the Nationals, 6-3.

What It Means:  Fortunately, the Diamondbacks lost, so the Phillies magic number to clinch a Wild Card spot decreased to 8 with 11 games to play.  The afternoon started off with bad news as it was announced Jesus Luzardo was going on the injured list with shoulder stiffness.  He and the team insist it's no big deal, but with the playoffs looming, this news sure does sound grim.  In hindsight, Luzardo probably should not have thrown 109 pitches last week in his first career shutout.

What Happened:  Alec Bohm singled home Kyle Schwarber with the game's first run in the first inning, but the Nationals quickly took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first.  Luis Arraez doubled home Trea Turner to tie the game int he third, and the Phillies took a brief lead in the top of the fifth on Schwarber's 45th home run of the season.  It was all downhill from there.  Sanchez allowed a solo home run to Andres Chaparro in the bottom of the fifth, tying the game again.  Pinch-hitter Daylen Lile homered off Bowlan following Sanchez's exit, giving the Nationals a 6-3 lead in the seventh.

Featured Card:  In more positive news, the Reading Fightin Phils won Game 1 of their playoff series against the Hartford Yard Goats by a convincing score of 21-4.  Bryan Rincon was 2 for 5 with five RBIs and Aroon Escobar was 2 for 4 with a two-run home run.  It was Reading's first playoff win since 2016.

Transaction:  Luzardo (lhp) was placed on the 15-day IL and Kyle Backhus (lhp) was recalled.  For the record, the original transaction announcement had Grant Holman (rhp) getting the promotion.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Washington Nationals: Quick Series in DC

2006 Topps Philadelphia Phillies SGA #2

2006 Topps #393

Tuesday, September 15th - 6:45
Wednesday, September 16th - 6:45

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
It's Hispanic Heritage Day tonight at the ballpark and tomorrow night is George Mason University Night.

Philadelphia Phillies 83-67
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (17-5, 2.79)
Zack Wheeler (12-5, 3.14)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .272
Runs:  Trea Turner - 94
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 44
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 94
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 24

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 17
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.79

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 221
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 30

Washington Nationals 70-81
4th Place in the N.L. East, 18 games behind the Braves

Nationals Probables
Jackson Kent (1-4, 6.59)
Cade Cavalli (12-5, 3.12)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  James Wood - .268
Runs:  James Wood - 102
Home Runs:  CJ Abrams and James Wood - 30
RBIs:  CJ Abrams - 96
Stolen Bases:  Nasim Nunez - 46

Wins:  Cade Cavalli and Foster Griffin - 12
ERA:  Cade Cavalli - 3.12

Strikeouts:  Cade Cavalli - 194
Saves:  Clayton Beeter - 12

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Game 150 - Bats Awaken in 8th to Salvage Series

Philadelphia Phillies	9
Atlanta Braves	4

1986 ProCards
Portland Beavers #1

Sunday Afternoon, September 13th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
83-67, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies' bats picked the eighth inning of the final game of a crucial Braves series to wake up, scoring seven runs on the way to a 9-4 win.

What It Means:  With 12 games remaining, it's looking more unlikely the Phillies will three-peat as division champs.  They hold the second Wild Card spot, and are 2 1/2 games up on the Diamondbacks overall for a postseason berth.

What Happened:  Andrew Painter gave up the obligatory first inning run and then settled down somewhat to pitch four scoreless frames.  He allowed too many baserunners - six hits and four walks - but got out of any more trouble.  J.T. Realmuto hit a two-run home run in the second to give the Phillies a 2-1 lead.  In the bottom of the seventh, the bullpen failed again as Jose Alvarado allowed the Braves to tie it up, but the Phillies unloaded in the top of the eighth.  With two outs, Alec Bohm doubled to center, scoring two runs.  Bryson Stott singled Bohm home, and consecutive singles from Bryan De La Cruz and Realmuto made it 6-2 Phillies.  Justin Crawford walked and Kyle Schwarber, who had singled earlier in the inning, singled again, scoring two more runs.  Trea Turner added another RBI single for good measure.  Tanner Banks gave up a two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth, but the Phillies would hang on for the win.

Featured Card:  And of course, I didn't see a pitch of this game.  I enjoyed a sunny afternoon of Villanova Club baseball at Montclair State, as the Wildcats swept the Red Hawks in a double header.  It was awesome to watch our oldest son Doug back on the field, playing the game he loves.  It looks as if the only former Phillies player to play at Montclair was Jeff Bittiger, who appeared in three games with the team as a September call-up in 1986.

Transaction:  Banks (lhp) was activated from the 60-day injured list and Grant Holman (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.  Christian Cairo (inf) was DFA'd to make room for Banks on the 40-man roster.

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Game 149 - Disaster in Atlanta, Part 2

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Atlanta Braves	12

2025 Topps Heritage #40

Saturday Night, September 12th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
82-67, 2nd Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo's shoulder stiffness forced the Phillies to go with a bullpen game, and it did not go well.

What It Means:  Games like this leave me frustrated and angry both while they're happening and up until I go to bed following the game.  Composing these posts as quickly as possible the next morning is a good remedy.  The Phillies need to get back on a winning streak.  They are a game behind the Cubs for the top Wild Card spot and 1 1/2 games up on the Padres and Diamondbacks for the final Wild Card spot.  Score board watching is in full effect, and any losses by the Cubs, Padres and Diamondbacks, coupled with a Phillies win, would help right now.

What Happened:  Tim Mayza was exceptional, pitching three efficient and scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out four.  He benefitted from a pair of double play groundouts.  Brooks Raley and Grant Holman were atrocious.  In a nightmare fourth inning, made worse by a Bryson Stott error, the Braves scored eight runs on six hits, two walks and a wild pitch.  Holman was making his Phillies debut, and likely will not be in the bullpen by the time Sunday's game starts.  Garrett Stubbs pitched for the fifth time this season, entering in the seventh.  Bryce Harper hit a solo home run in the first and took a very slow jog around the basepaths.  Justin Crawford added a solo home run in the eighth.

Featured Card:  Holman is in my Chachi set, but I doubt he'll ever receive an actual Phillies baseball card.  Topps included him in last year's Heritage set.

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Game 148 - Disaster in Atlanta

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Atlanta Braves	6

11 Innings

2023 Topps #589

Friday Night, September 11th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
82-66, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The bullpen blew three save opportunities, and all seems pretty grim for the Phillies after this nightmarish 6-5 loss to the Braves in 11 innings.

What It Means:  I'm not feeling very positive these days.  Immediately after the loss, the Phillies announced Jesus Luzardo would miss Saturday's start with shoulder stiffness.  The beleaguered bullpen will need to cobble together nine innings tonight as the Phillies' chances of winning the division slip away.

What Happened:  There was stuff that happened early and then stuff that happened late.  After a 47 minute rain delay at the outset, Aaron Nola gave the Phillies another solid start.  He went six innings, allowing two solo home runs, six hits overall and three walks.  The Phillies took a 3-1 lead in the second when Derek Hill connected for a bases-clearing double off the tough Chris Sale.

Jonathan Bowlan entered for the save in the ninth as Jhoan Duran had pitched two days in a row.  Bowlan blew it.  Pinch-hitter Justin Crawford singled home ghost runner Bryson Stott in the top of the 10th.  Chase Shugart entered for the save in the bottom of the 10th.  Shugart blew it.  In the top of the 11th, Luis Arraez singled home ghost runner Garrett Stubbs, but the Phillies couldn't push across any more runs and left the bases loaded.  In the bottom of the 11th, Brooks Raley took over for Shugart with one out.  Raley blew it.  Ha-Seong Kim singled home ghost runner Ozzie Albies, and Drake Baldwin doubled to the center field wall to score Kim with the winning run.

Featured Card:  @BoopStats posted on X this was the fourth time the Phillies had three blown saves in a game, with Bowlan, Shugart and Raley joining the club shown below.  Seems like more than three years ago that Craig Kimbrel was blowing saves for the Phillies.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves: N.L. East Showdown, Part 2

2006 Topps Philadelphia Phillies SGA #10

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH76

Friday, September 11th - 7:15
Saturday, September 12th - 7:15
Sunday, September 13th - 1:35

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
On Sunday, the first 3,000 kids will receive a Ronald Acuna, Jr. basketball jersey.  It should be noted when the Phillies do a kids' giveaway, every kid in attendance gets the giveaway, and not just the first 3,000.

Philadelphia Phillies 82-65
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (6-10, 4.76)
Jesus Luzardo (14-5, 2.87)
Andrew Painter (3-9, 5.71)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .269
Runs:  Trea Turner - 93
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 44
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 92
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 24

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 17
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.79

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 221
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 30

Atlanta Braves 86-61
1st Place in the N.L. East, 4 games ahead of the Phillies

Braves Probables
Chris Sale (14-9, 2.10)
Tyler Mahle (2-1, 1.24)
Grant Holmes (9-5, 3.46)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Michael Harris - .286
Runs:  Matt Olson - 94
Home Runs:  Matt Olson - 37
RBIs:  Matt Olson - 81
Stolen Bases:  Ronald Acuna - 20

Wins:  Chris Sale - 14
ERA:  Chris Sale - 2.10

Strikeouts:  Chris Sale - 184
Saves:  Raisel Iglesias - 32

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Game 147 - Bats Take Afternoon Off Against Astros

Houston Astros	2
Philadelphia Phillies	1

1994 Fleer #239

Thursday Afternoon, September 10th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
82-65, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies managed three hits, wasting a solid effort from Zack Wheeler, and falling by a 2-1 score to the Astros.

What It Means:  This was a frustrating loss, especially as the team heads to Atlanta for a crucial three-game weekend series against the first place Braves.

What Happened:  Wheeler gave up a run on five hits and struck out nine in his seven inning outing.  Jose Alvarado worked out of a jam in the eighth to preserve the tie.  Jhoan Duran allowed a solo home to Cam Smith in the top of the ninth to give the Astros the lead.  The Phillies scored their lone run in the fifth on a fielder's choice groundout from Bryson Stott, with Alec Bohm running into an out at third base.

Featured Card:  I could be wrong, but I feel the window I have to feature Don Mattingly cards on this blog is closing.  As I continue to enter large 5,000 count boxes of junk wax era and 1990s baseball cards into my collection at TCDB, I've come across a bunch of Mattingly cards I forgot I had.  This is one of those cards from the under appreciated 1994 Fleer set.  We could use Mattingly in his prime in the Phillies' line-up right about now.

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Game 146 - Schwarber Slams Phils to Victory Over Astros

Houston Astros	7
Philadelphia Phillies	11

2025 Topps Chrome Logofractor
Edition Power Players #PP-15

Wednesday Night, September 9th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
82-64, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber's sixth inning grand slam propelled the Phillies to this 11-7, much-needed win over the Astros.

What It Means:  They would try to go for the series win on Thursday afternoon with Zack Wheeler on the mound and entering the day just three games behind the Braves for the division lead.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez was uncharacteristically hit hard, seemingly tipping his pitches to the Astros' offense.  He suffered through a four-run third inning and allowed another two runs in the fourth.  The Phillies rallied to tie the game for the first time with four runs of their own in the bottom of the third.  Singles from J.T. Realmuto, Bryan De La Cruz and Trea Turner made it a 4-1 game.  Bryce Harper singled home two more runs, and Luis Arraez brought Harper home to tie it up.  After Sanchez allowed the Astros to take the lead again, Turner made it a 6-5 ballgame with a solo home run in the fifth.

The offense then exploded for six runs in the bottom of the sixth.  Arraez doubled, Bryson Stott reached on an error and pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa singled Arraez home with a clutch single to right.  Justin Crawford reached on an infield hit and De La Cruz drew a walk with the bases loaded to give the Phillies a one-run lead.  Schwarber then connected for his slam off Astros' reliever AJ Blubaugh to put his team in front for good.

Featured Card:  This is the latest Schwarber card added to my collection, and the scan doesn't do this card justice.  I knew Topps was releasing different shinier and/or more limited versions of its Chrome sets, but I never heard of the Logofractor Edition set until recently.

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Game 145 - Baserunning Blunders Contribute to Loss

Houston Astros	6
Philadelphia Phillies	5

2023 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Tuesday Night, September 8th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
81-64, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A rough start from Andrew Painter and two costly base running blunders cost the Phillies in this 6-5 loss to the Astros.

What It Means:  The Braves also lost, so the Phillies hold steady at four games behind them in the division.  They're only a half game up over the Cubs for the top Wild Card spot.

What Happened:  Painter was touched for four runs in a disastrous second inning, and allowed another run in the fourth to put the Phillies in a 5-0 hole.  He allowed 10 hits overall and two walks, while striking out six.  The Phillies started to climb back with three runs in the sixth.  Justin Crawford doubled, Kyle Schwarber singled and Trea Turner hit a three-run home run into the left field bleachers.  Brooks Raley allowed another run in the top of the seventh on a Daulton Varsho home run.

In the bottom of the seventh, Alec Bohm doubled and came home on a Brandon Marsh double.  With runners on second and third and no one out, J.T. Realmuto lined out to shortstop Jeremy Pena and Marsh was easily doubled off second when he wandered too far off the bag and broke for third on contact.  The Phillies got another run closer in the ninth when Bryson Stott singled and came home on an Edmundo Sosa double.  Sosa admired his hit for too long from the batter's box, and he likely should have had an easy triple.  A few fly outs that could have been sac flies weren't, with Sosa anchored at second, and Kyle Schwarber popped out to second to end the game.

Featured Card:  It was Jenna who noticed Paco Figueroa, the team's usual first base coach, was not manning his position at first base during this game.  Bobby Dickerson, the infield coach, was there in his stead, as Figueroa is dealing with a hip injury.  Interestingly enough, Figueroa is also the team's base running coach, so he could not have liked what he saw from the dugout from Marsh or Sosa.  Figueroa appears in the 2011 Reading Phillies team set and has team-issued cards in the 2019, 2022 and 2023 photo card sets.

Field Report:  Jenna and I spent most of the game watching from the Diamond Club on a beautiful late summer evening.

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Game 144 - Luzardo Tosses Career-Best Game in 1-0 Win

Atlanta Braves	0
Philadelphia Phillies	1

2026 Topps Now #644

Monday Afternoon, September 7th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
81-63, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo threw his first career shutout, limiting the Braves offense to just two singles and striking out 12 in this incredibly impressive 1-0 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies split the series with the Braves and ended the four game set at the same place where they had started it - four games behind the Braves in the division with 18 games remaining in the regular season.

What Happened:  Luzardo needed 109 pitches to complete his gem, in a game that took just one hour, 51 minutes to play.  The last Phillies game where a pitcher won a 1-0 shutout with 10 or more strikeouts was Roy Halladay's perfect game in 2010.  It was also the fastest Phillies nine-inning game since July 4, 1989 at Veterans Stadium.  The game was scoreless until Kyle Schwarber launched a 415 foot home run to right-center field, off reliever Didier Fuentes, his 43rd home run of the season.  Sarah Langs shared on X that this was the fifth time Schwarber had homered in a game that ended 1-0, tying Ted Williams for the most such home runs all-time.

Featured Card:  I was happy to see Topps created a Topps Now card for Luzardo's landmark game, and equally impressed Topps chose a photo with a Schwarber cameo for the card.

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Houston Astros at Philadelphia Phillies: September Rolls Along

2006 Topps #456

2006 Topps #364

Tuesday, September 8th - 6:40
Thursday, September 9th - 6:40
Wednesday, September 10th - 1:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
There are theme nights Monday (Hello Kitty Night) and Tuesday (First Responders Night) and seniors can stroll the bases following Wednesday afternoon's game.

Houston Astros 73-71
1st Place in the A.L. West, 2 games ahead of the Rangers

Astros Probables
Hayden Wesneski (4-1, 3.18)
Hunter Brown (5-3, 3.31)
Cristian Javier (2-5, 5.98)

Astros Leaders
Average:  Yordan Alvarez - .314
Runs:  Yordan Alvarez - 94
Home Runs:  Yordan Alvarez - 38
RBIs:  Yordan Alvarez - 95
Stolen Bases:  Cam Smith - 10

Wins:  Peter Lambert - 8
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  Peter Lambert - 137
Saves:  Josh Hader 23

Philadelphia Phillies 81-63
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Andrew Painter (3-8, 5.55)
Cristopher Sanchez (16-5, 2.58)
Zack Wheeler (12-5, 3.23)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .271
Runs:  Trea Turner - 90
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 43
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 87
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 24

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.58

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 221
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 30

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Game 143 - Acuna Crushes Ball, Spirits as Braves Prevail

Atlanta Braves	5
Philadelphia Phillies	4

1990 Donruss #312

Sunday Afternoon, September 6th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
80-63, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Ronald Acuna, Jr. blasted a three-run home run off rookie Alex McFarlane in the eighth inning, spoiling what was perhaps Aaron Nola's strongest outing of the year.

What It Means:  When the Phillies lose recently, it continues to be because of the bullpen, lack of clutch hitting, or both.  They would look to even up the the series on Labor Day afternoon with Jesus Luzardo taking the mound.

What Happened:  Nola went seven strong innings, allowing a run on four hits and striking out five.  He departed with his club holding a 4-1 lead thanks to Alec Bohm's two-run double in the first and solo home runs from Derek Hill and Kyle Schwarber in the eighth.  McFarlane got the ball in the eighth inning, allowed a single to Mike Yastrzemski and a double to Drake Baldwin before losing the battle to Acuna.  The Braves' slugger connected for a long, three-run home run and then flapped, skipped and danced around the bases, sarcastically giving the booing Phillies fans a curtain call upon returning to the dugout.  

In the ninth, Ozzie Albies led off with a double against closer Jhoan Duran, and scored the game's eventual winning run on a triple from Austin Riley.  The Phillies got the tying run to third in the bottom of the ninth with just one out, but Bryan De La Cruz lined out to short and Edmundo Sosa struck out swinging to end the ballgame.

Featured Card:  I spent time this weekend organizing a 5,000-count box of junk wax era cards, and learned there are multiple versions of each of the cards from the 1990 Donruss set, due to different splatter designs on the fronts of the cards or LEAF, INC. showing up on the backs either with or without a period at the end.  Mike Maddux looks how this discovery, and this Phillies game, made me feel.

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Game 142 - Wheeler Deals, Schwarber Slugs in Win Over Braves

Atlanta Braves	2
Philadelphia Phillies	4

2026 Topps Chrome #290

Saturday Night, September 5th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
80-62, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler battled through six innings and Kyle Schwarber drove in a pair of runs in this crucial 4-2 win over the Braves.

What It Means:  The four-game series is tied with games coming up this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon.

What Happened:  The Phillies jumped on Braves' starter Martin Perez early, scoring twice on three hits and a walk in the first inning.  Schwarber drove in his first run of the game in the second with an RBI groundout to score Derek Hill, who had tripled to start the inning.  Wheeler escaped a bases loaded and no outs situation in the first, settling down from there and only allowing a solo home run to Ronald Acuna, Jr. in the third.  Wheeler struck out nine in his outing, including Acuna to end the fifth.  Schwarber hit his league-leading 41st home run of the season in the fourth, giving the Phillies a 4-1 lead.  Jonathan Bowlan gave up another home run in the seventh, but Jose Alvarado and Jhoan Duran shut down the Braves in the final two frames for the 4-2 win.  Duran recorded his 30th save.

Featured Card:  After a rough start to the second half, it appears as if Wheeler is back, having tweaked his mechanics slightly to get back on track.

Field Report:  Jenna and I enjoyed this game from the Pass and Stow bar and later outside Pass and Stow and their roomy picnic tables.

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Game 141 - Rough Inning for Sanchez, Lack of Offense Doom Phils

Atlanta Braves	5
Philadelphia Phillies	2

2026 Bowman Prospects #BP-49

Friday Night, September 4th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
79-62, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies dropped the important series opener against the Braves as a result of a rough second inning from Cristopher Sanchez and a lack of clutch hitting.

What It Means:  There are three more games to go in the series, with Zack Wheeler taking the mound tonight.

What Happened:  Sanchez worked out of a first inning jam only to start a second inning jam with a lead-off walk.  The Braves then strung together three singles to give them an early 3-0 lead.  Sanchez went six innings overall, giving up three runs on five hits and three walks.  The Phillies would creep back into the game when Alec Bohm doubled home Luis Arraez in the bottom of the second, followed by a Bohm solo home run in the fourth.  Braves' ace Chris Sale would shut them down the next two innings, with the Braves bullpen duo of Didier Fuentes and Raisel Iglesias handling the final two frames.  The Phillies offense was 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.  Orion Kerkering continued his frustrating season, allowing a two-run home run to Mauricio Dubon in the eighth.

Featured Card:  It wasn't all bad news for the Phillies on Friday.  Top prospect Aidan Miller is slated to make his season debut on Sunday in Clearwater after missing almost the entire season with a back injury.  With Bohm set to become a free agent following the season, the Phillies need to know if Miller is ready to assume their everyday third baseman role.

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