NLWCS Game 3 - Phils End '26 Season with a Whimper

 

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Atlanta Braves	6

Thursday Night, October 1st

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
Braves win series, 2-1

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola allowed a first inning, three-run home run and the Phillies offense once again fell flat in this season-ending, and perhaps era-ending, 6-2 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:   I was anxious about this game all day, and I quickly accepted the season was likely over as the home run ball from Michael Harris II was leaving the ballpark.  Of course Nola gave up a home run in the first inning, he's done that all year.  Of course the offense would go quiet again on a night they couldn't afford to go quiet.  Of course interim manager Don Mattingly would make questionable decisions (Nola starting instead of Zack Wheeler) in what is likely his last game at the helm.  So as the game proceeded, I cycled through the seven stages of grief and I'll likely cycle through them again over the long winter offseason.

What Happened/Featured Card:  Nola couldn't find the plate in the first inning, recording a quick first out, but then walking the next two batters on 10 pitches.  Harris had a 2-0 count when he hit his home run, and they could have pretty much called the game at that point.  Nola was pulled after 1 2/3 innings, and Wheeler entered from the bullpen in the third.  Wheeler game up two runs of his own in the fourth, walking Austin Riley and then giving up a two-run home run to Ozzie Albies.  Jonathan Bowlan gave up a meaningless run in the seventh.

The Phillies pushed across runs in the sixth and eighth innings on an Alec Bohm RBI ground out, and a Trea Turner sacrifice fly, scoring Derek Hill who had reached on a triple.  Otto Kemp, demoted to the IronPigs back in May, was called upon to pinch-hit in the ninth and struck out against Chris Sale for the final out of the ballgame, the Phillies season, and perhaps this era of Phillies baseball.

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NLWCS Game 2 - Phils Somehow Pull Off Incredible Game 2 Win

 

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Atlanta Braves	3

10 Innings

Wednesday Afternoon, September 30th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
Series tied, 1-1

One Sentence Summary:  In one of their all-time classic and most nerve-wracking games, the Phillies battled back late with three solo home runs from Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm, all while rookie Andrew Painter was pitching three scoreless innings in relief in this 4-3 win over the Braves.

What It Means:  These two teams will meet one more time tonight, with the winner heading to Los Angeles to play the Dodgers in the NLDS beginning on Saturday.  With the other three Wild Card contests already over, the Phillies-Braves game moves to prime time with an 8pm start time.

What Happened/Featured Card:  The game was tied 1-1 at the seventh inning stretch.  Cristopher Sanchez allowed a lead-off walk to start the seventh and then his defense let him down.  Ha-Seong Kim was safe at first on a sacrifice bunt when Bohm tried to get the lead runner at second, and the Braves took a 2-1 lead when Harper misjudged a fly ball to right from Drake Baldwin.  Harper ran back too late and the ball dropped for what was scored a double.  Matt Olson would add a sacrifice fly to make it 3-1, Braves, chasing Sanchez from the game.  Reliever Alex McFarlane needed four pitches to escape the jam.

In the top of the eighth, the magic started.  Schwarber hit a long home run to center and Harper followed that with a solo home run of his own, tying the game.  Luckily, we got to hear both home run calls from Scott Franzke as the TV was muted and the radio audio was turned on.  Painter entered the game in the bottom of the eighth, and he'd have a "career-altering" outing as J.T. Realmuto coined it after the game.  Painter threw seven straight balls to start the inning and then locked in following a mound visit from pitching coach Caleb Cotham.  He'd gutsily work around baserunners in the eighth and ninth innings.

In the top of the 10th, following two quick outs, Bohm lofted an opposite field fly ball to right that kept carrying until it had left the park.  The Phillies somehow had a 4-3 lead.  Painter allowed a few more baserunners in the bottom of the 10th, but got pinch-hitter Dominic Smith looking on an ABS challenge to end the game.

Honestly, this was one of the most stressful Phillies game I've endured in recent memory, and that's saying quite a lot.

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NLWCS Game 1 - Phils Come Up Short in Crucial Series Opener

 

Philadelphia Phillies	3
Atlanta Braves	5

Tuesday Afternoon, September 29th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
Braves lead series, 1-0

One Sentence Summary:  Austin Riley hit a back-breaking three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth off Jhoan Duran to give the Braves an important Game 1 win over the Phillies in the Wild Card Series.

What It Means:  The Phillies will have Cristopher Sanchez on the mound in a possible elimination game Wednesday afternoon.

What Happened/Featured Card:  The Phillies scored first, with Kyle Schwarber drawing a walk off Braves' starter Chris Sale and Alec Bohm doubling him home in the top of the first.  The Braves tied it up on the bottom of the second on a Mike Yastrzemski single to center, scoring Ozzie Albies, who had reached on a walk.  Jesus Luzardo, dubbed an opener for this game given his recent shoulder injury, ended up pitching five strong innings, allowing a run on three hits while striking out six.  Alex McFarlane entered in the sixth, allowing a single to Michael Harris II and a triple to Albies, giving the Braves a 2-1 lead.  In the top of the seventh, in what should have been the big highlight of the game, J.T. Realmuto laced a two-run triple to right, scoring two runs and giving the Phillies a 3-2 lead.

Jhoan Duran pitched a quick 1-2-3 seventh inning, and recorded two quick outs in the eighth.  But then Harris reached on an infield single to Trea Turner, on a ball that Turner mishandled, and Albies was hit in the foot by a pitch.  Riley then launched his three-run home run, ruining the day for the Phillies and their fans.

Transaction:  The Phillies finalized their 26-man Wild Card Series roster, adding Otto Kemp (3b-lf) who switched his uniform number to 31, and removing Luis Arraez (2b), Max Lazar (rhp) and Brooks Raley (lhp).  All three trade deadline acquisitions, Arraez (injury), Raley (just bad) and Caleb Kilian (injury) will likely not appear in a postseason game for the club.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves: N.L. Wild Card Series

2006 Topps #359

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH111

Tuesday, September 29th - 2:00
Wednesday, September 30th - 2:00
Thursday, October 1st - 2:00 (if necessary)

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
If the Phillies want to play any postseason games at home in 2026, they'll first need to win two out of three in Atlanta, facing off against the division-winning Braves.

Philadelphia Phillies 79-58
N.L. Wild Card

Phillies Probables
Jesus Luzardo (14-5, 2.86)
Cristopher Sanchez (18-7, 2.91)
Aaron Nola (7-12, 4.67)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .269
Runs:  Trea Turner - 101
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 97
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 27

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 18
ERA:  Jesus Luzardo - 2.86

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 231
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 33

Atlanta Braves 94-68
N.L. East Champions

Braves Probables
Chris Sale (14-9, 2.16)
TBD
TBD

Braves Leaders
Average:  Michael Harris - .294
Runs:  Matt Olson - 99
Home Runs:  Matt Olson - 41
RBIs:  Matt Olson - 93
Stolen Bases:  Ronald Acuna - 21

Wins:  Chris Sale - 14
ERA:  Chris Sale - 2.16

Strikeouts:  Chris Sale - 200
Saves:  Raisel Iglesias - 34

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Game 162 - Phils Clinch Wild Card Spot in Final Game of '26

Tampa Bay Rays	3
Philadelphia Phillies	7

Sunday Afternoon, September 27th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
88-74, 2nd Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies made things interesting (and at times, depressing) but they punched their ticket to the 2026 postseason with this convincing 7-3 win over the Rays.

What It Means:  After a celebration yesterday afternoon, the Phillies flew to Atlanta.  They'll face off against the division-winning Braves in the Wild Card Series on Tuesday, Wednesday and potentially Thursday afternoons.  A win in this series would put the Phillies in the NLDS against the Dodgers.

What Happened:  The ballpark was tense and the game started a half hour early due to the threat of upcoming heavy rain.  Zack Wheeler struck out the side in the first to set the tone, and Bryson Stott's double in the bottom of the first to bring home Kyle Schwarber, who had singled to reach, was enough to allow the fans to breathe a little.  J.T. Realmuto broke his 0 for 34 hitless streak with a double in the bottom of the second to score Edmundo Sosa, who had reached earlier on a double.  Trea Turner kept things going with a sharp single to center and Schwarber plated two more runs with a cathartic double to right, giving the Phillies a 4-0 lead.  Wheeler allowed a solo home run to Jonny DeLuca in the fifth, but was otherwise solid.  He allowed five hits overall in six innings, striking out five.

In the bottom of the fifth, the Phillies broke the game open.  Bryce Harper laced a line drive home run that just cleared the right field wall.  Bryson Stott doubled and would later come home on a Brandon Marsh sac fly.  Sosa then added to his day with a solo home run, giving the Phillies a 7-1 lead.  It got a little dicey in the seventh as Alex McFarlane allowed a pair of runs and the Diamondbacks came back to tie the Padres in their game.  Jesus Luzardo, activated before the game, needed four pitches to shut down the Rays in the eighth and Jhoan Duran struck out a pair in the ninth on the way to sending the Phillies to the postseason.  On to Atlanta!

Featured Card/Field Report:  Jenna and I, poncho'd up, actually enjoyed this game from the Diamond Club with my brother-in-law Bill and his Dad.  The rain was heavy at times, but with the Phillies in control the entire game, I really didn't mind.  I'm hoping we get to see the Phillies face the Dodgers in NLDS Game 3, which would take place on October 6th.

Transaction:  Luzardo (lhp) was activated from the injured list and Jose Urquidy (rhp) was designated for assignment.

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Game 161 - Saturday Night Massacre

Tampa Bay Rays	12
Philadelphia Phillies	1

1993 Select Rookie & Traded #84T

Saturday Night, September 26th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
87-74, 2nd Place, 7 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Desperately needing a win, the Phillies were easily destroyed by the Rays on a rainy, dreary night.

What It Means:  In an article for The Athletic, Matt Gelb called the loss "an all-time embarrassment for the franchise."  Fortunately, the Padres beat the Diamondbacks last night.  A Phillies win OR a Diamondbacks loss sends the team to Atlanta to face the Braves in the Wild Card Series, beginning on Tuesday.  A Phillies loss AND a Diamondbacks win sends the Phillies home, hoping there's a reason to report to Clearwater in February with a lock-out looming.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola gutsily took the ball to start on only two days' rest.  It did not go well, and the Phillies were quickly down 3-0 before most fans had the chance to dry off their seats.  Chase Shugart, Jose Alvarado and Jose Urquidy poured gasoline on the fire, allowing a combined seven more runs in the fifth and sixth innings.  Alvarado's performance was especially bad as he was charged with three runs on three walks and only one hit.  Max Lazar gave up two meaningless runs in the eighth.

The offense was in the midst of a 21-inning scoreless streak before an unearned run scored in the seventh inning.  The Phillies had seven hits overall, including a pair of doubles from Bryson Stott, but went 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Television muted, I decided to let Scott Franzke and Kevin Stocker get me through the night with the radio broadcast.  They understood the mood, the desperation and the despondency of the situation, and it felt more like a therapy session than a baseball game.  At one point, after Franzke had described the nearly empty Citizens Bank Park as "desolate," the two broadcasters decided that was the perfect descriptor and Stocker went so far as to read the word's meaning from the dictionary.  "Empty, lacking people or life, deeply unhappy or lonely."

Franzke, ever the optimist, at least before the first pitch was thrown, started the game with the opening words shown here.  We'll be at the ballpark today, likely in rain ponchos, so I won't hear if he comes up with something even more appropriate for Game 162.

Here's a Stocker card from happier days.

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Game 160 - Phillies in Complete Freefall

Tampa Bay Rays	2
Philadelphia Phillies	0

2019 Chachi Phillies Phestival #3

Friday Night, September 25th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
87-73, 2nd Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The frigid, lethargic offense supported a strong pitching effort from Cristopher Sanchez with four singles and non-competitive at bats in this 2-0 loss to the Rays.

What It Means:  The Diamondbacks have won six in a row and are a game behind the Phillies for a Wild Card spot with two games remaining to play.  Over the last 15 games, the Phillies have seven home runs.  Kyle Schwarber (.150), Brandon Marsh (.148), Trea Turner (.244) and J.T. Realmuto (0 for 32) are horrendous right now.  And while I'm at it, here are some rantings of a frustrated, cranky, tired Phillies fan in no particular order:

1. I'm tired of this version of the Phillies, and what's frustrating is I don't think anything drastic can or will change for 2027* given the contracts handed out in recent years.  They're either red hot or ice cold with nothing in between.  Over the past three seasons, this team's core has consistently come up small in big moments, going into freefall whenever games matter most.
2. *Assuming there's baseball in 2027.
3. I'm less than impressed with the front office, and I'm looking right in your direction, Dave Dombrowski.  Your bullpen acquisitions have been atrocious, and the line-up you've built relies on the long ball or bust.
4. Why are we carrying three catchers on the roster, and only using the one currently mired in an historic slump?
5. The interim manager and the coaching staff undoubtedly have worked hard, but they've got to go.  Whatever they're doing, it's not working.
6. And they should take the City Connect uniforms with them.  I initially liked the quirkiness of the design, and friends and family know I'm partial to the blue and yellow color scheme, but after three full seasons of them, I now think they look ridiculous.
7. The baby blue retro uniforms should be the full-time road uniforms.
8. The Phillies need an overall rebrand. The current look and logo have been in place since 1992, meaning 2027 will be the 36th season with the same logo and red-pinstriped home uniform.  For comparison, the prior maroon uniforms with the fat P logo were worn for 22 seasons between 1971 and 1991.  I'd vote for the Field of Dreams look or let's get nuts and go to blue/yellow as our primary colors.  We need to start a new era and a new look.
9. Listening to a TV broadcast is painful, especially when you know the quality of broadcasting and game calling going on with the radio team, led by Scott Franzke.  I love John Kruk, but the other guys have never heard of taking a pause and letting the game breathe.  TMac's consistent over the top delivery is particularly jarring when the team is playing horribly.  At least Franzke tones it down and seems to emphasize with the distraught fans when he's describing the action on the field.

What Happened:  Sanchez allowed two runs in the first two innings, but then settled in to pitch five scoreless innings and strike out 10.  He struck out the side in the sixth and seventh innings before yielding to the bullpen.  The Phillies offense looked lost.

Featured Card:  I was sad to hear that Bill Giles passed away yesterday at the age of 92.  Giles is responsible for giving us Harry Kalas and the Phillie Phanatic, two very important and key figures in any Phillies fan's life over the past 40-plus years.  We saw Giles at quite a few events in recent years, and he was always friendly and warm towards us, and I hope he realized how many people he made happy.

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Game 159 - Phils Continue to Lose as Postseason Hangs in the Balance

Milwaukee Brewers	5
Philadelphia Phillies	1

1964 Topps #157

Thursday Night, September 24th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
87-72, 2nd Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense turned in another ice cold effort and Jose Alvarado allowed three crushing runs in the eighth inning as the Phillies continued their losing September ways.

What It Means:  This loss was made even more painful with the potential exit of Luis Arraez for the remainder of the season.  Arraez left the game in the sixth after jumping and landing awkwardly on his ankle at first base, trying to beat out an infield hit.  He had to be helped off the field and was diagnosed with a sprained ankle following the game.

What Happened:  Starter Andrew Painter kept the Phillies in this ballgame.  He pitched six innings, allowing a run on five hits while striking out eight.  In the bottom of the third, the Phillies tied the game at 1-1 when Kyle Schwarber doubled to start the inning and Bryce Harper singled him home.  That would be the only hit in the game for the offense with runners in scoring position, and they'd leave eight on base in total.  Alvarado couldn't keep the game tied in the eighth.  He allowed a lead-off walk, stolen base, single, single, giving the Brewers a 2-1 lead.  Chase Shugart entered and allowed both his inherited runners to score, pretty much putting the game out of reach.

Featured Card:  Gene Mauch and the 1964 Phillies are not amused at the current version of the club trying to replicate their complete and total collapse.

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Game 158 - Lifeless Phils Fall to Brew Crew

Milwaukee Brewers	4
Philadelphia Phillies	1

1988 Topps #126

Wednesday Night, September 23rd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
87-71, 2nd Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense was 0 for 12 with runners in scoring position and left 10 runners on base in this frustrating 4-1 loss to the Brewers.

What It Means:  The Phillies would keep losing and the Diamondbacks would keep winning, at least through Friday night.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola had a more standard Nolaesque outing, allowing two solo home runs and a soft single in the third that plated two more runs.  The Phillies scored their only run in the second.  With the bases loaded, J.T. Realmuto grounded out to second, scoring Alec Bohm.  Bryson Stott had two doubles in the game, and Tanner Banks pitched two scoreless innings of relief.

Featured Card:  From @BoopStats on X, through Friday night's game, Realmuto is one of 12 Phillies non-pitchers to own a hitless steak of at least 32 at-bats.  The list ahead of him includes John Vukovich, Steve Jeltz (33), Rhys Hoskins (33), Ryan Howard (35), Raul Ibanez (35), Desi Relaford (36) and Len Matuszek (36).  Danny Murtaugh holds the Phillies all-time record with an 0 for 38 streak between the 1942 and 1943 seasons.

Field Report:  What an awful game to view in person.  In what could possibly be our final trip to the ballpark in 2026, especially given the recent state of the Phillies, Jenna and I enjoyed an Uncle Charlie's steak sandwich before the game.  We settled into our seats in a mostly empty Section 315, enjoying the fall-like weather, but not enjoying the product on the field.

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Game 157 - Wheeler Reaches 2,000 Ks, Marsh Paces Offense in Win

Milwaukee Brewers	4
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2026 Topps #702

Tuesday Night, September 22nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
87-70, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler reached 2,000 career strikeouts and set a Phillies record with seven straight strikeouts to start a game, as the Phillies would rally to beat the Brewers, 6-4.

What It Means:  I'm getting caught up over the weekend due to a busy week at work, and this is the last time the Phillies have won a game through Friday night.  This win dropped the Phillies Magic Number to 2, where it remains as of Saturday morning.

What Happened:  Wheeler would strike out 11 and allow three runs on five hits before departing with two outs in the sixth.  The Phillies got out to an early 3-0 lead, thanks to Brandon Marsh's two-run home run in the second and Alec Bohm's RBI double in the third.  The Brewers tied it up at 3-3 in the sixth, leading to Wheeler's departure, but Tim Mayza was able to escape any further trouble.  In the bottom of the eighth, and all with two outs, three straight singles from Luis Arraez, Bohm and Bryson Stott, along with a Brewers' error, allowed the Phillies to take a 5-3 lead.  Marsh doubled home Stott for an added insurance run.  Jhoan Duran was shaky in the ninth, allowing a run on a hit and a walk, but he'd shut down the Brewers for his 33rd save.

Featured Card:  Marsh could have gotten the card here, but I'll give it to Wheeler and I was grateful Topps created a Topps Now card to celebrate his milestone.

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Tampa Bay Rays at Philadelphia Phillies: Playoff Berth in Reach?

2006 Topps #114

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #14

Friday, September 25th - 6:40
Saturday, September 26th - 7:15
Sunday, September 27th - 3:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
The end of the regular season is upon us, and I wish I was feeling more optimistic about the Phillies these days.  There are two more Mystery Squishy Dumpling Bundle theme nights tonight and Saturday, and Sunday is the annual and popular Fan Appreciation Day.

Tampa Bay Rays 96-63
1st Place in the A.L. East, 4 games ahead of the Yankees

Rays Probables
Freddy Peralta (4-2, 3.60)
Griffin Jax (8-10, 3.62)
Nick Martinez (15-5, 2.94)

Rays Leaders
Average:  Chandler Simpson - .308
Runs:  Junior Caminero - 96
Home Runs:  Junior Caminero - 41
RBIs:  Junior Caminero - 99
Stolen Bases:  Chandler Simpson - 46

Wins:  Drew Rasmussen - 16
ERA:  Drew Rasmussen - 2.67

Strikeouts:  Drew Rasmussen - 174
Saves:  Bryan Baker - 40

Philadelphia Phillies 87-72
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 6 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (18-6, 2.93)
TBD
Zack Wheeler (13-5, 3.06)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .270
Runs:  Trea Turner - 100
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 95
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 26

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

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez - 221
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 33

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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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