Friday, July 26, 2024

Guardians at Phillies - July 26th to July 28th

1984 Topps #569
1984 Topps #587

Friday 6:40, Saturday 6:05, Sunday 1:35
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Tonight, all fans will receive a Trea Turner bobble head, and on Saturday there's a postgame concert by Kaskade.  On Sunday, all kids will receive a Kyle Schwarber "Schwarbomb" beach towel.

Cleveland Guardians 61-41
 1st Place in the A.L. Central, 4 1/2 games ahead of the Twins

Guardians Probables
Ben Lively (8-6, 3.57)
Carlos Carrasco (3-8, 5.32)
Xzavion Curry (0-2, 4.98)

Guardians Leaders
Average:  Steven Kwan - .341
Runs:  Jose Ramirez - 72
Home Runs:  Jose Ramirez - 24
RBIs:  Jose Ramirez - 82
Stolen Bases:  Jose Ramirez - 18

Wins:  Three tied with - 8
ERA:  Tanner Bibbe - 3.50
Strikeouts:  Tanner Bibbe - 130
Saves:  Emmanuel Clase - 31
Philadelphia Phillies 64-38
1st Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (7-5, 2.97)
Taylor Phillips (2-0, 2.81)
Ranger Suarez (10-5, 2.87)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .296
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 66
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 23
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.55
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 133
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
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Game 102 - Bullpen, Defense Blows It Against Twins

2018 Topps National Baseball Card
Day Philadelphia Phillies #PH-7
Twins 5, Phillies 4
Game 102 - Wednesday Afternoon, July 24th in Minneapolis
Record - 64-38, 1st Place, 9 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Late bullpen troubles doomed the Phillies in this 5-4 loss to the Twins.

What It Means:  Heading back to the Athletics series before the All-Star break, the Phillies are 3-6 in their last nine games.  As the trade deadline looms, the team is in search of bullpen reinforcements and perhaps a corner outfielder.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola allowed a second inning solo home run and six hits overall in his six innings of work.  With the Phillies up 4-1 in the bottom of the seventh, Orion Kerkering loaded the bases with two walks and a hit batter.  Kerkering exited and Matt Strahm entered, and a few batters' later the Twins had tied the score at 4-4.  The most painful blow was a two-run double by Carlos Santana on a ball that should have been caught by left fielder Brandon Marsh.

In the bottom of the ninth, Gregory Soto hit the Twins' lead-off hitter, Trevor Larnach, and Larnach advanced to second on a wild pitch.  He'd score the winning, walk-off run on a Max Kepler infield single, giving the Twins a 5-4 win.

Featured Card:  I have 20 Santana cards in my Phillies Collection, marking his one season with the team in 2018.  This is a card I've not featured before, from the SGA Topps National Baseball Card Day Phillies team set.
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Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Game 101 - Phils Squeak by Twins with 9th Inning Rally

2024 Topps Philadelphia
Phillies #PHI-7
Phillies 3, Twins 0
Game 101 - Tuesday Night, July 23rd in Minneapolis
Record - 64-37, 1st Place, 9 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Held scoreless for 16 innings in a row, the Phillies plated three runs in the top of the ninth to defeat the Twins, 3-0.

What It Means:  The series split, they'll go for a series win behind Aaron Nola on Wednesday afternoon.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler pitched one of his better games of the year, but unfortunately came away with a no decision.  He allowed three hits while walking a pair and striking out seven.  Jeff Hoffman, Gregory Soto and Matt Strahm held the Twins scoreless, with Strahm recording his first save of the season.  

In the top of the ninth, with no score and closer Jhoan Duran on the mound, Bryce Harper doubled and Alec Bohm and J.T. Realmuto drew back-to-back walks.  Brandon Marsh got the Phillies on the board with a sacrifice fly to left and Nick Castellanos provided some insurance with a two-run double.

Featured Card:  Castellanos had the more exciting RBIs, but I'll give the card to Marsh here as he broke the scoreless tie.  This is his card from the Topps retail Phillies team set.
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Game 100 - Offensive Struggles Continue in Minneapolis

2024 Topps Heritage #203
Twins 7, Phillies 2
Game 100 - Monday Night, July 22nd in Minneapolis
Record - 63-37, 1st Place, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies had one single after the first inning of this game, as their post-All Star break complete lack of offense continued to cause issues.

What It Means:  The game started late after a 90 minute rain delay, and if you only saw the Phillies' first inning before calling it a night, as I did, you saw all the Phillies highlights from this game.

What Happened:  In the top of the first, Trea Turner singled and Bryce Harper hit a moon shot of a home run to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead.  Alec Bohm would single following Harper's home run, but he'd be stranded at first.  The Phillies had one more hit over the next eight innings, a single from Bryson Stott to lead off the second.  Ranger Suarez picked up the loss, but he appeared to not be bothered by his back, which is a great sign.  Suarez gave up three runs in 5 1/3 innings.  Yunior Marte gave up three runs in the bottom of the eighth, including a run on a bases loaded walk and a run on a wild pitch, to put the game out of reach.

Featured Card:  Here's the most recent Twins' card added to my Phillies collection, with former MVP Justin Morneau sharing space with Ryan Howard.
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Monday, July 22, 2024

Phillies at Twins - July 22nd to July 24th

1984 Topps Traded #22T
 
2019 Topps 1984 Topps Baseball
35th Anniversary Rookies #84R-JC

Monday and Tuesday 7:40, Wednesday 1:10
Target Field - Minneapolis, MN

At the Ballpark:  Tonight is St. Paul Saints night at the ballpark, with holders of a special theme ticket receiving a co-branded Saints/Twins jersey.  On Tuesday, on your way out of the ballpark, all fans will receive a Twins LED nightlight.

Philadelphia Phillies 63-36
1st Place in the N.L. East, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (10-4, 2.76)
Zack Wheeler (10-4, 2.70)
Aaron Nola (11-4, 3.54)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .297
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 66
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 22
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 22

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.70
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 126
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
Minnesota Twins 54-44
 Tied for 2nd Place in the A.L. Central, 5 games behind the Guardians

Twins Probables
Bailey Ober (8-5, 4.14)
Simeon Woods Richardson (3-1, 3.51)
TBD

Twins Leaders
Average:  Carlos Correa - .308
Runs:  Willi Castro - 56
Home Runs:  Ryan Jeffers and Carlos Santana - 14
RBIs:  Carlos Correa and Ryan Jeffers - 47
Stolen Bases:  Willi Castro - 10

Wins:  Pablo Lopez and Bailey Ober - 8
ERA:  Joe Ryan - 3.65
Strikeouts:  Joe Ryan - 130
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 15
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Game 99 - Phillips Cruises Behind Phils' Bats

2024 Topps Philadelphia
Phillies #PHI-14
Phillies 6, Pirates 0
Game 99 - Sunday Afternoon, July 21st in Pittsburgh
Record - 63-36, 1st Place, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Taylor Phillips and three Phillies relievers combined to shut out the Pirates in this 6-0 victory.

What It Means:  The Phillies avoided the sweep and next head to Minnesota for a three-game set against the second place Twins.

What Happened:  Phillips improved to 2-0 with six shutout innings, limiting the Pirates to four hits while striking out three.  Yunior Marte, Jose Alvarado and Jose Ruiz kept the Pirates off the board the final three innings of the game.  Weston Wilson started the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the second, followed by an RBI single from Garrett Stubbs.  RBIs from Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm in the seventh inning gave the Phillies a 5-0 lead and some breathing room.  Nick Castellanos hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth, his 14th of the year, to put the game out of reach.

Featured Card:  As I wait to add more Phillips cards to my collection, I'll go with Stubbs for this post.  The back-up catcher went 2 for 3 on the afternoon, and he filled in nicely while regular catcher J.T. Realmuto was on the Injured List.
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Sunday, July 21, 2024

Game 98 - Ortiz, Bucs Easily Handle Phils

2022 Topps Chrome #153
Pirates 4, Phillies 1
Game 98 - Saturday Night, July 20th in Pittsburgh
Record - 62-36, 1st Place, 7 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Pirates starting pitcher Luis L. Ortiz baffled the Phillies' offense in this 4-1 loss to the Pirates.

What It Means:  The Phillies have a three-game losing streak and they'll look to avoid a sweep this afternoon with Taylor Phillips on the mound.

What Happened:  Ortiz allowed three hits over seven innings, as the offense just couldn't get anything going.  Bryce Harper hit a solo home run in the ninth off Pirates' closer David Bednar.  All-Star Cristopher Sanchez battled through 5 2/3 innings, allowing a pair of runs on eight hits.  Fellow All-Star Matt Strahm gave up two big runs in the bottom of the eighth on an Oneil Cruz two-run home run.

Featured Card:  Old friend Andrew McCutchen broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth with a solo home run.

Transactions:  J.T. Realmuto (c) was activated from the Injured List and Yunior Marte (rhp) was once again recalled from Lehigh Valley.  Rafael Marchan (c) and Michael Mercado (rhp) were both optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 97 - Bullpen Falters in Loss to Pirates

2024 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club
Pirates 8, Phillies 7
Game 97 - Friday Night, July 19th in Pittsburgh
Record - 62-35, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies couldn't hold off the Pirates, and Jose Alvarado's shaky ninth inning led to a walk-off win for the bad guys.

What It Means:  This was not a great way to start off the second half and capitalize on the good vibes generated from having eight All-Stars.

What Happened:  The Phillies jumped to a quick 3-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run double from Nick Castellanos and an RBI single from Weston Wilson.  But Aaron Nola quickly gave up three Pirates runs in the bottom of the first to tie the game.  Wilson hit his first home run of the year in the top of the third, but again Nola gave the run back in the bottom of the inning.  Trea Turner added a two-run home run in the fourth, and Kyle Schwarber added an insurance run on a sacrifice fly in the fifth.

Orion Kerkering gave up two runs in the seventh, and Alvarado was immediately in trouble in the ninth, trying to hold a one-run lead.  He allowed a lead-off single to Connor Joe and walked Andrew McCutchen.  A few batters later, the game tied and McCutchen on third, Nick Gonzales singled to left to give the Pirates the win and Alvarado his third blown save.

Featured Card:  I've not featured an Alvarado card so far this season, and hopefully this serves as a good luck charm, turning his struggles around.
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Saturday, July 20, 2024

Phillies Stars Shine in Arlington, But National League Falls


American League 5, National League 3
All-Star Game - Tuesday Night, July 16th in Arlington

One Sentence Summary:  Without Rob Thomson at the helm, the National League All-Stars fell to the American League All-Stars by a score of 5-3.

What It Means:  I decided to let go of how I felt about the horrid uniforms, especially the American League's, and enjoy the game.  The game has definitely lost its luster over the years, and I don't get quite as excited about it as I used to, but it's still cool to see all the best players in the majors come together and play.  I admittedly had no idea who some of these guys were though, especially some of the American League players.

What Happened:  Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run home run in the top of the third, but the American League countered with three runs of their own on a Juan Soto two-run double and a David Fry RBI single in the bottom of the third.  Boston's Jarren Duran broke the tie with a two-run home run in the fifth off Hunter Greene.

Featured Cards:  The Phillies had a record eight All-Stars, which means I created a record nine cards for the game, plus a bonus highlight card for Alec Bohm's fine performance in the Home Run Derby.  The derby was held on Monday night, with Bohm surprisingly advancing to the semifinal round, only to fall by one home run to the Dodgers' Teoscar Hernandez, the eventual derby winner.

Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Alec Bohm were all starters for the National League, and I admittedly enjoyed the trio being miked up for the game's bottom of the second inning.  All three also collected hits.  Batting third, Turner went 1 for 3 with a single in the third off Tanner Houck, right after Ohtani's home run.  Harper was 1 for 3 out of the clean-up spot, collecting a two-out double off starter Corbin Burnes in the first inning.  And Bohm was 1 for 2, singling off Garrett Crochet in the fourth.

Ranger Suarez and Zack Wheeler both missed the trip with minor ailments, leaving three Phillies pitchers in the National League bullpen.  Cristopher Sanchez was up first in the bottom of the sixth, retiring two batters on two pitches and calling it a night.  He induced a pair of ground-outs from Isaac Paredes and Josh Naylor.  Matt Strahm got one batter in the bottom of the seventh, striking out Bobby Witt Jr. on five pitches.  And Jeff Hoffman, who would have closed the game had the National League held a lead, recorded the final out in the bottom of the eighth, with Willi Castro grounding out.

2024 Chachi #42 Tyler Phillips / 2024 Chachi #53
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Friday, July 19, 2024

Phillies at Pirates - July 19th to July 21st

2024 Chachi 1984 Topps Missing Links #8
1984 Topps #433

Friday and Saturday 6:40, Sunday 1:35
PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA

At the Ballpark:  Tonight kicks off Yinzerpalooza Weekend at the ballpark to "celebrate all the great things we love about Pittsburgh."  On Saturday, the first 20,000 fans will receive a Wiz Khalifa bobble head, and on Sunday, all kids will receive a Kids Pierogi plush.

Philadelphia Phillies 62-34
1st Place in the N.L. East, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (11-4, 3.38)
Cristopher Sanchez (7-4, 2.96)
Taylor Phillips (1-0, 4.50)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .301
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 65
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 21
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 70
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 22

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.70
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 126
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
Pittsburgh Pirates 48-48
 3rd Place in the N.L. Central, 6 1/2 games behind the Brewers

Pirates Probables
Martin Perez (1-5, 5.15)
Luis Ortiz (4-2, 2.84)
Marco Gonzales (1-0, 2.45)

Pirates Leaders
Average:  Bryan Reynolds - .284
Runs:  Andrew McCutchen - 47
Home Runs:  Bryan Reynolds - 18
RBIs:  Bryan Reynolds - 61
Stolen Bases:  Ke'Bryan Hayes - 8

Wins:  Mitch Keller - 10
ERA:  Mitch Keller - 3.46
Strikeouts:  Mitch Keller - 105
Saves:  David Bednar - 17
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Thursday, July 18, 2024

Game 96 - Phils Pounded by A's; Select Nori in Draft

2024 Chachi Draft Pick #1
Athletics 18, Phillies 3
Game 96 - Sunday Afternoon, July 14th in Philadelphia
Record - 62-34, 1st Place, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies were destroyed by the Athletics as the team prepared to send a record eight All-Stars to the All-Star Game in Arlington.

What It Means:  I don't think it means a whole lot.  The Phillies looked ready for the break and the Athletics looked as if they were auditioning for future trades to contending teams.

What Happened:  Orion Kerkering served as the opener and tossed a perfect first inning.  It was mostly downhill from there.  Michael Mercado and Seranthony Dominguez combined to allow 10 runs on eight hits while walking four in 5 1/3 innings.  They allowed five home runs between the two of them.  Jose Ruiz gave up two more home runs and three runs overall.  Garrett Stubbs was called into duty for the final three outs and allowed five more runs, including a ninth inning grand slam to Zack Gelof.  The Athletics hit eight home runs, including a pair from future Phillie (?) Brent Rooker, two more from Seth Brown and three from Lawrence Butler.  The Phillies offense had four hits, including two doubles from Alec Bohm and a first inning solo home run from Trea Turner.

Featured Card:  On Sunday night, the Phillies selected outfielder Dante Nori from Northville High School in Michigan, as the MLB Draft's 27th pick overall.  As I've done every year since 2014, here's a card for the latest top pick by the Phillies.

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Sunday, July 14, 2024

Game 95 - Phillips Wins First Big League Start

2023 Choice Reading
Fightin Phils #13
Phillies 11, Athletics 5
Game 95 - Saturday Afternoon, July 13th in Philadelphia
Record - 62-33, 1st Place, 9 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Tyler Phillips was sharp in his first major league start, and the offense provided plenty of support for the rookie in this 11-5 win over the A's.

What It Means:  The Phillies will go for the series win this afternoon, as Major League Baseball heads into its All-Star break.  Seven All-Stars from the Phillies will head to Arlington, with Ranger Suarez staying behind to rest his back.

What Happened:  Phillips allowed four runs on six hits, including two home runs, while striking out five.  He didn't give up any walks.  Six of the Phillies runs came courtesy of the long ball, with Nick Castellanos, Johan Rojas, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper all hitting home runs.  Castellanos drove in four runs, with Harper driving in three.  Rojas provided solid defense in center field, making a run-saving running catch to end an A's threat against Phillips.

Featured Card:  I have three cards for Phillips in my Phillies collection, and I've already shown them all in previous posts.  I allow myself a repeat here, and this is his first card in my collection from last year's Reading team set.
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Saturday, July 13, 2024

Game 94 - A's Down Phils; Merrifield Released

2024 Topps #661
Athletics 6, Phillies 2
Game 94 - Friday Night, July 12th in Philadelphia
Record - 61-33, 1st Place, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense couldn't take advantage of an Athletics' bullpen game, and Ranger Suarez continued to show signs of fatigue in this 6-2 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies have two more games to try to get back on track before the All-Star break.

What Happened:  Perhaps suffering from a hangover following the sweep of the Dodgers, the Phillies looked lifeless in this Friday night game.  Suarez labored through six innings, allowing four runs on six hits.  The game was still within reach in the seventh inning with the A's holding a 4-2 lead, but Jose Ruiz gave up a two-run home run to Lawrence Butler and the deficit became unsurmountable.  A's closer Mason Miller made easy work of the final three batters to end the game.

Featured Card/Transaction:  Before the game, Whit Merrifield (inf-of) was released and Weston Wilson (inf-of) was recalled from Lehigh Valley.  Merrifield struggled to get going all season and ultimately ran out of time.  He batted .199 in 53 games, collecting four doubles, three home runs and 11 RBIs.  His 11 stolen bases brought his career total to 212, placing him sixth on the active leaders' list.

Merrifield appears with the Phillies in Topps Series Two, and he's also one of 20 subjects in the Phillies Kids Club set available at the ballpark.  I'm hoping he catches on somewhere, preferably outside the National League East.

Field Report:  Our son's weekend baseball tournament had its schedule completely upended due to the rain, and Jenna and I found ourselves unexpectedly at this game.  We had dinner at Pass and Stow (Asian chicken nachos and chorizo burrito, both new to the menu) and watched some of the game through intermittent sprinkles.  I was sad to realize it's the last time I'll ever see the Oakland Athletics, given their move out of Oakland following the season.

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Friday, July 12, 2024

Athletics at Phillies - July 12th to July 14th

1984 Topps Traded #82T
1984 Topps #210

Friday 6:40, Saturday 4:05, Sunday 1:35
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  All fans attending tonight's game, and assuming the weather cooperates, will receive a sustainable Phillies hat made from recycled water bottles.  Tomorrow is the annual fan favorite Photo Day, with fans having an opportunity to take photos of the players, coaches and broadcasters on the field prior to the game.  And on Sunday, all kids will receive a Nick Castellanos Phillies basketball jersey.

Oakland Athletics 35-60
5th Place in the A.L. West, 17 games behind the Mariners

Athletics Probables
Hogan Harris (1-3, 3.22)
Mitch Spence (5-5, 4.29)
Joey Estes (3-4, 5.53)

Athletics Leaders
Average:  Brent Rooker - .279
Runs:  Brent Rooker - 40
Home Runs:  Brent Rooker - 18
RBIs:  Brent Rooker - 55
Stolen Bases:  Zack Gelof - 11

Wins:  JP Sears - 6
ERA:  JP Sears - 4.56
Strikeouts:  JP Sears - 76
Saves:  Mason Miller - 15
Philadelphia Phillies 61-32
1st Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (10-3, 2.58)
Tyler Phillips (0-0, 2.25)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .298
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 63
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 20
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 70
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 21

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 11
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 2.58
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 126
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
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Game 93 - Nola Wins 11th, Phils Complete Sweep

2024 Topps 1989 Topps Baseball
35th Anniversary #89B2-28
Phillies 5, Dodgers 1
Game 93 - Thursday Night, July 11th in Philadelphia
Record - 61-32, 1st Place, 9 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola and the back-end of the Phillies bullpen held the Dodgers to a run and five hits, securing the win and series sweep.

What It Means:  The Phillies are firing on all cylinders, and have one more series to go, against the Athletics, before the All-Star break.

What Happened:  Nola won his team-leading 11th game with six solid innings and nine strikeouts.  He allowed a solo home run to Gavin Lux in the fifth inning for the Dodgers' only run.  Matt Strahm, Jeff Hoffman and Jose Alvarado took the final three innings, shutting down Shohei Ohtani and the rest of the Dodgers.  Ohtani was held to three singles (3 for 10) and one RBI in the three-game series.

Trea Turner (9), Brandon Marsh (9) and Kyle Schwarber (19) all hit solo home runs, with Schwarber's shot an eighth inning bomb that reached the second deck.  In the sixth, Nick Castellanos singled and was tripled home by Marsh.  Johan Rojas singled home Marsh to give the Phillies a commanding 4-1 lead at the time.

Featured Card:  Here's Nola's 1989 Topps-inspired insert card from the recently released Topps Series Two, which has an unnecessarily long name.  The card is appropriate for this post, as the Phillies hosted 1980s Retro Night as part of this game.
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Thursday, July 11, 2024

Game 92 - Sanchez, Bullpen Handles Dodgers in Win

2024 Topps #528
Phillies 4, Dodgers 3
Game 92 - Wednesday Night, July 10th in Philadelphia
Record - 60-32, 1st Place, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez and an amazing bullpen performance from Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman led the Phillies over the Dodgers, 4-3.

What It Means:  This Phillies team is the quickest to 60 wins since the 1976 Phillies reached the 60-win mark in their 88th game.

What Happened:  Sanchez won his seventh game, pitching six innings and allowing a pair of runs on five hits.  In the seventh, with the Phillies holding a 4-2 lead, Matt Strahm inherited runners on the corners with one out and struck out Shohei Ohtani in one of the biggest moments of the game.  Strahm got Teoscar Hernandez to fly out to right to end the threat and preserve the lead.  Jeff Hoffman pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to record his ninth save.

Kyle Schwarber led off the bottom of the first with a home run.  In the fifth, Whit Merrifield reached on a triple lost in the lights between left and center fields and Trea Turner singled him home.  Bryson Stott would single Turner home for the Phillies' fourth run.

Featured Card:  I'll give the featured card to All-Star Strahm for his work against Ohtani.

Field Report:  I attended this game in the suite level as part of a work function.

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Wednesday, July 10, 2024

Game 91 - Turner, Phils Slam Dodgers as Harper, Schwarber Return

2023 Topps Chrome Platinum
Anniversary #315
Phillies 10, Dodgers 1
Game 91 - Tuesday Night, July 9th in Philadelphia
Record - 59-32, 1st Place, 7 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner stayed red hot, smashing a fourth inning grand slam, as the Phillies made it look easy against the first place Dodgers.

What It Means:  They'll try to keep it going tonight with All-Star snub Cristopher Sanchez on the mound for the Phillies.

What Happened:  Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber returned from the injured list sooner than expected, with Schwarber providing a two-run single in the second inning.  Rafael Marchan connected for three hits and raised his season average to an impressive .313.  Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh added solo home runs in the hit barrage against Dodgers' pitching.

Zack Wheeler earned the win, but left the game after five innings as a precaution with back tightness.  Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Ranger Suarez become the first pitching trio in franchise history to each have 10 wins before the All-Star break.  Wheeler struck out seven in his abbreviated outing.

Featured Card:  I'm happy to continue to feature Turner cards, and in 19 games since his return from the injured list he's batting .342 with four doubles, six home runs and 18 RBIs.  In the 33 games before he was injured, Turner batted .343 with ten doubles, a pair of home runs and nine RBIs.

Transaction:  Harper (1b) and Schwarber (dh) were activated from the injured list.  Kody Clemens (1b) was sent back down to Lehigh Valley and David Dahl (of) was designated for assignment.  The hope is that Dahl passes through waivers and goes back to the IronPigs.

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Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Dodgers at Phillies - July 9th to July 11th

1984 Topps #220
1984 Topps Traded #64T

Tuesday 6:40, Wednesday 7:05 and Thursday 6:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Tonight is Margaritaville Night and the first 2,000 fans to purchase a special theme ticket will receive a Phillies exclusive Hawaiian shirt.  Thursday is 1980s Retro Night with all kids receiving a Phillies mini bullpen cart.

Los Angeles Dodgers 55-36
 1st Place in the N.L. West, 7 1/2 games ahead of the Padres

Dodgers Probables
Bobby Miller (1-1, 6.12)
Gavin Stone (9-2, 3.03)
Landon Knack (1-2, 2.86)

Dodgers Leaders
Average:  Shohei Ohtani - .314
Runs:  Shohei Ohtani - 72
Home Runs:  Shohei Ohtani - 28
RBIs:  Shohei Ohtani - 65
Stolen Bases:  Shohei Ohtani - 20

Wins:  Gavin Stone - 9
ERA:  Gavin Stone - 3.03
Strikeouts:  Tyler Glasnow - 143
Saves:  Evan Phillips - 14
Philadelphia Phillies 58-32
1st Place in the N.L. East, 8 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (9-4, 2.74)
Cristopher Sanchez (6-4, 2.96)
Aaron Nola (10-4, 3.48)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .303
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 60
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 20
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 70
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 21

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Ranger Suarez - 10
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 2.58
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 119
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
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Monday, July 8, 2024

Game 90 - Mercado Roughed Up, Phillips Debuts

2024 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #24
Braves 6, Phillies 0
Game 90 - Sunday Afternoon, July 7th in Atlanta
Record - 58-32, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Michael Mercado was roughed up and the Phillies offense was missing in this lifeless 6-0 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:  Not great, but the Phillies still hold an eight game lead in the division with the All-Star Break a week away.  After an off-day on Monday, they'll return home for a three-game series with the Dodgers and then three more games with the Athletics before the break.

What Happened:  Mercado was hit early and often and didn't escape the second inning.  He allowed three long home runs, five runs overall and three walks.  Reynaldo Lopez and three Braves' relievers baffled the Phillies' offense, allowing five hits, and leaving nine runners stranded.

Featured Card:  The sole bright spot in this game was the major league debut of Tyler Phillips, who pitched four solid innings, allowing a solo home run and striking out seven.  Phillips' seven strikeouts are the most by any Phillies pitcher in relief in a debut, breaking the record of six set by Bill Duggleby in 1901.  He struck out the side - Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna and Travis d'Arnaud - in the bottom of the fifth, his first inning in the majors.  So far, his sole 2024 baseball card can be found in the IronPigs team set.
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Sunday, July 7, 2024

Game 89 - Suarez Hit Hard in Loss

1956 Topps #296
Braves 5, Phillies 1
Game 89 - Saturday Night, July 6th in Atlanta
Record - 58-31, 1st Place, 9 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez didn't have his All-Star stuff in this 5-1 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:  The Phillies will go for the series win this afternoon behind rookie Michael Mercado.

What Happened:  Suarez struggled through five innings, giving up five runs on six hits and a pair of walks.  He allowed a pair of home runs and saw his ERA increase from 2.27 to 2.58.  The Phillies offense seemed baffled by Braves' starter Spencer Schwellenbach, scattering seven hits over his six innings of work.  The only Philies run came in the third when Johan Rojas, Bryson Stott and Trea Turner connected for three singles in a row.

Featured Card:  The Phillies didn't give me anything to work with here, so I'll use this opportunity to plug one of my other blogs, focusing on every card in the 1956 Topps set.  I started by 1956 Topps blog in 2015, and it looks as if it will come to a close in 2025 when I plan to publish the 342nd and final posts.  It's been fun taking a look back at each of the cards in this iconic set over the past nine years, and I'll be honestly sad to see it end.  Once it does end though, I already have plans for kicking off a new blog, looking at every card in the 1955 Bowman set.  If things stay on schedule, a 1955 Bowman blog should debut at some point in late 2025.

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Saturday, July 6, 2024

Game 88 - Turner Homers Twice as Nola Notches 100th Win

2024 Topps Big League
Good Vibrations #GV-16
Phillies 8, Braves 6
Game 88 - Friday Night, July 5th in Atlanta
Record - 58-30, 1st Place, 10 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner had his second multi-home run game this week and Aaron Nola battled through six innings for his 100th career victory in this 8-6 win over the Braves.

What It Means:  The Phillies extended their lead in the division to 10 games, and they'll hope to make it a few more games this weekend.

What Happened:  Nola struck out eight but gave up home runs to Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies before yielding to the bullpen in the seventh.  Jose Alvarado gave up a three-run home run in the eighth to Marcell Ozuna, but Jeff Hoffman was perfect in the ninth, recording his eighth save.

Turner hit his first home run in the fourth inning, a two-run shot with Bryson Stott on base, making it 3-0 Phillies on top.  His second home run, also with Stott on board, gave the Phillies a 5-2 lead.  The Phillies scored three more runs in the seventh mostly due to hustle and sloppy play from the Braves defense.

Featured Card:  Nola hit a milestone with his 100th career win, but Turner paced the offense, going 2 for 5 with four RBIs.  The starting shortstop for the National League All-Stars raised his average to .341, and the vibrations right now are good.

Transaction:  Yunior Marte (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley and Tyler Phillips (rhp) had his contract selected.  Phillips, from local high school Bishop Eustace, was drafted by the Rangers in 2015 and he's battled ever since to get to the majors.  To make room for Phillips on the 40-man roster, Luis F. Ortiz (rhp) was transferred to the 60-day injured list.

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Friday, July 5, 2024

Phillies at Braves - July 5th to July 7th

1984 Topps #388
1984 Topps #391

Friday 7:20, Saturday 7:15, Sunday 1:35
Truist Park - Atlanta, GA

At the Ballpark:  There's a postgame fireworks show tonight, and the first 3,000 kids on Sunday will receive a Braves backpack.

Philadelphia Phillies 57-30
1st Place in the N.L. East, 9 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (9-4, 3.43)
Ranger Suarez (10-2, 2.27)
Michael Mercado (1-0, 1.50)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .303
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 60
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 20
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 70
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 20

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 10
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 2.27
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 119
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
Atlanta Braves 47-38
 2nd Place in the N.L. East, 9 games behind the Phillies

Braves Probables
Max Fried (7-3, 2.91)
Spencer Schwellenbach (1-4, 5.68)
Reynaldo Lopez (6-2, 1.83)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Marcell Ozuna - .296
Runs:  Marcell Ozuna - 49
Home Runs:  Marcell Ozuna - 21
RBIs:  Marcell Ozuna - 67
Stolen Bases:  Ronald Acuna - 16

Wins:  Chris Sale - 11
ERA:  Chris Sale - 2.71
Strikeouts:  Chris Sale - 127
Saves:  Railes Iglesias - 21
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Game 87 - Sanchez, Phils Suffer Off-Day in Loss to Cubs

2021 Topps Now Road to
Opening Day #OD-281
Cubs 10, Phillies 2
Game 87 - Tuesday Afternoon, July 4th in Chicago
Record - 57-30, 1st Place, 9 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  It wasn't Cristopher Sanchez's or the Phillies' offense days as the Cubs easily rolled to a 10-2 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies lost the game, but still won the series, and they head to Atlanta next to battle the second place Braves.  Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto are all progressing nicely on the comeback trail from their respective injuries.

What Happened:  Sanchez had his roughest outing of the year, fresh off winning June National League Pitcher of the Month honors.  He allowed seven runs on seven hits, while also walking three.  Seranthony Dominguez allowed a run over two innings of work, striking out five.  The Phillies held a 2-0 lead early following an RBI single by Brandon Marsh in the first, and a solo home run by Nick Castellanos in the fourth.

Featured Card:  Former Phillies Drew Smyly and Hector Neris pitched the final two innings for the Cubs.  Neris is in his first year with the Cubs after spending two years with the Astros, and winning a World Series ring in 2022.  Amazingly enough, Neris didn't appear on any baseball cards in 2023 and hasn't appear on any so far in 2024.  His entire baseball card output has been limited since he departed the Phillies.
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