Game 97 - Wheeler, Still Bitter, Dominates Tigers; More from the All-Star Village

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Detroit Tigers	0

2026 Chachi Freindly
Encounters #6

Sunday Afternoon, July 12th

Comerica Park - Detroit, MI
54-43, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Still bitter over his All-Star Game snub, Zack Wheeler improved to 10-1 with a two-hit, 10-strikeout performance against the Tigers in this 5-0 win.

What It Means:  Wheeler was eventually invited to the All-Star Game but felt "disrespected" and declined the invite.  It's a shame, as the fans, including me, would have loved to have seen him at least introduced prior to the game on Tuesday.

What Happened:  Wheeler, Jose Alvarado, Orion Kerkering and Jonathan Bowlan combined for the two-hit shutout, striking out 14 Tigers batters.  Wheeler out-dueled Tarik Skubal, who departed after five innings with the Phillies leading, 2-0.  The big hit for the Phillies was a bases-clearing double by J.T. Realmuto in the sixth inning.  Bryson Stott would beat out an infield hit to shortstop, scoring Realmuto with the Phillies' fifth run.

Featured Card / Field Report:  I was back at the All-Star Village on Sunday morning, this time as a volunteer manning the booth for ALS United Mid-Atlantic as part of the MLB Together initiative.  I enjoyed early morning access to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, snapping quite a few pictures of the many fantastic exhibits before the crush of eager fans arrived for the day.  I also made a new friend in the Athletics' mascot, Stomper, who helped guide a bunch of wondering fans over to the MLB Together booths during the mid-morning rush.  It was a fantastic day, and I left incredibly impressed by what the Phillies and MLB had put together for their fans.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 96 - All-Star Weekend Begins in Philly!

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Detroit Tigers	2

2026 Chachi #47

Saturday Night, July 11th

Comerica Park - Detroit, MI
53-43, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez recovered from his prior start and showed his All-Star form in this 4-2 win over the Tigers.

What It Means:  We'd learn on Sunday afternoon that Sanchez's next start would be on Tuesday night for the National League All-Stars at Citizens Bank Park.  Pretty cool for that to happen with the All-Star Game in his home ballpark.

What Happened:  Sanchez improved to 11-4, scattering 10 hits over seven innings and striking out seven.  Jonathan Bowlan, suddenly the top set-up reliever, and Jhoan Duran shut down the Tigers over the final two innings.  Duran tied a team record by recording his 24th save prior to the All-Star Break.  In the third, Derek Hill reached on an error and then stole both second and third bases, coming home on a Trea Turner sacrifice fly.  Hill would also make a game-saving catch in the third, executing a full extension Superman-catch to keep the Tigers from scoring the tying run.  In the fourth, the Phillies plated three more runs on a J.T. Realmuto RBI-double and an RBI single from Hill.

Featured Card:  I usually don't post Chachi cards in game summary posts, but the lack of Hill baseball cards is forcing my hand here.  Without his amazing catch in the fourth, this game could have gone a completely different way.  Here's his 2026 Chachi card, and I'll "officially" post it along with the rest of the set following the season.  For now, here's a page where you can view the set's progress to date.

Outside Philadelphia's City Hall

2026 Chachi Friendly Encounters #5

2026 Chachi Draft Pick #1

Field Report:  Jenna and I attended Day One of the All-Star Village at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and had a blast.  It was pretty crowded, but we managed to navigate our way around all of the booths and exhibits, spending a solid few hours taking everything in.  We didn't get any autographs from the many former players making appearances, but Jenna did get to visit with All-Star Kyle Schwarber.

Also on Saturday, the Phillies selected high school shortstop Tyler Spangler in the first round of the annual draft.  Spangler missed his entire senior year at De La Salle High School in California with a bad back, but the Phillies are optimistic his long-term prospects are good.

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Game 95 - Flust It II

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Detroit Tigers	10

2026 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #13

Friday Night, July 10th

Comerica Park - Detroit, MI
52-43, Tied for 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The bullpen melted down yet again, giving up eight unanswered runs late in the game in this 10-2 loss to the Tigers.

What It Means:  It would seem as if the top trade target for the Phillies at the upcoming deal deadline is a reliable reliever or two.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola pitched relatively well, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out eight in five innings of work.  Yet interim manager Don Mattingly opted to go to his bullpen, with Nola sitting at just 84 pitches, for the sixth.  Things fell apart quickly.  What had been a 2-2 game was a 7-2 Tigers lead following a nightmare inning from Tim Mayza.  Max Lazar entered in the eighth and allowed three more runs to score, giving up a pair of home runs.  Derek Hill had three hits, including his third home run with the Phillies, but it was all for naught.

Featured Card:  Third string catcher Garrett Stubbs was the only Phillies pitcher in this game unscored upon. Stubbs has appeared in four games as a mop-up reliever this season, and he has a 5.40 ERA in 3 1/3 innings pitched.  His appearance last night was his 12th pitching appearance overall since 2022 with the Phillies.  This is his only relatively mainstream baseball card appearance so far in 2026, from the IronPigs team set.

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Game 94 - All-Star Luzardo Tosses Gem Against Reds

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Cincinnati Reds	0

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Thursday Night, July 9th

Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
52-42, Tied for 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  All-Star Jesus Luzardo pitched his best game of the season with fellow All-Star Jhoan Duran locking down his 23rd save in this 1-0 victory over the Reds.

What It Means:  The Phillies are living and dying with their pitching, either getting blown out or relying on a gem from one of Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler or Luzardo.  The surging and surprising Marlins have re-entered the chat, with the Phillies now tied with them for second place in the East.

What Happened:  Luzardo allowed a pair of hits and struck out 11 in his gem, improving to 8-4 on the season.  Jonathan Bowlan pitched a perfect eighth and Duran struck out a pair in the ninth to preserve the win.  The Phillies scored their only run in the eighth.  Gabriel Rincones, Jr. was hit by a pitch to start the inning, with Derek Hill coming in to run for him.  J.T. Realmuto grounded out to short, moving Hill to second, and Justin Crawford singled to right, bringing Hill home with the manufactured run.

Featured Card:  In his last five starts, Luzardo is 3-0 with a 1.42 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 31 2/3 innings pitched.  The Phillies are 5-0 in those games.  This is his team-issued photo card.

Transaction:  Three days in a row with a bullpen move . . . Tanner Banks (lhp) was placed on the injured list with a left forearm strain and Chase Shugart (rhp) returned from the IronPigs.

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Game 93 - Bullpen Implodes (Again) in Lopsided Loss

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Cincinnati Reds	11

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Wednesday Night, July 8th

Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
51-42, Tied for 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Tanner Banks and Jose Alvarado bore the brunt of the damage in this 11-5 lopsided loss to the Reds.

What It Means:  Banks and Alvarado, once stalwarts of the bullpen, both own a season ERA over seven.

What Happened:  Alan Rangel got the start, allowing three runs on three hits and three walks over 3 1/3 innings pitched.  Banks allowed four runs in a third of an inning in the fourth and Alvarado allowed four more runs in the sixth, putting the game out of reach.  J.T. Realmuto (7) and Kyle Schwarber (32) both homered for the Phillies.  Justin Crawford had a pair of hits, including a double, and has quietly raised his season average to .262.

Featured Card:  The Phillies need Alvarado and Banks to figure things out if they're going to be a part of this bullpen down the stretch.  Alvarado and Jhoan Duran were the lone relievers included in the team's Kids Club set this year.

Transaction:  Rangel (rhp) was recalled from the IronPigs and Brad Keller (rhp) was activated from the 15-day injured list.  Lou Trivino III (rhp) was placed on the injured list with a right thoracic muscle spasm and Seth Johnson (rhp) was sent back down.

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Game 92 - All-Star Snub Wheeler Dominates Reds

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Cincinnati Reds	1

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Tuesday Night, July 7th

Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
51-41, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler proved again he's definitely an All-Star, despite what MLB says, by tying his career high with 14 strikeouts and limiting the Reds to four hits in this 4-1 win.

What It Means:  Wheeler stoically commented following the game, "I feel like that's a reminder, for whoever needs to be reminded."  As he's scheduled to pitch on Sunday before the All-Star break, MLB's rules dictate he's ineligible for the game.  Still, he could have been chosen for the honor and then replaced on the roster.  It's a dumb rule.

What Happened:  Wheeler improved to 9-1 and allowed just a seventh inning solo home run to Eugenio Suarez.  The offense spotted him three runs in the third.  Derek Hill doubled and scored on a Trea Turner ground out.  Kyle Schwarber followed with a two-run home run, his 31st of the season, as he vies to become the first Phillies player ever with 60 home runs in a season.  In the eighth, Edmundo Sosa hit a sacrifice fly to score Trea Turner, who had singled to start the inning.  Jhoan Duran struck out the side for his 22nd save.

There was some excitement in the game as coaches Caleb Cotham and Bobby Dickerson were ejected in the eighth inning following a questionable base-running call from the umpires in favor of the Reds.  Fortunately, the play ended up not meaning anything.

Featured Card:  Here's Wheeler's recently released card from the team-issued photo card set, available for sale at the ballpark.

Transaction:  Prior to the game, Max Lazar (rhp) replaced Kyle Backhus (lhp) in the Phillies' bullpen, with Backhus getting sent back down to the IronPigs.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Detroit Tigers: Heading to the Break

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #6

2006 Topps #461

Friday, July 10th - 6:40
Saturday, July 11th - 6:10
Sunday, July 12th - 1:40

Comerica Park - Detroit, MI
There's a postgame fireworks show tonight.

Philadelphia Phillies 52-42
Tied for 2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (3-6, 5.87)
Cristopher Sanchez (10-4, 2.62)
Zack Wheeler (9-1, 2.28)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .307
Runs:  Trea Turner - 62
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 32
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 58
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 16

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 10
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.62

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 137
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 23

Detroit Tigers 43-50
4th Place in the A.L. Central, 4 1/2 games behind the Guardians and White Sox

Tigers Probables
Jack Flaherty (2-8, 4.60)
Casey Mize (4-5, 2.64)
Tarik Skubal (5-4, 3.06)

Tigers Leaders
Average:  Riley Greene - .289
Runs:  Kevin McGonigle - 57
Home Runs:  Dillon Dingler - 19
RBIs:  Dillon Dingler - 60
Stolen Bases:  Kevin McGonigle - 11

Wins:  Four tied with - 5
ERA:  Keider Montero - 3.15

Strikeouts:  Jack Flaherty - 92
Saves:  Kenley Jansen - 11

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Philadelphia Phillies at Cincinnati Reds: Road Trip Continues

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH139

2006 Topps #29

Tuesday, July 7th - 7:10
Wednesday, July 8th - 7:10
Thursday, July 9th - 7:10

Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
Jon Pardi performs a postgame concert following Tuesday's ballgame.  On Thursday, there are postgame fireworks and the Reds are selling a Grateful Dead ticket package, which includes a special dancing bears Reds hat.

Philadelphia Phillies 50-41
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (8-1, 2.36)
TBD
Jesus Luzardo (7-4, 3.75)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .305
Runs:  Trea Turner - 61
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 30
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 57
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 16

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 10
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.62

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 137
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 21

Cincinnati Reds 41-48
5th Place in the N.L. Central, 14 1/2 games behind the Brewers

Reds Probables
Andrew Abbott (5-4, 3.88)
Chase Burns (10-1, 2.40)
Brady Singer (3-8, 5.03)

Reds Leaders
Average:  Elly De La Cruz - .272
Runs:  Spencer Steer - 50
Home Runs:  Sal Stewart - 17
RBIs:  Sal Stewart - 61
Stolen Bases:  Elly De La Cruz - 13

Wins:  Chase Burns - 10
ERA:  Chase Burns - 2.40

Strikeouts:  Chase Burns - 116
Saves:  Emilio Pagan - 7

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Game 91 - Flush It

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Kansas City Royals	15

2010-22 Philadelphia Phillies Alumni Photocards

Monday Afternoon, July 6th

Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City, MO
50-41, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Christopher Sanchez and the Phillies were stunningly demolished by the Royals in this 15-1 lopsided loss.

What It Means:  This wasn't at all what was expected when Sanchez took the mound against the last place Royals.  The Phillies are right back at it on Tuesday, opening a three-game set in Cincinnati against the Reds.  I would think there will be some bullpen roster moves made prior to the start of that series.

What Happened:  Sanchez was in trouble from the start, and he'd allow nine runs on 12 hits in a shortened 3 1/3 inning outing.  A costly error by Trea Turner prolonged that inning and indirectly led to the Royals scoring their first six runs.  The Royals would score in every inning of this game, the first time that had happened to the Phillies since 1923.  They'd bang out 22 hits, requiring Garrett Stubbs to pitch the final inning for the Phillies.  The offense was 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position, leaving 15 runners on base in total.

Featured Card:  This game was gross, so let's pay tribute to former Phillies reliever Al Holland, who passed away recently at the age of 73.  Holland was a hero for the National League Champion club in 1983, and he enjoyed the finest seasons of his 10-year playing career with the club between 1983 and 1985.  55 of his 78 career saves came while with the Phillies, and he had been a fixture at Alumni Weekends up until the past few years.  This is his team-issued photo card from one of my favorite sets of all-time - the Phillies Alumni photo card set, released with a variety of backs, copyright dates and occasionally different photos for the same subjects, between 2010 and 2022.  Thanks for everything, Mr. T!

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Game 90 - Phils Can't Back Nola's Solid Outing

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Kansas City Royals	5

2023 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Sunday Afternoon, July 5th

Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City, MO
50-40, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola had his best start of the season, but the Phillies couldn't generate much offense and the bullpen faltered late in this 5-2 loss to the Royals.

What It Means:  The Phillies will try for the series win this afternoon with All-Star Cristopher Sanchez on the mound.

What Happened:  Nola gave up two runs in the first inning, and it looked as if he was going to labor through another start, resulting in another early hook.  But he settled in, allowing just one more run over seven innings of work, walking none and striking out seven.  The bullpen combo of Seth Johnson and Kyle Backhus, surprisingly used in a high leverage scenario, couldn't get their jobs done, allowing two more Royals runs to score in the bottom of the eighth, in what had been a one-run game.  

Both Phillies runs scored without a hit - Gabriel Rincones, Jr. hit a sacrifice fly in the fifth and Garrett Stubbs grounded into a fielder's choice in the seventh.  Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper were 0 for 11 with five strikeouts at the top of the order.

Featured Card:  In a pregame ceremony, the Royals inducted John Wathan, their long-time catcher, coach and manager, into the Royals Hall of Fame.  His son Dusty, now the Phillies' bench coach, was on hand to witness the ceremony and catch a ceremonial first pitch from his father.  I'm currently the top ranked Dusty Wathan collector according to TCDB, based on the fact he's been a Phillies coach since 2018 and a Phillies minor league manager and coach since 2008.  This is the most recent team-issued photo card the Phillies have issued for Wathan, as far as I'm aware, and his most recent baseball card appearance overall.

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Game 89 - Phils Celebrate Semiquincentennial with Win

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Kansas City Royals	1

2023 Topps Pro Debut #PD-134

Saturday Night, July 4th

Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City, MO
50-39, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo pitched six strong innings and the Phillies hit three home runs to support his effort in this Independence Day win over the Royals.

What It Means:  Baseball games that fall on national holidays should be played during the day.  (Insert Man Yells at Cloud meme here.)

What Happened:  Luzardo improved to 7-4, allowing four hits and a run while striking out nine.  The Phillies' offense went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position, but still produced with home runs from J.T. Realmuto, Gabriel Rincones, Jr. and Alec Bohm.  The only runs to score without the benefit of a home run came on a wild pitch in the seventh and an RBI double from Rincones in the eighth.  On the night he was named a reserve to the All-Star Team, Kyle Schwarber went 3 for 4.  Starting All-Star outfielder Brandon Marsh was 0 for 5.  Also named to the National League All-Stars were Bryce Harper, Cristopher Sanchez and Jhoan Duran.

Featured Card:  This was Rincones' best game in the majors to date, so I'll give him the nod over Luzardo here.  This is one of the earliest cards of his in my Phillies Collection, from the 2023 Topps Pro Debut set.

Transaction:  With bullpen arms needed, the Phillies optioned Alan Rangel (rhp) back to Lehigh Valley and recalled Tanner Banks (lhp).

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Philadelphia Phillies at Kansas City Royals: Holiday Weekend Baseball

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #15

2006 Topps #94

Saturday, July 4th - 8:10
Sunday, July 5th - 3:00
Monday, July 6th - 2:10

Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City, MO
The first 25,000 fans will receive a patriotic Bobby Witt, Jr. bobblehead tonight, dubbed a "Red, White & Bobby" bobblehead.

Philadelphia Phillies 49-39
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jesus Luzardo (6-4, 3.88)
Aaron Nola (3-5, 6.04)
Cristopher Sanchez (10-3, 2.00)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .315
Runs:  Trea Turner - 59
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 30
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 57
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 16

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 10
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.00

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 136
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 21

Kansas City Royals 35-53
5th Place in the A.L. Central, 11 games behind the Guardians and White Sox

Royals Probables
Michael Wacha (5-5, 3.31)
Luinder Avila (3-3, 5.40)
Noah Cameron (4-6, 4.95)

Royals Leaders
Average:  Bobby Witt - .290
Runs:  Bobby Witt - 44
Home Runs:  Jan Caglianone - 14
RBIs:  Carter Jensen - 47
Stolen Bases:  Bobby Witt - 29

Wins:  Michael Wacha - 5
ERA:  Michael Wacha - 3.31

Strikeouts:  Michael Wacha - 84
Saves:  Lucas Erceg - 12

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Game 88 - Offense, Bullpen Melt Down in Heat

Pittsburgh Pirates	6
Philadelphia Phillies	1

2006 Flair Showcase
Hot Numbers #HN-4

Thursday Afternoon, July 2nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
49-39, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies had four hits in this sweltering hot game, and the bullpen duo of Jose Alvarado and Lee Trivino allowed four runs late in this 6-1 loss.

What It Means:  Game time temperature was 98 degrees at 12:35, and I'm impressed by anyone who sat through this clunker at the ballpark.  Following yet another Friday off-day, the Phillies will open a three-game set in Kansas City on Saturday night.  Happy Semiquincentennial to everyone!

What Happened:  Alan Rangel had a solid outing, shutting down the Pirates over the first four innings, but allowing three hits and walking four.  The Phillies' only run scored when Bryce Harper doubled home Rafael Marchan in the third.  With the scored tied 1-1, Alvardo allowed two runs in the seventh, Trivino allowed two more runs in the eighth and Kyle Backhus gave up another run in the ninth.

Featured Card:  It's hot, and energy levels are low.  Here's an appropriate card for the current weather.

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Game 87 - Phils Survive Heat, Scorch Skenes

Pittsburgh Pirates	6
Philadelphia Phillies	10

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Wednesday Night, July 1st

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
49-38, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies got to Pirates' ace Paul Skenes for eight runs in the scorching heat, hanging on to win this game, 10-6.

What It Means:  It was 96 degrees for the first pitch at 6:41, as the region suffers through a grueling holiday weekend heat wave.

What Happened:  The Phillies offense made it look easy against Skenes, collecting eight runs (seven earned) on six hits, including a three-run home run from Trea Turner in the second and a solo home run from Brandon Marsh in the third.  Zack Wheeler labored through 4 2/3 innings but struck out 10.  He was pulled after 104 pitches, and voiced his displeasure at getting the hook by interim manager Don Mattingly following the game.  A two-run home run from Alec Bohm in the bottom of the eighth made it a non-save situation, but Jhoan Duran still entered and pitched a perfect ninth to secure the win.

Featured Card:  Hopefully Turner is getting hot.  He's batting .322 with three doubles and three home runs over the past two weeks, raising his season average to a more respectable .239.

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Game 86 - Crawford, Turner Support Sanchez's Latest Gem

Pittsburgh Pirates	0
Philadelphia Phillies	8

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Tuesday Night, June 30th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
48-38, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez did his thing again and Justin Crawford went 3 for 3 with three RBIs in this 8-0 drubbing of the Bucs.

What It Means:  Given the Phillies were 9-19 on April 26th, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves, it's amazing to see them now just 2 1/2 games behind the Braves for the top spot in the division.  The team has gone on a scorching 39-19 run under interim manager Don Mattingly up to this game.

What Happened:  Sanchez improved to 10-3, allowing three hits and striking out nine in his seven inning outing.  His ERA went down to an even 2.00.  The unlikely duo of Jonathan Bowlan and Lee Trivino completed the combined shutout.  The Phillies held a slim 2-0 lead throughout most of this game, following a two-run single by Crawford in the second inning.  They'd score three more in the seventh, and three more in the eighth, highlighted by a two-run home run from Trea Turner.

Featured Card:  Crawford has played steady defense and after a slow start, his average has crept up to .256 following this game.  Here's his Kids Club / Club 215 card still available at the ballpark.

Transaction:  Chase Shugart (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley and replaced in the bullpen by Trivino (rhp).

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Game 85 - The Nola Problem Intensifies

Pittsburgh Pirates	11
Philadelphia Phillies	7

2026 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs Bonus Pack

Monday Night, June 29th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
47-38, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola once again suffered one horrific inning, and Chase Shugart allowed three runs in as many days in this 11-7 defeat by the Pirates.

What It Means:  These game summary posts used to be a daily exercise for me, but a busy schedule throughout the week has turned the fun pastime into more of a weekend catch-up activity.  I'm fine having a busy schedule, but I'm also looking forward to things easing up a little.

What Happened:  Nola was charged with eight runs (seven earned) in 4 1/3 innings, seeing his ERA creep over six to 6.04.  His place in the rotation is shaky at best, but the Phillies really don't have many other options right now other than to hope he figures something out.  Seth Johnson and Tim Mayza restored some order, pitching 2 2/3 scoreless innings and allowing the offense to creep back to within two runs when Brandon Marsh hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth, giving the Pirates an 8-6 lead.  But Shugart allowed three more runs to score in the top of the ninth, putting the game out of reach.  Trea Turner and Marsh both homered in the first and Bryce Harper added a two-run home run in the third, spotting Nola a short-lived 5-0 lead.

Featured Card:  Nola needs to stick around, but the Phillies sent Shugart back to the IronPigs following this game.  Shugart has a card in the team-issued photo card set, and can be found in the IronPigs team set too.

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Game 84 - Schwarber Launches 30th Homer in Win Over Mets

Philadelphia Phillies	5
New York Mets	4

2026 Topps Now #390

Sunday Afternoon, June 28th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
47-37, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber hit his 30th home run of the season, supporting Jesus Luzardo's outing and leading to the series win over the Mets.

What It Means:  Schwarber became the fastest Phillie to reach 30 home runs, doing it in 84 games.  Mike Schmidt held the prior record, hitting his 30th home run in the Phillies' 87th game during the 1979 season.

What Happened:  The Phillies took a 3-0 lead in the third on a sacrifice fly from Bryce Harper, an RBI-double from Alec Bohm and an RBI-single from Brandon Marsh.  Luzardo gave up a run in the fifth before yielding to the bullpen, and the Mets took a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the sixth following a rough outing from Chase Shugart.  Schwarber's blast in the top of the seventh came with Justin Crawford aboard and gave the Phillies a 5-4 lead.  Jose Alvarado, Orion Kerkering and Jhoan Duran shut down the Mets over the final three innings, with Duran earning his 21st save.

Featured Card:  Schwarber received a Topps Now card for his milestone blast.

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Pittsburgh Pirates at Philadelphia Phillies: It's Heating Up

2006 Topps #287

2006 Topps #286

Monday, June 29th - 6:40
Tuesday, June 30th - 6:40
Wednesday, July 1st - 6:40
Thursday, July 2nd - 12:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
All kids will receive a 2026 All-Star Game pennant on Monday night.  Following the games on Tuesday and Wednesday nights will be the always popular, and extremely impressive, fireworks shows.

Pittsburgh Pirates 42-42
4th Place in the N.L. Central, 9 1/2 games behind the Brewers

Pirates Probables
Braxton Ashcraft (7-3, 3.07)
Bubba Chandler (3-7, 4.42)
Paul Skenes (6-7, 3.10)
Jared Jones (1-1, 5.76)

Pirates Leaders
Average:  Nick Gonzales - .297
Runs:  Bryan Reynolds - 56
Home Runs:  Brandon Lowe - 20
RBIs:  Brandon Lowe - 56
Stolen Bases:  Oneil Cruz - 21

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

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

Philadelphia Phillies 47-37
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (3-4, 5.58)
Cristopher Sanchez (9-3, 2.13)
Zack Wheeler (8-1, 2.03)
Alan Rangel (0-1, 4.50)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .321
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 55
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 30
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 54
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 16

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 9
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.13

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 127
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 21

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 83 - Rain, Bullpen, Lack of Offense Doom Phils

Philadelphia Phillies	2
New York Mets	6

2023 Topps Update #US90

Saturday Afternoon, June 27th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
46-37, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A four-run sixth inning sunk the Phillies in this 6-2 loss to the Mets.

What It Means:  The Phillies would look to take the series on Sunday afternoon with Jesus Luzardo on the mound.

What Happened:  After an hour-plus rain delay, both teams looked slow out of the gate.  The Phillies scored their two runs in the top of the third when Bryce Harper hit his 19th home run of the season following a walk to Trea Turner.  They'd have only three more singles after Harper's homer.  Tim Mayza again opened, pitching 1 1/3 scoreless innings and Alan Rangel went four innings, departing in the sixth after Francisco Lindor had hit a two-run triple to tie the game.  Jonathan Bowlan entered and allowed both inherited runners from Rangel to score, giving the Mets a 4-2 lead.  Kyle Backhus would give up two more runs in the seventh.

Featured Card:  Nothing much doing in this game, but it was reported on Saturday the Phillies had signed former Met Tommy Pham to a minor league contract.  Pham is 38 years old, a veteran of 13 big league seasons and will serve as some AAA outfield depth.  He appeared in nine games earlier this season with the Mets, going 0 for 13 with seven strikeouts.  The Phillies would be his 11th team if he gets called up.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 82 - Hill, Harper, Wheeler Star in Win Over Mets

Philadelphia Phillies	2
New York Mets	1

2014 Bowman Draft #DP19

Friday Night, June 26th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
46-36, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Defense (Derek Hill), offense (Bryce Harper) and pitching (Zack Wheeler) all came together for the Phillies in this 2-1 win over the Mets.

What It Means:  They'll try to go for the series win Saturday afternoon.  The Phils have hit their high water mark, so far, for the season, at 10 games above .500.  As a reminder, they were 9-19 on April 26th, leading to the dismissal of Rob Thomson.

What Happened:  Wheeler improved to 8-1, going seven strong innings and allowing a run on four hits while striking out five.  Orion Kerkering and Jhoan Duran, on the way to his 20th save, shut down the Mets over the final two innings.  Three straight hits from the Phillies to open the game led to their first run.  Trea Turner doubled, went to third on Kyle Schwarber's single, and scored on Harper's single.  Harper went 3 for 4 in this game.  In the bottom of the first, Derek Hill ran and leapt over the center field wall, amazingly bringing back what would have been a two-run home run off the bat of Juan Soto.  In the seventh, Hill singled to lead off the inning and would eventually come home on a Trea Turner RBI single to left.

Featured Card:  I was bummed Hill didn't receive a Topps Now card for his amazing catch, and I set out to create a Chachi Now card but couldn't find a good enough high resolution image to use.  My guess is that Topps decided against a card since there wasn't a Getty Images photo of it available.  So instead, here's another card from Hill's past, this one from the 2014 Bowman Draft set.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist