Houston Astros at Philadelphia Phillies: September Rolls Along

2006 Topps #456

2006 Topps #364

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

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

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

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

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

Wins:  Peter Lambert - 8
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  Peter Lambert - 137
Saves:  Josh Hader 23

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

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

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

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

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

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Game 143 - Acuna Crushes Ball, Spirits as Braves Prevail

Atlanta Braves	5
Philadelphia Phillies	4

1990 Donruss #312

Sunday Afternoon, September 6th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Atlanta Braves	2
Philadelphia Phillies	4

2026 Topps Chrome #290

Saturday Night, September 5th

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Atlanta Braves	5
Philadelphia Phillies	2

2026 Bowman Prospects #BP-49

Friday Night, September 4th

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

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

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

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

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

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Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies: N.L. East Showdown

2006 Topps #445

2006 Philadelphia Phillies SGA #3

Friday, September 4th - 6:40
Saturday, September 5th - 6:05
Sunday, September 6th - 1:10
Monday, September 7th - 1:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
On Saturday, all kids 14 and under will receive a Phillies squeeze bottle and kids receive a Phillies rope hat on Sunday.

Atlanta Braves 83-57
1st Place in the N.L. East, 4 games ahead of the Phillies

Braves Probables
Chris Sale (13-9, 2.06)
Martin Perez (8-8, 3.05)
Tyler Mahle (2-1, 1.48)
Bryce Elder (8-8, 4.11)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Michael Harris - .295
Runs:  Matt Olson - 94
Home Runs:  Matt Olson - 37
RBIs:  Michael Harris and Matt Olson - 80
Stolen Bases:  Ronald Acuna - 20

Wins:  Chris Sale - 13
ERA:  Chris Sale - 2.06

Strikeouts:  Chris Sale - 177
Saves:  Raisel Iglesias - 29

Philadelphia Phillies 79-61
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (16-4, 2.52)
Zack Wheeler (11-5, 3.31)
Aaron Nola (6-10, 4.93)
Jesus Luzardo (13-5, 3.02)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .275
Runs:  Trea Turner - 88
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 40
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 83
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 24

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.52

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 209
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 29

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Game 140 - Sluggers Slumber in Loss to Snakes

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Arizona Diamondbacks	1

2026 Topps Chrome #160

Wednesday Afternoon, September 2nd

Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ
79-61, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies had just three hits against seven Diamondbacks' relievers, wasting Andrew Painter's seven shutout innings in this 1-0 loss.

What It Means:  It was still an incredibly solid road trip, as the Phillies went 6-3.  They lost the first two and the last game, but won six in a row in the middle.  A crucial N.L. East showdown with the Braves starts Friday night at home.

What Happened:  Painter allowed two hits and didn't walk a batter while striking out six.  In his last three starts, he's got a 1.80 ERA over 20 innings with three walks and 20 strikeouts.  Jonathan Bowlan relieved Painter in the eighth and allowed a solo home run to James McCann on the very first pitch he threw.  Bryan De La Cruz had two singles and Bryce Harper stayed hot with a single and a pair of walks for the offense.

Featured Card:  It's incredibly encouraging to witness Painter completely turn his season around.  He hasn't appeared on a Topps flagship set base card yet, but Topps did give him a card in its Topps Chrome set, released in July.

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Game 139 - Harper Stays Hot, Luzardo Tosses Gem in Win

Philadelphia Phillies	7
Arizona Diamondbacks	1

2026 Topps Big Ticket Players #BTP-19

Late Tuesday Night, September 1st

Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ
79-60, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Bryce Harper stayed red hot with a 4 for 4 night and Jesus Luzardo pitched a gem in this 7-1 win over the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  The Phillies go for the series sweep this afternoon.  They now own sole possession of the top National League Wild Card spot and they're three back of the Braves in the division.  The Phillies and Braves open a four game, Labor Day Weekend series at Citizens Bank Park on Friday.

What Happened:  Luzardo's only blemish was a fifth inning solo home run allowed to Jordan Lawlar.  He picked up his 13th win, allowing six hits and striking out six.  Jonathan Bowlan and Chase Shugart handled the Diamondbacks over the final two innings.  The Phillies manufactured runs throughout the game, with no home runs but 13 hits overall.  Trea Turner started it off with an RBI double in the first and Luis Arraez grounded into a double play to score Turner, giving the Phillies a 2-0 lead.  Alec Bohm added an RBI single in the fifth.  Three more runs scored in the eighth, putting the game out of reach, when Justin Crawford contributed a pinch-hit single, Kyle Schwarber added a sac fly and Harper singled home Crawford.  Bryson Stott scored another run with a sac fly in the ninth.

Featured Card:  Harper is hitting .483 (15 for 31) on this West Coast trip, and he's reached base in a career-high 34 straight games.  He's truly a . . . Big Ticket Player.

Transaction:  Rosters expanded to 28 players, and the Phillies added Rafael Marchan (c) and Grant Holman (rhp).  Holman was selected off waivers from the Tigers on May 7th, and he's pitched well for the IronPigs, going 3-0 with a 3.12 ERA in 26 innings pitched.

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Game 138 - Phils Finish August as Hottest Team in Baseball

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Arizona Diamondbacks	1

2026 Topps Heritage #300

Late Monday Night, August 31st

Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ
78-60, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola, the bullpen and a long home run from Bryson Stott contributed to this 2-1 series opening win over the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  The Phillies were the best team in baseball during the month of August with a 21-7 record.  They're tied with the Cubs for the top Wild Card spot with a 5 1/2 game lead overall in the Wild Card race.  These games against the Diamondbacks are a good test, but the real challenge starts next week when seven of their next 10 games are against the first place Braves.

What Happened:  Nola went five innings, allowing a run on five hits and two walks while striking out four.  Interim manger Don Mattingly used almost all of his bullpen to cobble together four scoreless innings with Alex McFarlane, Orion Kerkering, Brooks Raley, Jose Alvarado and Jhoan Duran all getting a turn.  There was a lot of traffic, but each of the relievers worked out of jams.  Duran stranded runners at first and third in the ninth, recording his 29th save.

Stott hit the longest home run of his career in the second at 464 feet.  In the third, Garrett Stubbs led off with a single, went to second when Kyle Schwarber walked and scored on a Bryce Harper double.  Harper led the team with a 1.069 OPS in August, batting .333 (32 for 96) with eight doubles, five home runs and 14 RBIs.

Featured Card:  The last game summary to feature a Kerkering card was the disastrous NLDS Game 4 from last season, and it's nice to see the reliever seemingly getting back on track this season.

Transaction:  Tommy Pham (of) was dealt to the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations.  In 44 games with the IronPigs, Pham batted .250 with three home runs and 25 RBIs.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Arizona Diamondbacks: Stretch Run Begins

2006 Topps Philadelphia Phillies SGA #23

2006 Topps #418

Monday, August 31st - 9:40
Tuesday, September 1st - 9:40
Wednesday, September 2nd - 3:40

Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ
It's Teacher's Appreciation Night tonight at the ballpark with ASU Night to follow on Tuesday.

Philadelphia Phillies 77-60
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 5 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (5-10, 5.03)
Jesus Luzardo (12-5, 3.09)
Andrew Painter (3-8, 5.95)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .274
Runs:  Trea Turner - 87
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 40
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 82
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.52

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 203
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 28

Arizona Diamondbacks 73-65
2nd Place in the N.L. West, 9 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Diamondbacks Probables
Brandon Pfaadt (7-1, 3.51)
Eduardo Rodriguez (14-4, 2.50)
TBD

Diamondbacks Leaders
Average:  Gabriel Moreno - .302
Runs:  Corbin Carroll - 83
Home Runs:  Nolan Arenado and Ketel Marte - 21
RBIs:  Ketel Marte - 67
Stolen Bases:  Corbin Carroll - 20

Wins:  Eduardo Rodriguez - 14
ERA:  Eduardo Rodriguez - 2.50

Strikeouts:  Eduardo Rodriguez - 119
Saves:  Paul Sewald - 24

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Game 137 - J.T., Edmundo Homer to Back Wheeler's Rebound Effort

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Los Angeles Angels	2

2026 Topps #363

Sunday Afternoon, August 30th

Angel Stadium - Anaheim, CA
77-60, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler figured some things out and the Phillies benefitted from a few timely home runs from J.T. Realmuto and Edmundo Sosa in this 5-2 win over the Angels.

What It Means:  The Phillies completed the sweep, and they've won 12 of their last 14 games.  They'll start a big series late tonight in Phoenix against the contending Diamondbacks.

What Happened:  Wheeler looked suspect in the first, but rebounded to pitch five shutout innings.  He allowed just a run on four hits (and three walks) while striking out six.  Alex McFarlane pitched a scoreless seventh inning, lowering his season ERA to 0.96.  Orion Kerkering worked out of Jose Alvarado's jam in the eighth, and allowed a run himself in the ninth, before recording his second save of the season.  Realmuto homered to center in the third, tying the game at 1-1, and Sosa broke the tie with a solo home run in the seventh.  Luis Arraez (sac fly) and Brandon Marsh (pinch-hit single) drove in two more runs in the eighth, and Bryce Harper doubled home Realmuto in the ninth for the game's final run.

Featured Card:  Realmuto hasn't given me a lot of opportunities to feature his cards this season, so it was nice to see him star in a win.  Here's his base card from Topps Series Two.

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Game 136 - Clutch 10th Inning Hits from Schwarber, Turner Lead to Win

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Los Angeles Angels	2

10 Innings

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Late Saturday Night, August 29th

Angel Stadium - Anaheim, CA
76-60, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A punchless Phillies offense came to life in the 10th and Cristopher Sanchez pitched seven solid innings in this 4-2, extra-inning win over the Angels.

What It Means:  Unlike the prior night, I was too tired to see even a single pitch of this game.  The Phillies go for a series sweep later this afternoon with the struggling Zack Wheeler on the mound.

What Happened:  Brandon Marsh singled home Alec Bohm with the game's first run in the second, and the score stayed at 1-0 until the bottom of the eighth.  It appeared as if it could be a 2-0 Phillies lead, but Bryce Harper was thrown out at home in the top of the eighth trying for a straight steal.  It was the second base-running blunder and out of the inning as Trea Turner had been picked off earlier.  In the bottom of the inning, Zach Neto connected for a solo home run off reliever Jonathan Bowlan, tying the score.

In the 10th, with one out and runners on second and third, Kyle Schwarber doubled on a ball that fell just in front of center fielder Mike Trout.  Trea Turner then singled two more runners home, giving the Phillies a 4-1 lead.  The Angels scored a run in the bottom of the 10th off Jhoan Duran, but he held on to earn the win, while pitching two innings of relief.

Featured Card:  Sanchez crossed the 200 strikeout plateau for the second season in a row during this game.  I'm still holding out hope for a second series of team-issued photo cards, and we'll find out when the Phillies return home on September 4th if it's going to happen or not.

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Game 135 - SOSA SLAMS PHILS TO WIN; LC Tribute

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Los Angeles Angels	3

2026 Topps Now #611

Late Friday Night, August 28th

Angel Stadium - Anaheim, CA
75-60, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Edmundo Sosa hit a pinch-hit grand slam in the top of the ninth inning, sending the Phillies to an amazing 5-3 win over the Angels.

What It Means:  Yes, I stayed up for this entire game but I almost turned it off in the seventh and went to bed.  I'm glad I didn't!

What Happened:  Andrew Painter suffered through a typical first inning for him, allowing three runs on two hits, two walks and two wild pitches, before settling down and pitching well the next five innings.  He didn't allow another hit the rest of the way and struck out six overall.  The Phillies pushed across a run in the fifth on a bunt single from Derek Hill, scoring Alec Bohm.  

Angels' reliever Ben Joyce came on in the ninth to try and hold a 3-1 lead.  Bohm was hit by a pitch and Justin Crawford walked, and Bryson Stott hit a fly ball to right that would have been a home run if not for an incredible leaping catch by Wade Meckler.  With two outs, J.T. Realmuto drew another walk and Sammy Peralta relieved Joyce.  Sosa connected for his slam, giving the Phillies a 5-3 lead and stunning the Angel Stadium crowd.

Featured Card:  Sosa rightfully earned a Topps Now card, but I also wanted to pay tribute to Larry Christenson, who passed away on Friday.  Christenson was a career Phillie, and a member of the 1980 World Championship team.  He won 83 games in his 11-year career, but I'll remember him most for being omnipresent at Phillies alumni events, special ceremonies and even just regular games.  He never didn't sign or pose for a picture with our oldest son, Doug, and I'd venture to guess Doug probable has at least a dozen Christenson autographs in his collection on Wall of Fame prints, baseballs, photo cards and score cards.  LC will be missed.

1977 Topps #59

1982 Donruss #219

2017 Chachi Alumni Weekend #1

2018 Chachi Friendly Encounters #18

2019 Chachi Friendly Encounters #7

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Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angels Angels: Phils Going to Disneyland

2006 Topps Philadelphia Phillies SGA #25

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH144

Friday, August 28th - 9:38
Saturday, August 29th - 10:07
Sunday, August 30th - 4:07

Angel Stadium - Anaheim, CA
Along with the odd start times, there are giveaways throughout this series.  Tonight, all fans will receive a Zach Neto bobblehead.  Saturday is Mexican Heritage Night at the ballpark and on Sunday, fans will receive a Joe Adell Angels football jersey.

Philadelphia Phillies 74-60
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 5 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Andrew Painter (3-8, 6.04)
Cristopher Sanchez (16-4, 2.62)
Zack Wheeler (10-5, 3.40)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .272
Runs:  Trea Turner - 86
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 40
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 81
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.62

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 203
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 28

Los Angeles Angels 52-82
5th Place in the A.L. West, 15 games behind the Astros

Angels Probables
Reid Detmers (4-8, 3.62)
Ryan Johnson (3-7, 5.75)
Yusei Kikuchi (0-4, 6.25)

Angels Leaders
Average:  Nolan Schanuel - .276
Runs:  Zach Neto - 83
Home Runs:  Zach Neto - 22
RBIs:  Zach Neto - 64
Stolen Bases:  Zach Neto - 18

Wins:  Jose Soriano - 9
ERA:  Reid Detmers - 3.62

Strikeouts:  Reid Detmers - 172
Saves:  Jordan Romano and Ryan Zeferjahn - 4

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Game 134 - Pitching, Hitting, Defense Win the Day the Seattle

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Seattle Mariners	0

2026 Topps Profiles #TP-19

Wednesday Afternoon, August 26th

T-Mobile Park - Seattle, WA
74-60, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  After two late nights of lackluster performances, everything clicked - pitching, offense, defense - in this decisive 6-0 win over the Mariners.

What It Means:  Following an off-day on Thursday, the West Coast swing continues with a weekend series in Anaheim.

What Happened:  Pitching:  Jesus Luzardo picked up his 12th win, allowing one hit (and three walks) in seven innings of work, while striking out nine.  Tim Mayza and Jhoan Duran shut down the Mariners over the final two innings.

Offense:  The Phillies got out to a 2-0 lead in the first when Kyle Schwarber doubled and Bryce Harper connected for his 27th home run of the season.  Four more runs would score in the second.  Justin Crawford singled home Bryson Stott, who had doubled to start the inning.  With two men aboard, Schwarber hit his 40th home run of the season, giving the Phillies a 6-0 lead.  Stott had three hits in the game.  Harper has reached base in a career-best 29 straight games.

Defense:  Bryce Harper robbed Julio Rodriguez of what could have been a home run, making a leaping catch in right field to keep the ball in the ballpark, or at least take a hit away.  All three infielders - Stott, Trea Turner and Luis Arraez - made acrobatic plays at different points in the game, preserving the shutout and Luzardo's one-hitter.

Featured Card:  This is from one of those superfluous Topps insert sets with a loose theme pulling together 25 stars.  The "Profiles" aspect of the card has nothing to do with the game, but I chose it since Harper shares the card with Mariners' all-time great, Ken Griffey, Jr.  (Would Griffey or Mariners team collectors feel the need to add this card to their collections?)

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Game 133 - Sleeping in Seattle

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Seattle Mariners	4

1979 Topps #199

Late Tuesday Night, August 25th

T-Mobile Park - Seattle, WA
73-60, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted another solid effort from Aaron Nola as the offense managed just six singles in this 4-1 late night loss to the Mariners.

What It Means:  With Andrew Painter on the mound, the Phillies will try to avoid a series sweep on Wednesday afternoon before heading to Anaheim for their next three games.

What Happened:  Nola has clearly figured something out.  He went six innings, allowing two runs (including another Cal Raleigh home run) on three hits while striking out seven.  He left with his team trailing 2-1, but Orion Kerkering and Brooks Raley quickly gave up two more Mariners runs in the seventh.  The Phillies scored their lone run in the second on three consecutive singles from Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh and Justin Crawford.  They'd have just three more singles the rest of the game.  Mariners' starter George Kirby went 7 2/3 innings, allowing a run while striking out nine.

Featured Card:  Here's my favorite Larry Milbourne Mariners card, from the 1979 Topps set.

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Game 132 - Nine-Game Winning Streak Quietly Ends

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Seattle Mariners	9

1981 Topps #583

Late Monday Night, August 24th

T-Mobile Park - Seattle, WA
73-59, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler's second half struggles continued and the Phillies offense managed just five hits in this 9-2 series opening loss to the Mariners.

What It Means:  The nine game winning streak went out with a whimper in the middle of the night.  This is especially disappointing given how the club's nine-game homestead had ended, with one of the more memorable walk-off home run wins in franchise history.

What Happened:  Wheeler lasted four innings, allowing four home runs (two to Cal Raleigh) and eight runs overall on nine hits and five walks.  It appeared he could not locate the strike zone at all.  Chase Shugart allowed Raleigh's third home run of the game in the seventh.  The Phillies held a brief 1-0 lead after a bases loaded Alec Bohm ground out in the first, but the Mariners answered with five runs in the bottom of the first.  J.T. Realmuto hit a solo home run in the second.

Featured Card:  I'd be lying if I said I stayed up for the duration of this game, as we called it a night following Realmuto's home run.  With no logical choice here, here's a card of my favorite Phillies/Mariners player, local product Larry Milbourne.

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Game 131 - SCHWARBOMB WALKS IT OFF!

St. Louis Cardinals	4
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2026 Topps Now #588

Sunday Afternoon, August 23rd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
73-58, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Down to their last strike four times in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Phillies staged an improbable six-run, come-from-behind win, capped by Kyle Schwarber's moonshot of a two-run home run that cleared the batter's eye in center field.

What It Means:  From the great Sarah Langs, before this win, the last time the Phillies won a game in which they trailed by four or more runs and down to their last batter was April 13, 1983 against the Mets.  Bo Diaz hit a walk-off grand slam in that game to give the Phillies a 10-9 win, and I clearly remember listening to the game on my clock radio from my 12th Street bedroom.

What Happened:  The Phillies did absolutely nothing through eight innings against Cardinals' pitching.  They had collected five hits and were sleepwalking to a 4-0 loss, ready for a lengthy flight to Seattle.  Cristopher Sanchez had given up four runs on nine hits in 6 2/3 innings.  The Cardinals brought in their All-Star closer, Riley O'Brien, to get some work in a non-save situation.  

Bryce Harper doubled to lead off the inning, then Luis Arraez and Brandon Marsh both flew out to left.  J.T. Realmuto singled to center, moving Harper to third.  Justin Crawford walked to load the bases.  Edmundo Sosa doubled on a ground ball just fair down the third base line, clearing the bases and making it a 4-3 game.  Bryan De La Cruz was up next, and he singled Sosa home to tie the game.  Schwarber's two run home run that came next will be shown on Phillies highlight reels for years to come, and is the kind of thing that happens during a season where maybe something special is brewing.  It was the ninth win in a row for the Phillies, and they've not lost since before their trip to Iowa.

Featured Card:  Topps Now gave us a Schwarber card, but I wish they had used a photo showing his massive bat flip.

Field Report:  I was not technically at the ballgame, but I was driving by Citizens Bank Park about to get on the Walt Whitman Bridge southbound when Schwarber hit his bomb.  We had just dropped off our oldest son Doug for his second year of college at Villanova, and the bittersweet ride home was improved by the 18-minute improbable rally the Phillies staged in the bottom of the ninth.  I could see Phanavision as the Phillies celebrated at home plate.

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Game 130 - Painter Paints a Gem Against Cards

St. Louis Cardinals	3
Philadelphia Phillies	12

2026 Choice Clearwater Threshers
Rise to the Show Gold #4

Saturday Night, August 22nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
72-58, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Andrew Painter pitched the best game of his rookie season and the bats came alive once more in this 12-3 win over the Cardinals.

What It Means:  The Phillies would go for the series sweep on Sunday afternoon.  (Spoiler alert: It tuned out to be one of their most thrilling wins in recent memory.)

What Happened:  Painter threw seven fantastic innings, allowing a run on five hits and no walks, while striking out eight.  He reaped the benefit of 15 Phillies hits, including a three-run inning in the first and four-run innings in the third and sixth.  Key hits from the offense included a two-run double from Edmundo Sosa in the first, a three-run home run from Bryce Harper in the sixth and a laser beam of a home run from Kyle Schwarber in the ninth off Cardinals' back-up catcher Pedro Pages.  It was Schwarber's league-leading 38th home run of the season.

Featured Card:  I'm thrilled to present a Painter card, especially after how dreadfully his season began.  The Phillies minor league affiliates seem to put out these "Rise to the Show" mini sets several times a season, and this was my limited edition (numbered to 100) gold variation found within a pack of the Clearwater Threshers' version of the set.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Seattle Mariners: West Coast Swing Begins

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #11

2006 Topps #358

Monday, August 24th - 9:40
Tuesday, August 25th - 9:40
Wednesday, August 26th - 4:10

T-Mobile Park - Seattle, WA
The first 10,000 fans will receive a Mariners jersey as part of their Native American Heritage Night tonight.  It's also Care Bears Night, with special themed tickets available.

Philadelphia Phillies 73-58
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (10-4, 2.92)
Aaron Nola (5-9, 5.12)
Jesus Luzardo (11-5, 3.35)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .277
Runs:  Trea Turner - 86
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 39
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 78
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.62

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez - 194
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 28

Seattle Mariners 62-69
2nd Place in the A.L. West, 3 games behind the Astros and Rangers

Mariners Probables
Logan Gilbert (10-7, 3.35)
George Kirby (8-10, 4.18)
TBD

Mariners Leaders
Average:  Randy Arozarena - .275
Runs:  Randy Arozarena - 84
Home Runs:  Randy Arozarena - 20
RBIs:  Randy Arozarena - 58
Stolen Bases:  Josh Naylor - 25

Wins:  Logan Gilbert - 10
ERA:  Logan Gilbert - 3.35

Strikeouts:  Logan Gilbert - 157
Saves:  Andres Munoz - 23

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Game 129 - Bohm Walks It Off with 2-Run Triple!

St. Louis Cardinals	6
Philadelphia Phillies	7

10 Innings

2026 Topps Now #579

Friday Night, August 21st

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
71-58, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies battled throughout this game, eventually prevailing in extra innings on Alec Bohm's two-run, walk-off triple.

What It Means:  They've now won seven in a row and suddenly the division lead is in sight.

What Happened:  Phillies' starter Jesus Luzardo was hit early and often, allowing four runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings, but striking out nine.  Brandon Marsh and J.T. Realmuto hit back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the second to tie the score, 2-2.  The Phillies took a brief 3-2 lead in the third when Bohm singled home Luis Arraez, who had doubled to reach.  Home Run Derby winner Jordan Walker hit a two-run home run in the top of the sixth, putting the Cardinals on top, 4-3.  Luzardo would depart the game shortly thereafter.  The Phillies tied it up and took the lead in the sixth on another RBI-double from Realmuto and a Justin Crawford sacrifice fly.  Brooks Raley was on the mound in the eighth when the Cardinals tied up again on a Brian Torres RBI single.

In the 10th, the Cardinals took a brief lead when Jose Fermin singled home ghost runner Alec Burleson.  But in the bottom of the 10th, Arraez singled ghost runner Bryce Harper to third and Bohm brought them both home with his triple to deep center to win the game.

Featured Card:  Topps produced a Topps Now card for the smoking hot Bohm to commemorate his game-winning hit.

Field Report:  We enjoyed this entire game from the muggy confines of the Diamond Club with friends.  The Kyle Schwarber bobble head was nice, but the extra inning win was better.

Transaction:  On Thursday, the Phillies claimed Andrew Hoffman (rhp) off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks and optioned him to Lehigh Valley.  Felix Reyes (1b) was recalled and place on the 60-day injured list with a broken right wrist to make room for Hoffman on the 40-man roster.  In eight relief appearances this season with the Diamondbacks, Hoffman has a 7.71 ERA in 11 2/3 innings pitched.

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