Colorado Rockies at Philadelphia Phillies: Weekend Series

2006 Topps #63

2006 Topps Philadelphia Phillies SGA #12

Friday, May 8th - 6:40
Saturday, May 9th - 6:05
Sunday, May 10th - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Tonight, with Jesus Luzardo on the mound, all kids will receive a Luzardo City Connect t-shirt.  On Saturday, kids get a pair of Phil & Phillis socks and on Sunday, on women will receive a Phillies ladies mock neck crew as part of Mother's Appreciation Day.

Colorado Rockies 15-23
4th Place in the N.L. West, 8 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Rockies Probables
Chase Dollander (3-2, 3.38)
Kyle Freeland (1-3, 5.04)
Tomoyuki Sugano (3-2, 3.41)

Rockies Leaders
Average:  Troy Johnson - .325
Runs:  Hunter Goodman - 24
Home Runs:  Mickey Moniak - 11
RBIs:  Mickey Moniak - 21
Stolen Bases:  Brenton Doyle - 7

Wins:  Chase Dollander and Tomoyuki Sugano - 3
ERA:  Michael Lorenzen - 6.92

Strikeouts:  Chase Dollander - 42
Saves:  Victor Vodnik - 4

Philadelphia Phillies 17-21
Tied for 3rd Place in the N.L. East, 9 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jesus Luzardo (3-3, 5.09)
Aaron Nola (2-3, 5.06)
Cristopher Sanchez (3-2, 2.42)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .333
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 24
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 12
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 23
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 6

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez - 3
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.42

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 60
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 5

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Game 36 - Sanchez Deals, Offense Explodes Late in Win Over A's

Athletics	1
Philadelphia Phillies	9

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Tuesday Night, May 5th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
16-20, Tied for 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Christopher Sanchez dominated over eight shutout innings and the Phillies piled on the runs late in the game to win this series opener over the A's, 9-1.

What It Means:  The Phillies have won seven of their last eight games under interim manager Don Mattingly.  It certainly helps that all aspects of the team's play - pitching, offense, defense - have vastly improved over the past week-plus.

What Happened:  Sanchez allowed three hits in his outing, walking one and striking out ten.  Jhoan Duran, spotted a nine-run lead, essentially had a rehab appearance and worked out of ninth inning trouble, including three walks, to end the game.  The Phillies held a slim 1-0 lead until the bottom of the seventh, thanks to Bryce Harper's solo home run in the third.  They'd explode for five runs in the eighth and three runs in the ninth, off Athletics' relievers Mark Leiter, Jr. and Tyler Ferguson.

In the seventh, the big blows were a two-run double from J.T. Realmuto and a two-run home run from Bryson Stott.  In the ninth, Trea Turner singled home Justin Crawford, who had doubled to start the inning.  Harper hit his second home run with Turner aboard, just barely clearing the center field wall, giving the Phillies a 9-0 lead.

Featured Card:  Here's Sanchez's card from this year's team-issued Kids Club / Club 215 team set.  A checklist was recently added to the kiosk in Ashburn Alley, showing the 17 cards available.  A Rob Thomson card was also available earlier this season, but was pulled from the stand following his dismissal.

Field Report:  We attended this game with family, enjoying the festivities from Section C in the Diamond Club.  Bull's BBQ was on the pre-game menu and we have yet to try the Schwarbomb Sundae.  Maybe soon?

Transaction:  Duran (rhp) was activated from the injured list and Trevor Richards (rhp) was traded to the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations.  Richards joins the list of extremely short-time Phillies, and he made two appearances, pitching 4 1/3 innings and allowing a run.

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Game 35 - Nola Catches Fish, Phils Win Series

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Miami Marlins	0

2025 Topps Archives #3

Monday Night, May 4th

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
15-20, 4th Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A solo home run from Bryce Harper and six shutout innings from Aaron Nola led to this 1-0 Phillies win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Phillies won the series and headed home for a six-game set against the Athletics and Rockies.

What Happened:  Nola gave up five hits and walked none while striking out five in his solid outing.  The bullpen trio of Tanner Banks, Jose Alvarado and Brad Keller finished up the shutout, with Keller earning his second save of the season.  Harper hit his seventh home run of the year in the third inning, accounting for all the scoring in the game.  The slugger had three hits on the day.

Featured Card:  How do I not have any 2026 Nola cards in my collection yet?  Topps seems to largely ignore the former ace of the staff, although they did include him in last year's Topps Archives set.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall (Coming Soon) / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Athletics at Philadelphia Phillies: Hoping for More Wins

2006 Topps #143

2006 Topps #141

Tuesday, May 5th - 6:40
Wednesday, May 6th - 6:40
Thursday, May 7th - 6:40

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Tonight and tomorrow are theme nights for the Class of 2026 and Nurses Night, respectively.  On Wednesday, all fans receive a Phillies retro hat.

Athletics 18-16
1st Place in the A.L. West, 2 games ahead of the Mariners and Rangers

Athletics Probables
Luis Severino (2-2, 4.46)
Jeffrey Springs (3-2, 3.96)
J.T. Ginn (0-1, 4.30)

Athletics Leaders
Average:  Shea Langeliers - .336
Runs:  Shea Langeliers - 24
Home Runs:  Shea Langeliers - 10
RBIs:  Tyler Soderstrom - 19
Stolen Bases:  Lawrence Butler - 4

Wins:  Aaron Civale and Jeffrey Springs - 3
ERA:  Aaron Civale - 2.95

Strikeouts:  Luis Severino - 40
Saves:  Joel Kuhnel - 4

Philadelphia Phillies 15-20
4th Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (2-2, 2.90)
Zack Wheeler (1-0, 2.45)
Andrew Painter (1-3, 5.28)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .309
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 22
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 11
RBIs:  Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber - 20
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 6

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 3
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.90

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 51
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 5

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Game 34 - Luzardo Solid in Outing, Backed by Six-Run First Frame

Philadelphia Phillies	7
Miami Marlins	2

2026 Topps #63

Sunday Afternoon, May 3rd

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
14-20, 4th Place, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Behind a six-run first inning and a 10-strikeout outing from Jesus Luzardo, the Phillies were able to defeat the Marlins, 7-2.

What It Means:  They'll go for the four-game series win on Monday night.

What Happened:  Luzardo was spotted a six-run lead before he even took the mound.  He would allow a pair of runs on eight hits en route to his third win of the year.  Chase Shugart and Orion Kerkering took care of the final eight outs, with Shugart continuing to impress.  The Phillies scored three runs quickly at the start of the game - Trea Turner doubled, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper both walked and Alec Bohm brought Turner home when he grounded into a fielder's choice.  Marsh walked with the bases loaded scoring a second run and J.T. Realmuto hit a sac fly to center to score Harper.  Bryson Stott then launched his second three-run home run in the series, giving the Phillies a 6-0 lead.  Justin Crawford added an RBI single in the third.

Featured Card:  Luzardo earns the honors for his solid start, and this is his card from this year's Topps flagship offering.

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Game 33 - Phils Nearly No-Hit in Punchless Loss to Fish

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Miami Marlins	4

2024 Topps Golden Mirror #409

Saturday Afternoon, May 2nd

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
13-20, 4th Place, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Marlins' starter Max Meyer handcuffed the Phillies' offense through seven shutout innings as the team went quietly in this 4-0 loss.

What It Means:  The modest four-game winning streak is over and the Phillies will attempt to start a new winning streak on Sunday afternoon.

What Happened:  In one of the more surprising outfield alignments in recent memory, interim manager Don Mattingly started Felix Reyes in right field, Adolis Garcia in center field and Garrett Stubbs in left field.  It was Stubbs' first career start in left, and he did a decent job.  He also collected the only hit of the day from a punchless Phillies line-up that struck out 10 times.  Andrew Painter was in continuous trouble, and he'd end up pitching five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits.  Meyer baffled the Phillies line-up, and the Phillies managed just two baserunners the entire game.

Featured Card:  I'll give Stubbs the card here, since if not for him, the Phillies would have been no-hit.  This is his Golden Mirror parallel card from the 2024 Topps flagship set that I picked up relatively cheap last summer.

Transaction:  Stubbs' start was necessitated when Justin Crawford came down with a pre-game migraine and the Phillies had designated for assignment Dylan Moore (inf-of) their typical fourth outfielder.  Moore's roster spot was needed when J.T. Realmuto (c) was activated from the injured list.  Moore was 0 for 12 in 13 games with the Phillies, and he'll likely never appear on a Phillies baseball card.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall (Coming Soon) / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 32 - Phils Hang on to Preserve Wheeler's First Win

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Miami Marlins	5

2025 Topps Allen & Ginter #142

Friday Night, May 1st

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
13-19, 4th Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies held on to win their fourth in a row behind a three-run home run from Bryson Stott and Zack Wheeler's solid outing.

What It Means:  Wheeler looked great and earned his first victory of 2026.

What Happened:  The Phillies took a 2-1 lead in the fourth on an Alec Bohm RBI single followed by a Justin Crawford RBI double.  They widened the lead to 6-1 in the seventh, capped by Stott's blast to right-center field, his first home run of the season.  Jonathan Bowlan was charged with three runs in his two-thirds of an inning of work in the eighth, and Brad Keller walked through a mine field of his own making in the ninth before earning his first save of the season.  Keller allowed a run on a hit and walk and moved the tying run to second base with a wild pitch before getting Xavier Edwards to line out to center for the final out of the game.

Featured Card:  The last game summary post to feature a Wheeler card came back in mid-August, when we learned he'd miss the duration of the season with a blood clot in his right shoulder.  It looks as if he's made a full recovery, and I have a backlog of cards from last season to post, including this card from the 2025 Topps Allen & Ginter set.  He allowed a run on three hits and two walks while striking out eight in his six inning, 94-pitch outing.

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Game 31 - Second Walk-Off Win of the Day Leads to Series Sweep

San Francisco Giants	5
Philadelphia Phillies	6

Game 2 / 10 Innings

2026 Topps Now #146

Thursday Night, April 30th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
12-19, 4th Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Alec Bohm did the honors this time, hitting a game-winning sacrifice fly to score Adolis Garcia with the winning run in Game 2.

What It Means:  The Phillies swept the double header and the series, and they're 3-0 under new manager Don Mattingly.  They'll head to Miami next for a quick four-game road series with the Marlins.

What Happened:  It was a bullpen game, with Tim Mayza, Nolan Hoffman and Trevor Richards each pitching a pair of innings.  Seven Phillies relievers allowed five runs on 13 hits while striking out 12, and Chase Shugart would earn his second win of the day.

Kyle Scwarber had four hits in the game, including a two out, game-tying RBI double in the bottom of the ninth, scoring Brandon Marsh.  Marsh had collected a clutch, pinch-double to start the inning.  In the bottom of the 10th, Garcia started the inning at second as the zombie runner, went to third on a perfect Bryson Stott sacrifice bunt and scored on Bohm's sacrifice fly.

Featured Card:  Topps produced a cool Topps Now card to celebrate the walk-off wins in both halves of the double header.

Transaction:  Between games, Kyle Backhus was placed on the 15-day injured list with left elbow inflammation and Richards (rhp) had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley.  Hoffman (rhp) was returned to the IronPigs following the game.

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Game 30 - Clutch Hits from Stott, Crawford Lead to Walk-Off Win

San Francisco Giants	2
Philadelphia Phillies	3

Game 1

2026 Topps Heritage #382

Thursday Afternoon, April 30th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
11-19

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez settled down following a rough first inning and the Phillies battled back with a pair of ninth inning runs to walk off with a Game 1 win.

What It Means:  A rain-out on Wednesday night necessitated a split day-night double header on Thursday.

What Happened:  Sanchez was behind early, allowing a pair of first inning runs, but then settling in to hold the Giants scoreless over the next 5 2/3 innings.  He struck out seven in his outing.  Orion Kerkering, Trevor Banks and Chase Shugart kept the Giants off the board over the final frames, with Shugart eventually earning the win.  (Spoiler alert: He'd also earn the win in Game 2.)  In the first inning, Kyle Schwarber got a run back with his 10th home run of the season and his 350th career home run.  The game moved quickly until the ninth when Adolis Garcia singled and was tripled home by Bryson Stott to tie the score.  With two outs, Justin Crawford beat out an infield roller to short, scoring Stott with the winning run and kicking off an on-field celebration.

Featured Card:  Schwarber earned a Topps Now card for his milestone home run, Shugart's feat was pretty cool and Crawford had the game-winning hit.  But Stott's triple was the key to the winning rally, and he needed a big hit after struggling throughout the early part of the season.  Here's his 1977 Topps-inspired 2026 Topps Heritage card.

Field Report:  I attended this game as part of a work event, spending the first seven innings comfortably socializing at a table outside Pass & Stow and watching the final two frames from our perch in Section 244.

Transaction:  Nolan Hoffman (rhp) was recalled to serve as the 27th man for the double header.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Miami Marlins: Fish on the Menu as May Begins

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH20

2006 Topps #397

Friday, May 1st - 7:10
Saturday, May 2nd - 4:10
Sunday, May 3rd - 1:40
Monday, May 4th - 6:40

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
On Sunday, the first 10,000 fans will receive a Marlins' Captain's Hat, and there's a live pregame performance scheduled from a "Yacht Rock Band."  On Sunday, the first "5,000 moms" will receive a Marlins' clutch purse.

Philadelphia Phillies 12-19
4th Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (0-0, 3.60)
Aaron Nola (1-3, 6.03)
Andrew Painter (1-2, 5.25)
Jesus Luzardo (2-3, 5.50)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .303
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 21
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 11
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 20
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 5

Wins:  Three tied with - 2
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.90

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 50
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 5

Miami Marlins 15-16
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 6 1/2 games behind the Braves

Marlins Probables
Eury Perez (2-2, 4.60)
Max Meyer (1-0, 3.30)
Chris Paddack (0-4, 6.11)
Janson Junk (2-2, 3.00)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Xavier Edwards - .336
Runs:  Xavier Edwards - 22
Home Runs:  Liam Hicks - 7
RBIs:  Liam Hicks - 28
Stolen Bases:  Jakob Mars - 10

Wins:  Sandy Alcantara - 3.04
ERA:  Janson Junk - 3.00

Strikeouts:  Max Meyer - 33
Saves:  Pete Fairbanks - 5

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Game 29 - The Mattingly Era Begins

San Francisco Giants	0
Philadelphia Phillies	7

1985 Donruss #7

Tuesday Night, April 4th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
10-19, Tied for 4th Place, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies played better baseball in interim manager Don Mattingly's first game at the helm, shutting out the Giants, 7-0.

What It Means:  It was a weird day to be a Phillies fan.  Popular manager Rob Thomson was fired, and the clear consensus was that president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was more to blame for the current debacle than Thomson.  Still, I can't argue against needing a change, and the easiest and quickest way to do that is to fire the manager.  Thomson will likely return to the organization at some point in a front office role.  Mattingly, a likely future Hall of Famer, becomes the 57th manager in franchise history and I was interested to learn he's the oldest ever to manage his first game with the club.  Mattingly had previously managed with the Dodgers (2011-15) and Marlins (2016-22).

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo figured something out and threw seven shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out eight.  Orion Kerkering and Tim Mayza pitched the final two scoreless innings, striking out four combined Giants batters.  Trea Turner was 4 for 5, with Bryce Harper, Adollis Garcia and Alec Bohm all collecting doubles in the 11-hit game for the Phillies.

Featured Card:  On any other day, Luzardo would be the easy choice for featured card, but 11-year-old me would have been thrilled to learn the player on this highly coveted card would one day manage the Phillies.

Transaction:  Thomas was "relieved of his duties" per the official press release, which is a gentler way of saying fired.  Mattingly was promoted to interim manager, third base coach Dusty Wathan was promoted to bench coach and IronPigs' manager Anthony Contreras was promoted to third base coach.  Roster-wise, Jonathan Bowlan (rhp) was activated from the injured list and Nolan Hoffman (rhp) was optioned down.

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Game 28 - Winning Streak Snapped at One; Topper's Last Game

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Atlanta Braves	6

2024 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Sunday Afternoon, April 26th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
9-19, Tied for 4th Place, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies managed two hits in a lifeless loss against the Braves, dropping them to an unsightly 9-19 for the season.

What It Means:  This was the game when president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski decided he had seen enough and a change at the helm was needed.  He apparently made a call to Joey Cora, recently fired from the Red Sox manager's job, on Sunday morning, asking if Cora wanted the Phillies' job.  

Cora declined and Dombrowski would go to Plan B on Tuesday morning, dismissing Rob Thomson and naming Don Mattingly interim manager for the remainder of the season.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola allowed all six runs in 4 2/3 innings.  He gave up a pair of home runs in the outing that ultimately cost Thomson his job.  Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run home run in the eighth, accounting for the only Phillies offense for the day.

Featured Card:  Fare thee well, Topper!  Maybe my favorite Phillies manager ever?  I love Larry Bowa, but I was never really a huge fan of his constant temper.  And I came to love Charlie Manuel, but he had a rough start with the club.  For anyone who knows me, it's probably no surprise I'm a huge fan of the "steady as she goes" leadership style and I can appreciate a leader who stays calm when everyone else is panicking.  He leaves with the highest winning percentage (.568) of any Phillies manager since 1900.  

Thomson led the team to the 2022 World Series, and they've competed in the playoffs each year since.  Interim manager Don Mattingly inherits a club that is supposedly built to reach the postseason, but needs to first climb out of the hole they've dug over the first month of the season.

Our oldest son Doug went to the Phillies game on Tuesday night, and I convinced him to stop by the Kids Club kiosk to pick up a few of the Thomson team-issued cards before they removed them from circulation.  The featured card at top is from the little-seen 2024 team-issued photo card set.

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Game 27 - Phils Win in Extras! Losing Streak Halted at Ten

Philadelphia Phillies	8
Atlanta Braves	5

10 Innings

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Saturday Night, April 25th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
9-18, 5th Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler had a solid season debut and Bryce Harper had four RBIs in this extra-inning win over the Braves, snapping a 10-game losing streak.

What It Means:  We didn't know it at the time, but this would be the final win for Rob Thomson as manager of the Phillies.

What Happened:  Wheeler went five innings, allowing a pair of runs on three hits and three walks while striking out six.  With the Phillies holding a slim 3-2 lead,  Tanner Banks allowed the Braves to quickly take a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the sixth when Matt Olson doubled to lead off the inning, Ozzie Albies doubled him home and Michael Harris II singled Albies home.  Kyle Schwarber tripled to start the eighth and Harper scored him with a sacrifice fly.

The Phillies offense exploded for four runs in the top of the 10th, starting with a two-run single from Harper and capped by a two-run single from Brandon Marsh.  Kyle Backhus allowed a run in the bottom of the 10th, but eventually got three outs to mercifully end the skid.

Featured Card:  This is only the second game this season to feature a Harper card, and I'm hoping he has many more starring roles throughout the summer.

Transaction:  Wheeler (rhp) was activated and Alex McFarlane (rhp) was optioned back down to Reading.

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San Francisco Giants at Philadelphia Phillies: Phils Aim to Turn Season Around

2006 Topps #58

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #2

Tuesday, April 28th - 6:40
Wednesday, April 29th - 6:40
Thursday, April 30th - 1:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
It's a hot dog BOGO night tonight and PGA Championship theme night on Wednesday.  On Thursday, fans 55 and over are invited to stroll the bases following the game, and maybe try out for a spot on the roster.

San Francisco Giants 13-15
4th Place in the N.L. West, 6 games behind the Dodgers

Giants Probables
Tyler Mahle (1-3, 5.26)
Logan Webb (2-3, 4.86)
Adrian Houser (0-3, 7.36)

Giants Leaders
Average:  Luis Arraez - .314
Runs:  Matt Chapman - 15
Home Runs:  Casey Schmitt - 4
RBIs:  Heliot Ramos - 14
Stolen Bases:  Luis Arraez - 4

Wins:  Landen Roupp - 5
ERA:  Landen Roupp - 2.55

Strikeouts:  Landen Roupp - 37
Saves:  Ryan Walker - 3

Philadelphia Phillies 9-19
Tied for 4th Place in the N.L. East, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jesus Luzardo (1-3, 6.91)
Cristopher Sanchez (2-2, 2.94)
Andrew Painter (1-2, 5.25)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .297
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 17
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 9
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 18
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 5

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.94

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 43
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 5

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Game 26 - Losing Streak Reaches Double Digits

Philadelphia Phillies	3
Atlanta Braves	5

1999 Blueline Scranton/
Wilkes-Barre Red Barons #25

Friday Night, April 24th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
8-18, 5th Place, 10 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Home runs from Trea Turner and Bryce Harper weren't enough as the Phillies fell to the Braves, 5-3, dropping their 10th game in a row.

What It Means:  This is definitely alarming.

What Happened:  During this losing streak, any lead held by the Phillies has been frustratingly brief.  Turner hit his two-run home run in the top of the third, giving the Phillies a momentary 2-0 lead.  Ronald Acuna, Jr. countered with a two-run home run of his own in the bottom of the inning, tying the score.  Harper hit a solo home run, his sixth of the season, in the fifth.  But the Braves stormed back with three runs in the bottom of the sixth, chasing starter Andrew Painter in the process.  Painter fell to 1-2, allowing five runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Featured Card:  The losing streak is the longest from the Phillies this century.  They last lost at least 10 games in a row back in 1999, when they had an 11-game losing streak that September with manager Terry Francona at the helm.  The pitchers on the mound on September 13, 1999, when the Phillies lost 13-2 to the Astros, their 10th loss in a row, were Joe Grahe, Cliff Politte, Chad Ogea, Steve Schrenk and Steve Montgomery.  Ron Gant had a pair of doubles for the Phillies in the loss.

Transaction:  Alex McFarlane (rhp) was recalled from Double-A Reading to briefly take Taijuan Walker's spot on the roster.  McFarlane wouldn't see any game action and would be on his way back to Reading following this game.

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Game 25 - Phils Fall in Extras as Losing Streak Hits Nine

Philadelphia Phillies	7
Chicago Cubs	8

10 Innings

1929-30 Exhibits Four-in-One (W463-1)

Thursday Afternoon, April 23rd

Wrigley Field - Chicago, IL
8-17, 5th Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies just fell short of stopping their losing streak, falling in extra innings to the Cubs, 8-7.

What It Means:  After losing nine in a row, the Phillies own sole possession of last place.  Hard to believe, Harry.

What Happened:  The Phillies countered the Cubs' 18-hit barrage with just eight hits, but it was encouraging to see them battle back with five late inning runs.  Cristopher Sanchez labored through 5 1/3 innings of work, allowing six runs on 12 hits, including a pair of home runs.  (Maybe he was tipping his pitches?) 

Brandon Marsh was 3 for 4 with two home runs, including a solo shot in the second to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead, and another solo home run in the seventh to make it 6-3 Cubs.  The Phillies made it a 6-6 game in the eighth on an Edmundo Sosa RBI-single to center, scoring pinch-runner Dylan Moore.  Brad Keller gave up a home run to Seiya Suzuki in the bottom of the eighth, giving the Cubs a 7-6 lead.  Adolis Garcia connected for a dramatic pinch-hit home run in the top of the ninth, once again knotting the score.

The Phillies couldn't push across a run in their half of the tenth, and the Cubs made quick work of Tanner Banks in the bottom of the tenth, with Dansby Swanson singling home the winning run.

Featured Card:  Let's dwell on the Taijuan Walker release a little more.  I found this tidbit fascinating, and troubling at the same time:  Walker leaves the club with the fourth highest ERA in team history (5.12), with a minimum of 70 starts, behind Les Sweetland (6.33), Claude Willoughby (5.83) and Nick Pivetta (5.50).  I have a Sweetland card in my collection - this 1929-30 Exhibits Four-in-One card.

Transaction:  Walker (rhp) was released.  Nolan Hoffman (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Alan Rangel (rhp) was optioned back down.

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Game 24 - Cubs Crush Walker as Skid Hits Eight

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Chicago Cubs	7

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Wednesday Night, April 22nd

Wrigley Field - Chicago, IL
8-16, Tied for 4th Place, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  In Taijuan Walker's final appearance with the Phillies, the righty entered in the second inning and allowed five runs (four earned) in four innings of work.

What It Means:  The Phillies dropped their eighth in a row.

What Happened:  Kyle Backus served as an opener and allowed a first inning run to the Cubs before Walker entered and surrendered five more.  The Phillies enjoyed a brief offensive outburst in the second inning, momentarily taking a 2-1 lead.  Felix Reyes singled, went to second when Alec Bohm singled and came home on an Edmundo Sosa double.  Bohm scored on a Justin Crawford ground-out.  Alan Rangel soaked up the final three innings, allowing a run on three hits while striking out five.

Featured Card:  Walker's tenure with the Phillies was marred by too many disastrous outings.  He had a decent year last year, but his 9.13 ERA this season and inability to pitch a clean first inning, coupled with the looming return of Zack Wheeler, meant his time with the club had run out.  In 89 games with the Phillies, the most games he's pitched with any of his five clubs, Walker was 24-25 with a 5.12 ERA.  He would be officially released on Thursday afternoon.

Transaction:  As the bad news continued to mount, J.T. Realmuto (c) was placed on the 10-day injured list with back spasms and Garrett Stubbs (c) had his contract selected.  Max Lazar (rhp) was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room for Stubbs on the 40-man roster.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves: Phils Hope to Stop Losing Skid

2006 Topps #306

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH111

Friday, April 24th - 7:15
Saturday, April 25th - 7:15
Sunday, April 26th - 1:35

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
It a Star Wars theme night at the ballpark tonight with special ticket holders receiving a Matt Olson and Grogu bobblehead.  On Saturday, Brian Snitker will be inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame.  And on Sunday, the first 3,000 kids will receive a Michael Harris II mini bobblehead.

Philadelphia Phillies 8-17
5th Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Andrew Painter (1-1, 4.42)
Zack Wheeler (0-0, 0.00)
Aaron Nola (1-2, 5.06)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .300
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 15
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 8
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 15
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 5

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.94

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 43
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 5

Atlanta Braves 18-8
1st Place in the N.L. East, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Marlins

Braves Probables
Grant Holmes (1-1, 3.42)
Bryce Elder (3-1, 1.50)
Chris Sale (4-1, 2.79)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Drake Baldwin - .318
Runs:  Drake Baldwin - 27
Home Runs:  Drake Baldwin and Matt Olson - 7
RBIs:  Drake Baldwin - 23
Stolen Bases:  Ronald Acuna - 4

Wins:  Chris Sale - 4
ERA:  Bryce Elder - 1.50

Strikeouts:  Bryce Elder and Chris Sale - 29
Saves:  Raisel Iglesias - 5

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Game 23 - Signs of Life, But Another Loss

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Chicago Cubs	7

1960 Leaf #44

Tuesday Night, April 21st

Wrigley Field - Chicago, IL
8-15, 4th Place, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper homered, but the offensive woes continued and Jesus Luzardo walked four in his shortened outing, leading to a 7-4 loss to the Cubs.

What It Means:  The Phillies have lost seven in a row and 12 of their last 15 games.

What Happened:  Luzardo was in constant trouble, but he allowed only one run in his 4 2/3 innings of work.  Tanner Banks gave up two more runs and Tim Mayza surrendered a two-run home run to Seiya Suzuki in the seventh, putting the game out of reach.  Jose Alavardo endured his own rough outing in the eighth before departing with back spasms.  The Phillies were held scoreless until the sixth when Schwarber hit his solo home run, tying the game at 1-1.  Harper added a two-run blast in the eighth, and the Phillies mounted a mini-rally in the ninth, scoring an unearned run, before Cubs' reliever Caleb Thielbar got Trea Turner to pop up to end the game.

Featured Card:  How about a great Cubs baseball card of Phillies Wall of Famer Tony Taylor?

Transaction:  Seth Johnson (rhp) was shuttled back to Lehigh Valley and Alan Rangel (rhp) was called up  to take his place.

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Happy Birthday Ben!

The day almost snuck away from me without me posting on our youngest son's birthday, his milestone 16th birthday.  We'll celebrate with family and friends this coming weekend, so today was fairly low-key.  We did watch him compete and win his tennis doubles match, his second win of the season, and the win that notched the team victory.  Ben never ceases to amaze us with his creativity, imagination, sense of humor, kindness and spirit of adventure.  He's going places for sure, and the sky is the limit for this kid.

Memory Lane

2010 - Welcome Ben!

2010 - Ben is born, Roy Halladay wins, all is right with the world

2011 - Ben turns one as Roy Oswalt pitches the Phillies past the Padres

2012 - Happy 2nd Birthday Ben!

2013 - Happy 3rd Birthday Ben!
2014 - Ben is Four!
2015 - Ben is Five!
2016 - Ben and Chewbacca
2017 - Ben is Seven!
2018 - Ben is Eight!
2019 - Ben at the Grand Canyon
2020 - Ben is Ten! (Social distancing version)

2021 - Ben, accomplished piano player, amazing kid, turns 11

2022 - This kid, with unlimited potential and an unrivaled imagination, is 12.

2023 - Ben enters teen years. (What?)

2024 - The 14 Era begins.

2025 - Busy Ben, Varsity tennis player, turns 15.

2026 - Sweet 16

Game 22 - Losing Streak Reaches Six

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Chicago Cubs	5

2009 Topps Heritage #465

Monday Night, April 20th

Wrigley Field - Chicago, IL
8-14, 4th Place, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A shaky start from Aaron Nola, dazzling Cubs defense and the complete absence of any Phillies offense led to this 5-1 loss.

What It Means:  Amazingly enough, the only thing keeping the Phillies out of last place is that the Mets are playing even worse.  The Mets have lost 11 in a row and are a game behind the Phillies in the standings.

What Happened:  Nola was chased in the fifth inning after laboring through the start of the ballgame.  He gave up a three-run home run to Dansby Swanson in the bottom of the second, and the way the Phillies have been playing, the game seemed out of reach at that early stage.  Brandon Marsh singled to start the fourth and Justin Crawford would double him home.  Kyle Schwarber was 0 for 5 with a pair of strikeouts, Alec Bohm was 0 for 3 with some bad at-bats, dropping his season average to .133.  And back-up catcher Rafael Marchan, filling in while J.T. Realmuto is out with a bad back, had a hit to raise his season average to .065.

Featured Card:  Hitting coach Kevin Long hasn't appeared on a baseball card since 2009.  He's been with the Phillies since the 2022 season, and has previously coached with the Yankees (2007-14), Mets (2015-17) and Nationals (2018-21).  Yet he's completely avoided any oddball or team-issued cards.  The Phillies continue to produce a small print run of team-issued photo cards for their coaches, but as far as I  know, they've never produced a card for Long.

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