1985 Game 52 - 2020 Chachi 1985 Topps Missing Links #10 Pat Zachry

Expos 4, Phillies 3
Game 52 - Saturday Night, June 8th in Philadelphia
Record - 18-34, 5th Place, 14 1/2 games behind the Cubs

One Sentence Summary:  Shane Rawley departed with an injury and the offense couldn't capitalize on plenty of scoring opportunities, as the Phillies lost this one to the Expos, 4-3.

What It Means:  This was the low-point of the season for the Phillies, as they dropped to 16 games below .500 for the only time all year.  They wouldn't climb out of fifth place until early September, and that was only for a brief stay in fourth, but from this point on the club did in fact play better baseball.

It was also Kodak Camera Night at the Vet, with fans allowed down on the turf prior to the game to snap pictures of the players and coaches as they quickly walked by.

What Happened:  The offense went 4 for 16 with runners in scoring position, largely wasting their 10-hit output.  The Phillies mounted a brief rally in the seventh, started when Luis Aguayo hit a lead-off double and with two outs Greg Gross doubled him home.  Juan Samuel followed with a single to score Gross.

Shane Rawley exited the game with an apparent injury after walking Mike Fitzgerald to start the third.  He had allowed a solo home run to Andre Dawson in the first to give the Expos an early lead.  Jeff Reardon recorded another two-inning save, his 17th, and lowering his season ERA to 1.08.

Featured Card:  It was the end of the line for Pat Zachry (see below) and the veteran pitcher's only official Phillies baseball cards could be found within the 1985 Tastykake Phillies set.  I created this 1985 Topps-style card for him using his photo from the 1985 Phillies Yearbook.

Transaction:  Jerry Koosman was activated from the disabled list, and it seemed as the short-term plan was to use him in long relief.  Injuries to Rawley and Steve Carlton saw him inserted back into the starting pitching rotation until his own injuries cut short his season in August.  To make room for Koosman on the roster, reliever Zachry was designated for assignment.  He'd ultimately be released, ending his 10-year big league career.

1985 Virtual Phillies Wall / 1985 Season Summary Index