Game 79 - 2021 Topps #561 Didi Gregorius

Phillies 4, Padres 3 (10 Innings)
Game 79 - Friday Night, July 2nd in Philadelphia
Record - 38-41, 4th Place, 4 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Brad Miller bailed out the beleaguered bullpen with a walk-off double in the 10th to score Andrew McCutchen and give the Phillies a 4-3 win over the Padres.

What It Means:  One out away from a win, Ranger Suarez couldn't escape the mess created by Jose Alvarado, and the Phillies had their eighth blown save in nine games.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler was once again fantastic, pitching 7 2/3 innings and allowing four runs while striking out nine.  He departed in the eighth with his team leading 3-0 and needing four outs.  Alvarado had other plans, allowing a lead-off walk in the ninth followed by a Fernando Tatis, Jr. double and another walk.  With runners at first and second, Suarez allowed a two-run double to Jurickson Profar to tie the game.  Fortunately, Suarez calmed down and retired the Padres in order in the top of the 10th.

Pinch-hitting for Suarez, Miller's ball appeared to clear the fence at first, but it was later ruled a double, scoring ghost runner McCutchen easily.

Featured Card:  With the return of Didi Gregorius, this marked the first game since Mother's Day in which the entire regular starting line-up was healthy and playing.  Gregorius homered in his second at-bat of the game.

As an added bonus, here's a limited edition Chachi card featuring our favorite Country Bear, Big Al, who photo bombed us earlier in the day at the Magic Kingdom.

Transaction:  On Thursday, Brandon Kintzler (rhp) was activated from the injured list and Neftali Feliz (rhp) was designated for assignment.  Like David Hale before him, Feliz declined the assignment to Lehigh Valley and became a free agent.  Before this game, Gregorius (ss) was activated from the injured list and Nick Maton (ss) was sent back to Lehigh Valley.

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