Game 158 - 2021 Bowman #40 Aaron Nola

Braves 7, Phillies 2
Game 158 - Wednesday Night, September 29th in Atlanta
Record - 81-77, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies continued their zombie-like march towards the offseason with another lifeless loss in Atlanta.

What It Means:  The Braves' magic number to clinch the division title is one.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola allowed three runs on seven hits over his final six innings of the 2021 season.  Relievers Jose Alvarado and Hector Neris were charged with four more runs in the seventh.  Max Fried and two Braves relievers held the Phillies to five hits.

Featured Card:  Nola had a fairly miserable season and he finishes with a 9-9 record and a 4.63 ERA over 32 starts.

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Game 157 - 2016 Topps Phillies #PP-17 Charlie Morton

Braves 2, Phillies 1
Game 157 - Tuesday Night, September 28th in Atlanta
Record - 81-76, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  In a game the Phillies absolutely had to win to keep their postseason hopes alive, they went down quietly, collecting three singles, in this 2-1 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:  The season is on life support.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler pitched well, but it didn't matter.  He allowed two third inning runs and the Phillies offense couldn't respond.  The Phillies had their chances, but they left seven runners on base and went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.  Their final chance to score came in the ninth when Bryce Harper walked and Matt Vierling reached on an error by left fielder Eddie Rosario.  Andrew McCutchen was intentionally walked to load the bases and Didi Gregorius brought Harper home with a sacrifice fly.  With two outs and runners on the corners, Freddy Galvis battled through an eight-pitch at-bat only to strike out swinging.

Featured Card:  Charlie Morton improved to 14-6 with his seven shutout innings against the Phillies, allowing three hits while striking out 10.

Transactions:  Connor Brogdon (rhp) was activated from the injured list and Alec Bohm (3b) was recalled.  Ramon Rosso (rhp) and Luke Williams (inf) were both optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Series Preview - Phillies at Braves: September 28th to September 30th

1986 Topps #95

1986 Topps #600

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:20
Truist Park - Atlanta, GA

At the Ballpark:  On Tuesday night, the first 15,000 fans will receive a Brian McCann bobblehead and on Thursday night, the first 15,000 fans will receive an Austin Riley bobblehead.

The Braves' magic number to clinch the division is five, so essentially the Phillies need to go on a six-game winning streak to give them a shot at the postseason.

Phillies 81-75
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (14-9, 2.79)
Aaron Nola (9-8, 4.64)
Kyle Gibson (4-5, 4.87)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .313
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 98
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 34
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 82
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto - 13

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 14
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.79
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 240
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Braves 83-72
1st Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games ahead of the Phillies

Braves Probables
Charlie Morton (13-6, 3.53)
Max Fried (13-7, 3.12)
Ian Anderson (8-5, 3.60)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Austin Riley - .303
Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 117
Home Runs:  Austin Riley - 32
RBIs:  Ozzie Albies - 103
Stolen Bases:  Ozzie Albies - 18

Wins:  Max Fried and Charlie Morton - 13
ERA:  Max Fried - 3.12

Strikeouts:  Charlie Morton - 203
Saves:  Will Smith - 35

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2021 Chachi #67 Hans Crouse

#51
Hans Michael Crouse
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  180
Opening Day Age:  22
Born:  September 15, 1998, Dana Point, CA
How Obtained:  Acquired from the Texas Rangers with Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy for Josh Gessner, Kevin Gowdy and Spencer Howard, July 30, 2021
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2021

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2021 Choice Reading Fightin Phils Update #6
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2021 Choice Reading Fightin Phils Update #6

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

1 - Crouse baseball card in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 9/26/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi #10

2021 Chachi Friendly Encounters #4

Hans Crouse joined the Phillies organization from the Spencer Howard trade, and he had been one of the top pitching prospects in the Rangers' system.  He pitched well for Double-A Reading, going 2-2 with a 2.73 ERA over six starts and striking out 38 over 29 2/3 innings pitched.  He made one start for the Triple-A IronPigs and was touched for three runs in 4 1/3 innings.  Crouse was the surprise starting pitcher in the Phillies regular season home finale on Sunday afternoon.  Following the game, I believe my oldest son Doug was the recipient of the first autograph signed by Crouse as a Major League ballplayer as Doug had him sign a foul ball he had tracked down during the first inning.

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Game 156 - Fan Appreciation Day Doesn't Deliver Much Appreciation

Pirates 6, Phillies 0
Game 156 - Sunday Afternoon, September 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 81-75, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies went down quietly in their final regular season home game of the 2021 season.

What It Means:  It all comes down to the final six games.  The Phillies and Brave face off in Atlanta for three games beginning on Tuesday night with the Braves holding a 2 1/2 game lead in the division.  The Phillies then head to Miami for a final series while the Braves will take on the Mets at home.

What Happened:  Hans Crouse got the call as the team's surprise starter and he made his big league debut.  On the first pitch he threw, Pirates second baseman Cole Tucker drilled a home run that banged off the right field foul ball.  Crouse, who settled down after that, combined with Cristopher Sanchez and Cam Bedrosian to keep the Padres from scoring again through six innings.  Unfortunately, the Phillies couldn't get anything together either.  In the seventh, Jose Alvarado endured a nightmare inning with the following sequence:  walk, balk, ground out, intentional walk, wild pitch, double, intentional walk, fly out.  The Pirates would tack on three more runs after that.  The Phillies offense had six hits and left nine runners on base.

Featured Card/Field Report:  All four of us enjoyed (?) this game from the Diamond Club with the pregame meals of choice being Bull's BBQ (one more time) for Doug and me and Pass and Stowe for Jenna and Ben.  As he did in 2019, Bryce Harper came out onto the field before the first pitch and addressed the fans, thanking us for our dedication.  Once in our seats, Doug added the third foul ball of the season to his collection!  He alertly picked up a foul ball thrown by Crouse and launched behind us off the bat of Bryan Reynolds after it had caromed down from the section above us.

Doug and I briefly met up with our friend and fellow collector Steve, Ben got to say hello to the Phillie Phanatic for the first time in two years and at least the weather was perfect.  We lingered after the final pitch and Doug noticed the newest Phillies pitcher Crouse by the dugout meeting with his family.  Crouse signed Doug's foul ball and the day was deemed a success, despite the product on the field.  I have to imagine that's the first autograph Crouse signed as a big league ballplayer.  Best case scenario, we return to the ballpark the second week of October for the divisional series against the Brewers.  Worst case scenario, we're back on April 8th when the Phillies open the 2022 season against the Athletics.

Transaction:  Crouse (rhp) had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley and Matt Joyce (of) was designated for assignment.

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Game 155 - 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPA-RS Ranger Suarez

Phillies 3, Pirates 0
Game 155 - Saturday Afternoon, September 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 81-74, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez pitched a gem, throwing his first career complete game shutout in this 3-0 win over the Pirates.

What It Means:  Suarez pitched a Maddux - a complete game shutout in less than 100 pitches - and became the first Phillies pitcher to do so since Kyle Kendrick in 2012.

What Happened:  Matt Vierling hit his first career home run in the third, followed by Bryce Harper hitting his 34th home run of the season a few batters later.  In the fifth, Brad Miller singled home Jean Segura to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead.  That was plenty of run support for Suarez.

Featured Card:  Suarez allowed four hits while striking out seven and walking none, throwing 97 pitches.  His baseball card appearances have been spotty over the past four years, and he should at least receive a Topps Now card today for his efforts.  I'd also hope to see him all over the 2022 Topps releases.

Field Report:  Doug and I made it two games in a row, watching Suarez's masterful performance from the Diamond Club.  With Doug's fall ball season in full swing, we arrived late to this game (in the second inning) and it seemed as if we spent more time waiting in line for crab fries and then trying to navigate our exit from the parking lot after the game, than we actually spent sitting in our seats watching Suarez deal.  This was the most crowded and most electric crowd I've seen at the ballpark in quite some time.

Transactions:  Kyle Dohy (lhp) had his contract purchased from Lehigh Valley and Archie Bradley (rhp) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain.  To make room for Dohy on the 40-man roster, Matt Moore (lhp) was moved to the 60-day IL.

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Game 154 - 2021 Topps Gypsy Queen #141 Didi Gregorius

Phillies 8, Pirates 6
Game 154 - Friday Night, September 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 80-74, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies once again battled back from a deficit to dramatically win another game while gaining a half game on the Braves.

What It Means:  The Phillies have won eight of their last 10 and the upcoming Braves series will actually mean something.

What Happened:  Phillies starter Kyle Gibson cruised through the first three innings, but faltered in the fourth, allowing four runs.  Ironically enough he had hit his first career home run in the bottom of the third, and I worried he'd be too amped up when he returned to the mound.  Trailing 4-1, the Phillies got within a run when Brad Miller hit a solo home run in the fourth and Bryce Harper delivered a RBI-double in the fifth.  They tied the game on a sixth inning wild pitch from Pirates reliever Nick Mears, and took the lead on another clutch pinch-hit from Ronald Torreyes.

Reliever Cam Bedrosian recorded the team's 34th blown save in the seventh, tying the major league record held by the 2004 Rockies.  Now down 6-5, with two runners on, two outs and no real options off the bench, the struggling Didi Gregorius stepped to the plate.

Featured Card:  Gregorius launched a three-run home run to right center field, giving the Phillies an 8-6 lead.  Hector Neris battled in the seventh and eighth to keep the Pirates off the board, and then Ian Kennedy locked down his ninth save.

Field Report:  Doug and I enjoyed the beginning of this game from our seats in Section 115.  We admittedly decided to leave early as Doug had an early morning baseball game on Saturday.  So we missed the late heroics, but we did get to see a marriage proposal a few rows in front of us in Section 116.

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Game 153 - 2019 Topps #537 Ronald Torreyes

Phillies 12, Pirates 6
Game 153 - Thursday Night, September 23rd in Philadelphia
Record - 79-74, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies were able to overcome an early 6-0 deficit, as the bats came alive in this 12-6 romp over the Pirates.

What It Means:  Per this Tweet from Stats by STATS, this was the third time in September the Phillies came back from being down six runs or more to win, which is the most by any team in any month in the modern era of baseball.  The Braves lost their game to the Diamondbacks, meaning the Phillies moved up a game in the standings.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola dug the team an early hole, allowing five second inning runs and giving up a sixth run in the third inning.  But the Phillies scored five runs of their own in the bottom of the third, with a solo home run from Didi Gregorius, followed by RBIs from Jean Segura, Andrew McCutchen and Brad Miller.  In the bottom of the sixth, the Phillies took the lead for good on a dramatic, pinch-hit three-run home run from Ronald Torreyes.  They piled on after that with J.T. Realmuto adding a two-run home run in the seventh and a two-run single in the eighth.  New Pirates reliever Enyel De Los Santos surrendered the single to Realmuto.

Featured Card:  I'm hopeful Torreyes gets a Phillies card in the Topps Update set and as of right now, his most recent baseball card can be found in the 2019 Topps set back when he was with the Twins.

Transaction:  Cristopher Sanchez (lhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Matt Moore (lhp) was placed on the injured list with a low back strain.

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Series Preview - Pirates at Phillies: September 23rd to September 26th

1986 Topps Traded #120T

1986 Topps #326

Thursday and Friday 7:05, Saturday 4:05, Sunday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Hard to believe Harry, but this is the final home series of the 2021 season unless the Phillies can somehow squeak their way into the play-off picture.  Sunday is Fan Appreciation Day and the team's website promises "prizes and surprises all game long," as well as a 2022 schedule magnet for all fans.

Pirates 57-94
5th Place in the N.L. Central, 33 1/2 games behind the Brewers

Pirates Probables
Connor Overton (0-0, 0.00)
TBD
Wil Crowe (4-7, 5.77)
Max Kranick (1-3, 7.28)

Pirates Leaders
Average:  Brian Reynolds - .295
Runs:  Brian Reynolds - 85
Home Runs:  Bryan Reynolds - 24
RBIs:  Bryan Reynolds - 88
Stolen Bases:  Ke'Bryan Hayes - 8

Wins:  Chris Stratton - 6
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  JT Brubaker - 129
Saves:  Chris Stratton - 6

Phillies 78-74
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (8-8, 4.48)
Kyle Gibson (4-5, 4.76)
Ranger Suarez (6-5, 1.60)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .314
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 95
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 33
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 80
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto - 13

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 14
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.79
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 240
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

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Game 152 - 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter #207 Uncle Larry

Phillies 4, Orioles 3
Game 152 - Wednesday Night, September 22nd in Philadelphia
Record - 78-74, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A few late-inning clutch hits delivered the win for the Phillies as they maintained their three-game deficit behind the Braves.

What It Means:  The Phillies took two out of three from the worst team in baseball and they'll open a four-game series against the Pirates tonight.  The Pirates, at 57-94, are the second worst team in the National League.

What Happened:  The game was scoreless until the sixth inning, which was extremely frustrating given the Orioles starting pitcher (Keegan Akin) had a 6.93 ERA coming into the game.  Zack Wheeler battled through six innings, allowing a run on four hits.  The Phillies took a brief 2-1 lead thanks to a two-run home run from Andrew McCutchen in the bottom of the sixth.  In the seventh, the Phillies took the lead for good when Jean Segura hit a sacrifice fly to score Matt Vierling and then J.T. Realmuto singled home Brad Miller.  Ian Kennedy made the ninth inning interesting with a pair of walks, before retiring the Orioles and recording his ninth save.

Featured Card:  Here's another card of McCutchen's alter ego, Uncle Larry, from the recent Topps Allen & Ginter release.

Transaction:  Travis Jankowski (of) was activated from the injured list and Damon Jones (lhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 151 - Phils Still Have a Heartbeat

2021 Topps 1986 Topps Chrome
Baseball Silver Pack Promo #86TC-19

Phillies 3, Orioles 2 (10 Innings)
Game 151 - Tuesday Night, September 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 77-74, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies barely squeaked by the Orioles, winning in the 10th inning on two-run triple from J.T. Realmuto.

What It Means:  So you're saying there's a chance?

What Happened:  Adonis Medina started for the Phillies, becoming the 16th different pitcher to make a start for the club, tying the franchise record for second most starting pitchers used in a season.  The 1946 Phillies, per this Matt Gelb Tweet, used 19 starting pitchers.  Medina pitched well, allowing a run on four his over 3 2/3 innings pitched.  The Phillies tied the game in the sixth when Andrew McCutchen doubled home Realmuto.  Despite the ultimate outcome, it was another frustrating night for the Phillies offense as they went 2 for 15 with runners in scoring position, stranding nine runners.

The Orioles took a 2-1 lead in the 10th, when Austin Hays doubled home ghost runner Kelvin Gutierrez.  But the Phillies came back in the bottom half of the inning.  With two outs and Ronald Torreyes at second, the Orioles intentionally walked Bryce Harper to get to Realmuto.  Realmuto tripled to right, scoring Torreyes to tie the game and Harper, with a fantastic slide, scored the winning run.

Featured Card:  Realmuto gets the card here for his game-winning heroics.  There's a lot going on here on this super shiny and ridiculously named Topps Chrome card.

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Game 150 - 2021 Choice Reading Fightin Phils Update #1 Bryson Stott

Orioles 2, Phillies 0
Game 150 - Monday Night, September 20th in Philadelphia
Record - 76-74, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies, in desperate need of a win, were shut out by the Orioles, the worst team in baseball.

What It Means:  Maybe I'm completely wrong here, and I hope I am, but the Phillies don't seem like a team that should be playing in the postseason.

What Happened:  Orioles starter John Means pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed four Phillies singles.  Ranger Suarez turned in another effective outing, allowing two runs over six innings pitched while striking out five.

Featured Card:  In a pregame ceremony, third baseman Bryson Stott and pitcher Jean Cabrera were honored as the organization's annual recipients of the Paul Owens Award, given to the best position player and pitcher in the team's minor league system.  Stott could be up with the Phillies as soon as next season and he's already received his fair share of baseball cards.  To date, I don't have any cards of Cabrera in my collection and the 19-year-old righty spent the season with the DSL Phillies.

Field Report:  Jenna and I attended this game, our first game together without kids, since 2019.  While we enjoyed each other's company, the game itself was a dud.  The ballpark was mostly quiet and empty.

Transaction:  Luke Williams (inf) was activated from the Covid injured list and Mickey Moniak (of) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.  To make room for Williams on the 40-man roster, Tyler Phillips (rhp) was designated for assignment.  (Phillips would be released on Tuesday.)

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Series Preview - Orioles at Phillies: September 20th to September 22nd

1986 Topps #548

1986 Topps #16

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  There's a rare September Dollar Dog Night tonight at the ballpark.  On Tuesday night, and from the Phillies website:  Temple Health and the Phillies are teaming up to help students - and adults - have a safe return to school by offering free "Back to School" COVID-19 vaccinations at the Suite Patio.  Guests must be at least 12 years of age to be eligible to receive the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.  Those who receive their vaccines at this event will receive a voucher for two free tickets to a 2022 Phillies game, a concession credit voucher for a free hot dog and soda, and a Phillies giveaway. 

Orioles 47-102
5th Place in the A.L. East, 44 1/2 games behind the Rays

Orioles Probables
John Means (5-7, 3.41)
Chris Ellis (0-0, 2.82)
Keegan Akin (2-10, 6.93)

Orioles Leaders
Average:  Cedric Mullins - .301
Runs:  Cedric Mullins - 88
Home Runs:  Ryan Mountcastle - 30
RBIs:  Ryan Mountcastle - 83
Stolen Bases:  Cedric Mullins - 30

Wins:  Matt Harvey - 6
ERA:  N/A
Strikeouts:  John Means - 118
Saves:  Cesar Valdez - 8

Phillies 76-73
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (6-4, 1.50)
TBD
Zack Wheeler (14-9, 2.83)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .313
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 93
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 33
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 80
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 13

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 14
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.83
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 231
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

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Game 149 - Phils Fall Short Against Mets

2020 Topps Future Stars Club
June 2020 Exclusive Set #1

Mets 3, Phillies 2
Game 149 - Sunday Night, September 19th in Flushing
Record - 76-73, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A Jeff McNeil solo home run in the seventh was the difference in this game as the Phils lost the series finale to the Mets, 3-2.

What It Means:  The Phillies open a crucial seven-game homestand tonight against the Orioles (47-102) and then the Pirates (56-93).  They've put themselves in a position where they need to win the majority (if not all) of these games in order to stay in the playoff hunt.  A three game series with the first place Braves in Atlanta is on the horizon next week.

What Happened:  With a short bullpen, manager Joe Girardi pushed starter Kyle Gibson into the seventh inning and that's where he faltered.  McNeil homered to give the Phillies a 3-2 lead which ended up being the final score.  Gibson went 6 2/3 innings, allowing the three runs on seven hits.

The Phillies offense had its chances, leaving 10 runners on base.  J.T. Realmuto doubled home Bryce Harper in the first for the game's first run.  Harper hit a sacrifice fly to the warning track in the fifth for their second run.  In the ninth, with Freddy Galvis as the tying run at first, Harper flied out to left off Mets' closer Edwin Diaz to end the game.

Featured Card:  Harper can't continue to carry the team, and it would be great if someone else other than Harper (or Jean Segura for that matter) got hot at this point.

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Game 148 - 2021 Topps Now #719 Jean Segura

Phillies 5, Mets 3
Game 148 - Saturday Night, September 18th in Flushing
Record - 76-72, 2nd Place, 1 game behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies kept their momentum going, as Jean Segura and Bryce Harper led the team to a 5-3 win over the Mets.

What It Means:  With the Braves losing again in San Francisco to Gabe Kapler's Giants, the Phillies are now a game out of first place.

What Happened:  Segura accounted for the first two runs of the game with solo home runs in the first and third.  The Phillies added three more runs in the seventh when Freddy Galvis doubled home Brad Miller, and then Harper doubled home Galvis and Odubel Herrera.

Aaron Nola earned the win, pitching 5 2/3 innings while allowing a run on four hits.  Ian Kennedy pitched a perfect ninth inning to seal the win and notch his eighth save with the Phils.

Featured Card:  Segura has been huge for the Phillies all season, and he's a big reason why they're now within striking distance of first place with 13 games to go.  Most of his 2021 baseball cards have come via Topps Now, a good indicator he's been the reason for quite a few Phillies wins.

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Game 147 - 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter #264 Didi Gregorius

Phillies 4, Mets 3
Game 147 - Friday Night, September 17th in Flushing
Record - 75-72, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies hung on to win in New York, inching closer to the Braves in the N.L. East standings.

What It Means:  With the Braves losing a late night game in San Francisco, the Phillies are now only two games behind them for the top spot in the division.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler didn't have his best stuff, but he battled through five innings, allowing a run on four hits while striking out six.  After Archie Bradley allowed two Mets runs in the eighth, Ian Kennedy was asked to convert a four-out save.  He got out of the eighth and pitched a perfect ninth to send the Phillies to victory.

The Phillies held a 3-1 lead through seven innings courtesy of sacrifice flies from Freddy Galvis and Matt Vierling and a solo home run from Brad Miller.  Didi Gregorius delivered a huge RBI double in the eighth to give the team a much-needed insurance run.

Featured Card:  Gregorius has had an awful season, both with the bat and the glove, so it was great to see him contribute to this win.

Transaction:  Damon Jones (lhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and JD Hammer (rhp) was optioned down.

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Series Preview - Phillies at Mets: September 17th to September 19th

2021 Chachi 1986 Topps Missing Links #12

1986 Topps #649

Friday 7:10, Saturday 7:15, Sunday 7:08
Citi Field - Flushing, NY

At the Ballpark:  On Friday, the first 20,000 fans will receive a Pete Alonso black Mets t-shirt.  There's postgame fireworks on Saturday and on Sunday all fans will receive a Mets tote bag and 2022 magnetic schedule.

Phillies 74-72
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (13-9, 2.86)
Aaron Nola (7-8, 4.58)
Kyle Gibson (4-4, 4.85)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .314
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 92
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 33
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 77
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 13

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 13
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.86
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 225
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Mets 72-75
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

Mets Probables
Taijuan Walker (7-9, 4.29)
Carlos Carrasco (1-2, 5.59)
Rich Hill (0-3, 3.88)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Pete Alonso - .259
Runs:  Pete Alonso - 74
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 33
RBIs:  Pete Alonso - 87
Stolen Bases:  Jonathan Villar - 13

Wins:  Jeurys Familia and Marcus Stroman - 9
ERA:  Marcus Stroman - 2.88

Strikeouts:  Marcus Stroman - 151
Saves:  Edwin Diaz - 29

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Game 146 - 2020 Topps On Demand Summer Blockbuster #13 Bryce Harper

Phillies 17, Cubs 8
Game 146 - Thursday Night, September 16th in Philadelphia
Record - 74-72, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  After a nightmarish third inning in which the Cubs scored seven times, the Phillies bats came to life, plating 17 runs in this much-needed and cathartic win.

What It Means:  Per this Tweet from Stats by STATS, the Phillies are the first National League team in the modern era to trail by seven or more runs in a game but end up winning by nine or more runs.

What Happened:  It was another bullpen game, which is becoming a problem.  Matt Moore and JD Hammer were responsible for the damage, allowing seven runs on five hits and three walks in the third inning.  The bullpen settled down after that.  Andrew McCutchen started the scoring with a two-run double in the fourth and J.T. Realmuto tied the game later that inning with a two-run single to center.  Bryce Harper would add a go-ahead RBI double in the sixth and a three-run home run in the seventh.  Jean Segura and Odubel Herrera both had three RBI nights.  Enjoying multi-hit nights for the Phillies were Herrera, Segura, Harper, McCutchen and Matt Vierling, who didn't enter the game until the sixth.

Featured Card:  Harper continues to build upon his MVP-worthy season statistics.

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Game 145 - Phils Blow Two Saves, Win on Passed Ball

2021 Topps Allen & Ginter
Full Size Relics #AGA-JTR

Phillies 6, Cubs 5
Game 145 - Wednesday Night, September 15th in Philadelphia
Record - 73-72, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  After the bullpen recorded two more blown saves, the Phillies lucked into a win as they scored the winning run on a ninth inning passed ball.

What It Means:  The team is still barely alive in the play-off hunt.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez had yet another effective outing, allowing two runs over six innings pitched and departing with the Phillies holding a 4-2 lead.  Freddy Galvis hit a two-run home run in the first and J.T. Realmuto added an RBI-single in the fifth.  In the eighth, Jose Alvarado gave up a two-run home run to Robinson Chirinos, tying the game at 4-4.  Realmuto gave the Phillies another brief lead with a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth.  But then Ian Kennedy gave up another home run to Matt Duffy on the first pitch of the top of the ninth.

With the score tied again, Andrew Knapp singled to start the ninth off Cubs reliever Trevor Megill and was bunted over to second by Mickey Moniak.  Knapp went to third on a grounder back to the pitcher from Odubel Herrera, and he scored the winning run on a Chirinos passed ball.

Featured Card:  Realmuto is playing hurt at this point, splitting time between catcher and first base just to keep his bat in the line-up.  His home run in the eighth was a positive momentum shift that lasted until Kennedy took the mound.  Realmuto was somehow omitted from the Topps Allen & Ginter checklist this year, but he does have a full-size relic insert card from the set.

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Game 144 - 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter #100 Alec Bohm

Cubs 6, Phillies 3
Game 144 - Tuesday Night, September 14th in Philadelphia
Record - 72-72, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies dropped another game, this time to the fourth place Cubs, as their play-off hopes continued to dim.

What It Means:  Maybe the 2021 Phillies just aren't a good baseball team.  The September collapse is no longer an anomaly for this club, but rather an annual expected occurence.

What Happened:  Kyle Gibson was perfect through four innings, setting down 12 Cubs batters in a row and striking out seven.  And then he completely fell apart in the fifth, unable to locate pitches, and allowing four Cubs runs on five hits, including back-to-back home runs by Patrick Wisdom and Alfonso Rivas.  That was pretty much it for the Phillies.  Odubel Herrera hit a solo home run to start the game.  Bryce Harper doubled home Jean Segura and Didi Gregorius singled home Harper in the sixth.  Reliever Sam Coonrod allowed two more Cubs runs in the sixth.

With the exception of Harper, Zack Wheeler and Ranger Suarez, I'm tired of watching this Phillies team play.

Featured Card:  Alec Bohm, who was banished to the minors last month and who hasn't played a game in a while due to a hand injury, was announced as the team's Roberto Clemente Award nominee for his work in the local community.  This is a nice honor for the young third baseman, and likely the highlight of his nightmare season.

Transaction:  On Monday, Enyel De Los Santos (rhp) was claimed off waivers by the Pirates, ending his baffling four-year odyssey with the Phillies.

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Series Preview - Cubs at Phillies: September 14th to September 16th

1986 Topps #188

2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #2

Tuesday and Wednesday 7:05, Thursday 6:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  On Wednesday night, the Phillies will celebrate the annual Roberto Clemente Day.

Cubs 65-79
4th Place in the N.L. Central, 24 games behind the Brewers

Cubs Probables
Adrian Sampson (0-2, 2.20)
Alec Mills (6-6, 4.35)
Kyle Hendricks (14-6, 4.54)

Cubs Leaders
Average:  Ian Happ - .223
Runs:  Kris Bryant - 58
Home Runs:  Patrick Wisdom - 25
RBIs:  Javier Baez - 65
Stolen Bases:  Javier Baez - 13

Wins:  Kyle Hendricks - 14
ERA:  Kyle Hendricks - 4.54
Strikeouts:  Kyle Hendricks - 122
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 23

Phillies 72-71
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Kyle Gibson (4-3, 4.60)
Ranger Suarez (6-4, 1.38)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .307
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 87
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 32
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 72
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 13
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.86
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 225
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

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Game 143 - We'd Trade Our Picnic Blanket for a Win

Rockies 5, Phillies 4
Game 143 - Sunday Afternoon, September 12th in Philadelphia
Record - 72-71, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola was brilliant in this game until he wasn't, and Hector Neris allowed a two-run seventh inning home run to Garrett Hampson to give the Rockies the lead and the eventual win.

What It Means:  The Phillies fell to 4 1/2 games behind the Braves in the division with the Mets only a half game behind them.  They're somehow only 2 1/2 games out of the race for the second Wild Card behind the Cardinals and Reds.  As Todd Zolecki Tweeted, the Phillies lost three out of four games to a Rookies team that was 18-50 on the road coming into the series.

What Happened:  Nola struck out 10, but he faltered in the fifth inning, giving up a three-run home to Hampson - his first of the game.  Both of Hampson's home runs, off Nola and Neris, came on 0-2 mistake pitches.  J.T. Realmuto went 3 for 4 with an RBI double and Bryce Harper hit his 32nd home run of the season in the eighth.

Featured Card/Field Report:  And we were there for this mostly enjoyable game, sitting in the Diamond Club after picking up our Phillies picnic table clothes - the game's rather unusual giveaway item.  Doug and I had our usual Bull's pregame meal.  For the record, Doug's menu item of choice is the pulled pork platter, cole slaw on top of the sandwich, with sides of baked beans and corn bread.  I prefer the roasted turkey sandwich myself.

In the bottom of the sixth, right after Realmuto had scored on an Ashton Goudeau wild pitch, pinch-hitter Matt Joyce fouled a ball up and over the home plate netting onto the walk-way behind the Diamond Club seats.  Doug was quick on his feet and snagged the ball as it rolled between two Phillies ushers.  After years of never coming close to foul balls, we've now added two in the past month.  The first one went to our youngest son Ben back on August 28th off the bat of Jean Segura.

Transactions:  Vince Velasquez (rhp), designated for assignment on Saturday, was released.  At some point after the season ends, I'll compose a post-mortem post, looking at those Phillies who departed during the season, including Velasquez.  Andrew Knapp (c) was activated from the Covid injured list and Rafael Marchan (c) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.  Enyel De Los Santos (rhp) was designated for assignment to make room for Knapp on the 40-man roster.

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Game 142 - 2019 Stadium Club #184 Odubel Herrera

Phillies 6, Rockies 1
Game 142 - Saturday Night, September 11th in Philadelphia
Record - 72-70, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler pitched well again and Odubel Herrera contributed a two-run bunt double down the third base line as the Phillies held off the Rockies, 6-1.

What It Means:  The Phillies won and all was right with the world until late Sunday afternoon.

What Happened:  Wheeler went 6 2/3 innings, giving up a solo home run to Trevor Story in the sixth, and striking out eight.  With no runs yet scored in the game, the Phillies used a single, three walks and Herrera's bunt double to score three runs in the fourth.  Jean Segura added a solo home run in the fifth, and Brad Miller and Bryce Harper both homered in the seventh.  It was the red hot Harper's 31st home run.

Featured Card:  Due his arrest for domestic abuse in 2019, Herrera has not appeared on any new baseball cards since the release of the 2019 Topps Allen & Ginter set in late July of that year.  This is his card from the 2019 Stadium Club set, released that June.

Transactions:  In a flurry of pre-game moves, the Phillies recalled Mickey Moniak (of) and Adonis Medina (rhp) from Lehigh Valley and activated Matt Joyce (of) from the injured list.  Enyel De Los Santos (rhp) and Ramon Rosso (rhp) were optioned to Lehigh Valley and Travis Jankowski (of) was placed on the injured list with a right foot bruise.  To make room for Joyce on the 40-man roster, Vince Velasquez (rhp) was designated for assignment, likely ending his tumultuous six seasons with the Phillies.

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Game 141 - More Pain

1980 Oklahoma City 89ers
Team Issue #26

Rockies 11, Phillies 2
Game 141 - Friday Night, September 10th in Philadelphia
Record - 71-70, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Everything continued to fall apart as the Phillies suffered one of their most embarrassing losses of the season, losing 11-2 to the Rockies.

What It Means:  The Braves won, and the Phillies are 4 1/2 games behind them with 21 games to play.

What Happened:  Without a fifth starter available anywhere in their organization, the Phillies had another bullpen game.  Sam Coonrod pitched a scoreless first, but then Bailey Falter again looked miserable, giving up three runs on a pair of hits and a pair of walks.  Since his return from the Covid injured list on August 15th, Falter has appeared in eight games, allowing nine runs on 11 hits for an 8.38 ERA.  Ramon Rosso (7.94 ERA) and Enyel De Los Santos (6.75 ERA) were also hit hard with JD Hammer allowing a ninth inning grand slam to make it painfully clear the Phillies weren't winning this game.

The Phillies offense failed to advance a runner past second base until Didi Gregorius hit a meaningless solo home run in the bottom of the ninth.  This team stinks.

Featured Card:  The current state of the Phillies forces me to go to an "on this date" format for the featured card, as I'm fairly annoyed with the entire roster at this point, save Harper and Suarez.  As Tweeted by Larry Shenk, on September 10, 1980, Marty Bystrom made his first big league start and he'd finish the month with a 5-0 record, helping to propel the Phillies into the play-offs.  Had The Phillies Room (or the internet for that matter) existed back in 1980, I would have posted this card, the only card issued for Bystrom that season.

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Game 140 - Pain

2021 Topps Allen & Ginter
T51 Murad Reimagined #MR-21

Rockies 4, Phillies 3
Game 140 - Thursday Night, September 9th in Philadelphia
Record - 71-69, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies were one strike away from victory when closer Ian Kennedy surrendered a two-run home run to Ryan McMahon.

What It Means:  It sure doesn't seem as if the Phillies are a play-off bound team.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez did his job, pitching six solid innings and allowing a run on five hits while striking out six.  Bryce Harper did his job, collecting a pair of hits and hitting his 30th home run (another solo shot) in the first inning.  Jose Alvarado and Hector Neris did their jobs, pitching two scoreless innings of relief before yielding to Kennedy.  No one else did their jobs, including Kennedy, who collected his third blown save and the 30th overall for the beleaguered Phillies team.

Featured Card:  Harper is single-handedly attempting to carry this team at this point, and he could use some help.

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2021 Chachi #65 Cam Bedrosian

#52
Cameron Rock Bedrosian
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  2225
Opening Day Age:  29
Born:  October 2, 1991, Senoia, GA
How Obtained:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, July 7, 2021
Contract Status:  Signed through 2021
Major League Teams:  Los Angeles Angels 2014-2020; Cincinnati Reds 2021; Oakland Athletics 2021; Philadelphia Phillies 2021

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  N/A

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (3):  2104, 2017-2018

0 - Bedrosian baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 9/9/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi #65

The Phillies are Bedrosian's third organization of 2021 as he began the year with the Reds and then moved to the Athletics in May.  The Athletics released him on July 3rd and he signed a minor league deal with the Phillies a few days later.  He appeared in 16 games for the IronPigs, going 2-2 with a 2.25 ERA and a pair of saves over 20 innings pitched.  His contract was selected on September 1st when active rosters expanded from 26 to 28 players.

Bedrosian's father pitched for the Phillies between 1986 and 1989, winning the National League Cy Young Award in 1987 when he saved a league leading 40 games.

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Series Preview - Rockies at Phillies: September 9th to September 12th

2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #3

2021 Chachi 1986 Topps Missing Links #3

Thursday and Friday 7:05, Saturday 6:05, Sunday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  It's Bark at the Park night tonight with guests permitted to bring their dogs to the game with a special theme ticket.  On Sunday, all fans 15 and over will received a Phillies picnic blanket.

Rockies 63-77
4th Place in the N.L. West, 27 games behind the Giants

Rockies Probables
Antonio Senzatela (4-9, 4.16)
German Marquez (11-10, 4.08)
Kyle Freeland (5-7, 4.69)
Chi Chi Gonzalez (3-7, 6.50)

Rockies Leaders
Average:  Raimel Tapia - .277
Runs:  Trevor Story - 73
Home Runs:  C.J. Cron - 26
RBIs:  C.J. Cron - 80
Stolen Bases:  Raimel Tapia - 20

Wins:  German Marquez - 11
ERA:  German Marquez - 4.08

Strikeouts:  German Marquez - 161
Saves:  Daniel Bard - 20

Phillies 71-68
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (6-4, 1.38)
TBD
Zack Wheeler (12-9, 2.91)
Aaron Nola (7-8, 4.57)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .303
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 83
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 29
RBIs:  Rhys Hoskins - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 12

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 12
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.91
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 217
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist