Friday, June 16, 2023

Game 69 - Phils Win Again; Topper Wins 100th

2023 Philadelphia Phillies Photo Cards #59
Phillies 5
Diamondbacks 4
Game 69 - Thursday Afternoon, June 15th in Phoenix
Record - 35-34, 3rd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies and Diamondbacks traded early runs in this game, with the Phillies ultimately hanging on to win by a 5-4 score.

What It Means:  That's 3 out of 4 wins in Phoenix against a first place Diamondbacks club.  The Phillies are seemingly on a roll, and they'll look to continue their winning ways over the weekend in Oakland.

What Happened:  The Diamondbacks scored all their runs in a tough third inning for Aaron Nola, with the big blow a three-run home run from Ketel Marte to give the Diamondbacks a 4-3 lead.  The Phillies had scored their first three runs on a Bryson Stott solo home run, a Trea Turner RBI single and an Alec Bohm RBI double.

Now trailing, Kyle Schwaber tied the game with an RBI double in the fourth to drive home Garrett Stubbs.  Bryce Harper singled Schwarber home to give the Phillies a 5-4 lead.  Nola would depart in the seventh inning, with Gregory Soto, Seranthony Dominguez and Craig Kimbrel handling the rest.  Kimbrel recorded his 10th save.

Featured Card:  Manager Rob Thomson recorded his 100th win.  Of the franchise's 56 managers, he's tied for sixth for reaching the 100 win plateau the quickest (180 games) and he's the fastest to the mark since Pat Corrales in 1983.  

Unfortunately, it seems the Phillies won't be selling any photo card sets this year, which is a shame as collectors such as myself have looked forward annually to the team-issued set.  Cards are apparently only available individually, and they were used as identification in grab bags sold at the recent ALS Night.  This is Thomson's card from this year's set, and I sincerely hope the Phillies reverse course on their decision to not sell complete sets in 2023.

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