2023 Chachi Almost #2 Rhys Hoskins

#17

Rhys Dean Hoskins
First Base

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  245
Opening Day Age:  30

Born:  March 17, 1993, Sacramento, CA
Acquired:  Drafted by the Phillies in the 5th round of the 2014 amateur draft, June 6, 2014

Contract Status:  Signed through 2023
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2017-2022

World Series Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

The heart and soul of the franchise during the past six seasons, Rhys Hoskins was one of the few reasons to visit the ballpark in the late 2010s before the arrival of Bryce Harper and the recent turnaround by the Phillies.  As a rookie in 2017, he blasted home runs at a record-setting pace and was the one player you could count on to smile and sign autographs whenever asked.  He averaged 36 home runs and 98 RBIs over a 162-game period between 2017 and 2022, and he launched an iconic home run against the Braves in 2022 NLDS Game 3, reversing the Phillies' postseason fortunes and ultimately sending them to the World Series.

Out all season with a gruesome knee injury suffered during spring training, I was hoping we'd see Hoskins added to the Phillies' World Series roster.  But with the Phillies collapsing and failing to reach the Fall Classic, we may have seen the last of Hoskins in red pinstripes.  I hope I'm wrong, and I hope he's back in 2024.

2017 Chachi Christmas #1

2018 Chachi Friendly Encounters #6

2019 Chachi Phillies Phestival #19

2022 Chachi #73

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2014 Bowman Draft #DP122
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (6):  2018-2023
Newest Card Added to My Phillies Collection:  2023 Topps Allen & Ginter #148
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  256 as of 10/16/23.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2017 Chachi #53
2017 Chachi In Action #7
2017 Chachi #56 - 9 HRs in 16 Games HL
2017 Chachi #57 - Rookie HR Record HL
2017 Chachi Valley Forge #3
2017 Chachi Christmas #1
2018 Chachi #4
2018 Chachi #44 - Home Run Derby HL
2018 Chachi Friendly Encounters #6
2019 Chachi Preview #1
2019 Chachi #4
2019 Chachi Phillies Festival #19
2020 Chachi #2
2021 Chachi Preview #1
2021 Chachi #2 
2021 Chachi #46 - 100th Home Run HL 
2022 Chachi #5

2022 Chachi #73 - NLDS Game 3

2022 Chachi #79 - NLCS Game 4

2022 Chachi #88 - World Series Game 6

2023 Chachi #34 - Raising 2022 Flag HL

2023 Chachi #35 - Ring Ceremony HL

2023 Chachi Almost #2

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

NLCS Game 7 - Phils Collapse, Missing World Series

Diamondbacks 4, Phillies 2
NLCS Game 7 - Tuesday Night, October 24th in Philadelphia
Diamondbacks win series, 4-3

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies couldn't string together meaningful hits as the Diamondbacks ended their World Series hopes in this 4-2 defeat.

What It Means:  What a colossal disappointment.  Up 2-0 and looking unbeatable a week ago, the Phillies went to Phoenix and completely lost their ability to produce clutch hits.  Craig Kimbrel will certainly, and justifiably, get a lot of the blame for this series loss, but the bats of of Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos were a combined 1 for 28 over the final two games.  While I'm ranting a little, I don't understand why manager Rob Thomson wouldn't at least tinker with the line-up, given its inability for clutch hits over the final five games of the NLCS.  This is going to take a little bit to get over.

2022 was a pleasant surprise and the culmination of many years' worth of a frustrating rebuild.  2023 was always going to be a disappointment unless the Phillies made it to, and won, the World Series.  The team's core will return in 2024, with the exception of possibly Rhys Hoskins and Aaron Nola, both free agents.  The good vibes are gone for now. 

What Happened:  Arizona scored a first inning run and the Phillies answered back with a run in the bottom of the second when Alec Bohm hit his first home run of the postseason.  The Phillies would briefly take the lead in the fourth when Bohm walked and Bryson Stott doubled him home.  The 2-1 lead was short-lived as the Diamondbacks scored twice in the top of the fifth, chasing starter Ranger Suarez from the game.  It was all downhill from there and the Phillies could not manage any kind of a rally against the Diamondbacks' bullpen.

With their season on the line, pinch-hitter Cristian Pache and Schwarber walked to put runners at first and second with one out in the bottom of the seventh.  Both Turner and Harper flew out to center field, ending any hope of a dramatic late-inning comeback.  Bohm, Stott and J.T. Realmuto all went down swinging in the eighth.  In the ninth, Castellanos, Brandon Marsh and Jake Cave all flew and the NLCS was over.

Featured Card:  Down to their final out, Cave pinch-hit for Pache and flew out to right field on the sixth pitch of his at-bat.  It's somewhat fitting, and very depressing, the 2023 Phillies season ended with Cave flying out.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #72 NLCS Game 6 / 2023 Chachi #74 Zack Wheeler HL

NLCS Game 6 - Phils Fall Completely Flat Against D-Backs

Diamondbacks 5, Phillies 1
NLCS Game 6 - Monday Night, October 23rd in Philadelphia
Series tied, 3-3

One Sentence Summary:  A shaky and short outing from Aaron Nola and a lack of clutch hitting from the Phillies big bats led to this 5-1 defeat to the Diamondbacks in NLCS Game 6.

What It Means:  For the first time in franchise history, the Phillies will play in a Game 7.  Winner heads to the World Series to meet the Texas Rangers on Friday night.  I'm honestly more nervous than excited.

What Happened/Featured Card:  After striking out the side in the first inning, Aaron Nola had trouble finding outs in the second.  He allowed back-to-back solo home runs to Tommy Pham and Lourdes Gurriel Jr., walked Alex Thomas and gave up an RBI double to Evan Longoria to quickly make it 3-0 Diamondbacks.  The Phillies got a run back in the bottom of the second when J.T. Realmuto led off with a double and scored on an RBI single from Brandon Marsh.  In the top of the fifth, Nola's night ended after a Ketel Marte RBI triple, scoring Corbin Carroll who had singled to reach.  Marte would drive home another run in the seventh off suddenly struggling reliever Orion Kerkering.  Relievers Michael Lorenzen, Craig Kimbrel and Gregory Soto kept the game within reach, but the Phillies could not piece together any kind of rally.

The Phillies offense went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position and struck out 10 times.  Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos were a combined 0 for 13 with six strikeouts.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #71 NLCS Game 5 / 2023 Chachi #73 NLCS Game 7

Diamondbacks at Phillies: October 23rd to October 24th

2023 Chachi Series Previews #18

2023 Chachi Series Previews #19

Monday 5:07 and Tuesday (if necessary) 8:07
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies will hope to punch their return ticket to the World Series with a win on Monday night.  They have never played in a postseason Game 7.

Diamondbacks 84-78
Defeated Dodgers in NLDS, 3-0

Diamondbacks Probables
Merrill Kelly (1-1, 3.00)
Brandon Pfaadt (0-0, 2.13)

Diamondbacks Postseason Leaders
Average:  Ketel Marte - .372
Runs:  Five tied with - 6
Home Runs:  Alek Thomas - 4
RBIs:  Gabriel Moreno - 8
Stolen Bases:  Three tied with - 2

Wins:  Zac Gallen and Joe Mantiply - 2
ERA:  Brandon Pfaadt - 2.13
Strikeouts:  Brandon Pfaadt - 15
Saves:  Paul Sewald - 5

Phillies 90-72
Defeated Braves in NLDS, 3-1

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (3-0, 0.96)
Ranger Suarez (1-0, 0.64)

Phillies Postseason Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .415
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 14
Home Runs:  Three tied with - 5
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 12
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 4

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 3
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 0.64

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 34
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 3

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

NLCS Game 5 - Wheeler and Long Balls Lead to Huge Win

Phillies 6, Diamondbacks 1
NLCS Game 5 - Saturday Night, October 21st in Phoenix
Phillies lead series, 3-2

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies salvaged a game in Phoenix behind Zack Wheeler's masterful performance and three big home runs from Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto.

What It Means:  Doug and I listened to most of this game on the drive from Rhode Island back to home.  I'm also aware the Phillies are setting hitting and pitching records as this postseason progresses, but I'm too locked in to the here and now to be able to digest these records.  Game 6 will be played in Philadelphia on Monday, with the Phillies one win away from a return to the World Series.

What Happened:  Wheeler shut down the Diamondbacks through six innings, allowing a seventh inning lead-off home run to Alek Thomas.  The ace allowed six hits and struck out eight on the way to his third win of the postseason.  Jeff Hoffman, Seranthony Dominguez and Matt Stram thankfully didn't cause too much trouble while recording the final six outs of the game.

The Phillies scored quickly in the first.  Schwarber had a lead-off single, advanced to second on a Bryce Harper single and would come around to score a few batters later on Bryson Stott's RBI single to right.  With Stott stealing second, Harper broke for home and was credited with the first Phillies steal of home in postseason history.  In the sixth, Schwarber launched his fifth home run of this postseason and Harper followed a few batters later with his own majestic home run to make it 4-0 Phillies.  Realmuto's blast came in the eighth with Harper on board, and allowed us to start hoping again for a trip to the World Series.

Featured Card:  I've tried to keep these postseason cards to one image per card, but I felt I wanted to feature the trio of Wheeler, Schwarber and Harper here.  All three keep coming up big this postseason, and hopefully they've got enough for five more wins.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #70 NLCS Game 4 / 2023 Chachi #72 NLCS Game 6

NLCS Game 4 - Nightmare in the Desert Continues

Diamondbacks 6, Phillies 5
NLCS Game 4 - Friday Night, October 20th in Phoenix
Series tied, 2-2

One Sentence Summary:  Holding a 5-2 lead and needing seven outs for a Game 4 victory, the bullpen duo of Orion Kerkering and Craig Kimbrel stumbled again and the Diamondbacks stunned the Phillies, winning 6-5.

What It Means:  Just brutal.  Doug and I watched this game from our hotel room in Providence, Rhode Island.

What Happened/Featured Card:  Cristopher Sanchez started for the Phillies and allowed two runs (one earned) over 2 1/3 innings before yielding to the bullpen.  The Phillies clawed back with a solo home run from Kyle Schwarber in the fourth and an RBI-double from Brandon Marsh in the fifth, tying the score at 2-2.  They took a 4-2 lead in the sixth when Alec Bohm's infield single to third base plated a pair of runners, aided by a throwing error by Diamondbacks' third baseman Emmanuel Rivera.  An insurance run was added in the seventh when Trea Turner's sacrifice fly scored Johan Rojas, who had tripled to reach.

And then everything started to fall apart.  With two outs and runners on first and second, Kerkering entered the game and allowed two straight walks, making it 5-3 Phillies.  In the eighth, Kimbrel gave up a lead-off double to Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. and then a two-run home run to Alex Thomas, tying the score.  He'd give up another single and drill Corbin Carroll to put runners on first and second before departing.  Jose Alvarado entered, gave up an RBI-single to Gabriel Moreno, and the Diamondbacks had a 6-5 lead.  In the bottom of the ninth, Kyle Schwarber laced a two-out double, but Paul Sewald would strike out Trea Turner to end the game and allowing the Diamondbacks to tie the series.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #69 NLCS Game 3 / 2023 Chachi #71 NLCS Game 5

NLCS Game 3 - Bullpen, Bats Lost in Desert

Diamondbacks 2, Phillies 1
NLCS Game 3 - Thursday Afternoon, October 19th in Phoenix
Phillies lead series, 2-1

One Sentence Summary:  A lack of production from the Phillies' offense and late-inning bullpen problems led to this disappointing 2-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  I'm composing these posts in hindsight, having been away for the weekend on a few college visits with our oldest son Doug.  It wasn't easy to go to sleep following this loss, or the loss on Friday night, and if not for a few missed opportunities, the Phillies would be in the World Series by now.

What Happened/Featured Card:  Not much happened for the game's first six innings.  The Phillies could not figure out Diamondbacks' starting pitcher Brandon Pfaadt, who allowed only two hits while striking out nine over the first five-plus innings.  Phillies' starter Ranger Suarez nearly matched him, allowing three hits and a walk while striking out seven.  The Phillies scored their only run in the top of the seventh.  Bryce Harper was issued a lead-off walk and eventually came home to score on a wild pitch.

In the bottom of the seventh, rookie reliever Orion Kerkering gave up a single to Tommy Pham and an RBI double to Lourdes Gurriel Jr., with the Diamondbacks quickly tying the score.  Kerkering departed having not retired a batter, and Jose Alvarado worked out of the inning with no further damage.  In the bottom of the ninth, Craig Kimbrel walked the lead-off batter, Gurriel.  A single, a fielder's choice out and yet another walk loaded the bases.  Ketel Marte singled to center, giving the Diamondbacks a walk-off win, and most damaging, some confidence and momentum.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #68 NLCS Game 2 / 2023 Chachi #70 NLCS Game 4

Phillies at Diamondbacks: October 19th to October 21st

2023 Chachi Series Previews #16

2023 Chachi Series Previews #17

Thursday 5:07, Friday and Saturday (if necessary) 8:07
Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ

At the Ballpark:  This is the third time the NLCS has been played in Phoenix, with the Diamondbacks defeating the Braves in five games in 2001 and being swept by the Rockies in 2007.

Phillies 90-72
Defeated Braves in NLDS, 3-1

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (1-0, 1.04)
TBD
TBD

Phillies Postseason Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .500
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 10
Home Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 5
RBIs:  J.T. Realmuto - 10
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 4

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 3
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 0.96

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 26
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 3

Diamondbacks 84-78
Defeated Dodgers in NLDS, 3-0

Diamondbacks Probables
Brandon Pfaadt (0-0, 3.86)
TBD
TBD

Diamondbacks Postseason Leaders
Average:  Corbin Carroll - .333
Runs:  Corbin Carroll and Tommy Pham - 6
Home Runs:  Gabriel Moreno - 3
RBIs:  Gabriel Moreno - 6
Stolen Bases:  Three tied with - 2

Wins:  Zac Gallen and Joe Mantiply - 2
ERA:  Merrill Kelly - 3.00
Strikeouts:  Zac Gallen - 12
Saves:  Paul Sewald - 4

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

NLCS Game 2 - Nola's Gem Supported by Offensive Onslaught

Phillies 10, Diamondbacks 0
NLCS Game 2 - Tuesday Night, October 17th in Philadelphia
Phillies lead series, 2-0

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola and three Phillies relievers combined for the shutout, while the Phillies offense plated 10 runs in this decisive win against the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  After an off-day (and catching up on some sleep) Wednesday, the Phillies open a three game set in Phoenix on Thursday.  My hope is only two games are played.

What Happened:  Nola won his third game of this postseason, allowing just three hits in six innings while striking out seven.  Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering kept the Diamondbacks from scoring over the final three frames with a combined six more strikeouts.  The pitching was aided by a few great defensive plays from Alec Bohm at third base.

Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber (twice!) hit solo home runs and the Phillies held a 3-0 lead with no outs in the bottom of the sixth.  Schwarber now has 18 career postseason home runs, tying him with Reggie Jackson for the most by a left-handed hitter in postseason history.  The Phillies are tying, setting or breaking all kinds of postseason home run records at this point, both for the franchise and among all teams, and it's a little difficult to keep up at this point.

Following Schwarber's second home run, it would quickly be 6-0 following a two-run double from J.T. Realmuto and a double from Brandon Marsh to bring Realmuto home.  Four more runs would score in the seventh.  Bryce Harper singled and came around to score on Bohm's double.  A Bryson Stott pop up dropped between three Diamondbacks players in the infield, much to the delight of the 45,412 fans in attendance.  Realmuto singled home Bohm, and Stott scored on a Nick Castellanos sacrifice fly, making it 10-0, Phillies.  Bench players Jake Cave, Edmundo Sosa and Garrett Stubbs all got into the game late as manager Rob Thomson all but emptied his bench.  (Sorry, Cristian Pache.)

Featured Card:  So many big hits to choose from, and Schwarber's two home runs were once again amazing, but given Nola's steadying performance I thought the winning pitcher deserved the card.

Field Report:  We braved the traffic both to and from the ballpark to enjoy the festivities from Section 415.  I ended up with three tickets, with Jenna, Doug and me leaving our house fairly early due to the Flyers home opener and a soccer match between Mexico and Germany happening at Lincoln Financial Center.  South Jersey traffic was awful getting to the park, South Philly traffic was nightmarish leaving the park.

While at the game, we had a blast.  Jenna and Doug opted for Shake Shack while I went back to Uncle Charlie's Steaks.  Before first pitch, we caught up with an old friend who was also sitting in our section, and then settled in to watch the show.  I'd be fine with not going to another NLCS home game this year.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #67 NLCS Game 1 / 2023 Chachi #69 NLCS Game 3

NLCS Game 1 - Phils Strike Early Against Snakes

Phillies 5, Diamondbacks 3
NLCS Game 1 - Monday Night, October 16th in Philadelphia
Phillies lead series, 1-0

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies held on to an early lead, riding another strong outing from Zack Wheeler and three big home runs to this 5-3 win.

What It Means:  Game 2 is tonight, and the Phillies will try to make it 2-0 before the best-of-seven series moves to Phoenix for Game 3 on Thursday.

What Happened:  Kyle Schwarber lined the first pitch he saw from Diamondbacks' starter Zac Gallen into the right field bleachers, giving the Phillies a quick 1-0 lead.  It was 2-0 Phillies after Bryce Harper followed with his fourth home run of the season, symbolically blowing out his birthday candles as he crossed home plate.  In the second, Nick Castellanos launched a solo home run, becoming only the second player with five home runs in three straight postseason games since Reggie Jackson (!) did it with the Yankees in 1977.  

In the third, Trea Turner doubled to center and came home on Harper's RBI single.  And in the fifth, Harper walked to lead off the inning, went to second on a wild pitch and scored on a J.T. Realmuto line single to left.  It was 5-0 Phillies at that point, and fortunately those were the only runs needed.  There were plenty of other opportunities to score, with the Phillies leaving seven runners on base and going 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position.

Wheeler continued his postseason dominance, allowing a pair of runs on three hits and striking out eight in his six innings.  The two runs allowed came on a sixth inning two-run homer from Diamondbacks' nine-hole hitter Geraldo Perdomo.  An unearned run scored in the seventh after Seranthony Dominguez threw away a dead double play ball, throwing wide of second base and into center field.  Jose Alvarado and Craig Kimbrel recorded the final seven outs of the game to give the Phillies the important Game 1 win.

Featured Card:  Harper blowing out his candles would have been cool, but I opted to go with Schwarber's home run for the card as that set the tone for the rest of the game.

Field Report:  Doug and I watched this game from a crowded Section 315.  We were a little worried about the vibes pregame.  Last year, the deeper the Phillies went into the postseason, the crowds seemed to evolve.  The further they got, the less diehard Phillies fans were in attendance, as ticket prices just got too high.  Our worries were alleviated though following Schwarber's first pitch home run, and I was happy that most of our section stood throughout the game.  We can sit in November.

Before the game, we visited the postseason merchandise trailer outside the ballpark, with Doug picking up a t-shirt, a program and an NLCS ball.  We visited the Phillies Kids Club kiosk, where "Ben" picked up an NLCS card and an awesome NLCS pennant, that will find some wall space soon in the actual Phillies Room.  Bull's BBQ was the meal of choice before we made our way up to our seats.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #66 Phils Win NLDS HL / 2023 Chachi #68 NLCS Game 2

Diamondbacks at Phillies: October 16th to October 17th

2023 Chachi Series Previews #14

2023 Chachi Series Previews #15

Monday and Tuesday 8:07
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies have home field advantage for the NLCS given their regular season record was better than the Diamondbacks.  Games 1 and 2 are in Philadelphia, with Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) in Phoenix.

Diamondbacks 84-78
Defeated Dodgers in NLDS, 3-0

Diamondbacks Probables
Zac Gallen (2-0, 3.18)
Merrill Kelly (1-0, 0.00)

Diamondbacks Postseason Leaders
Average:  Corbin Carroll - .412
Runs:  Corbin Carroll and Tommy Pham - 6
Home Runs:  Gabriel Moreno - 3
RBIs:  Gabriel Moreno - 6
Stolen Bases:  Three tied with - 2

Wins:  Zac Gallen and Joe Mantiply - 2
ERA:  Merrill Kelly - 0.00
Strikeouts:  Zac Gallen and Kevin Ginkel - 8
Saves:  Paul Sewald - 4

Phillies 90-72
Defeated Braves in NLDS, 3-1

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (1-0, 2.08)
Aaron Nola (2-0, 1.42)

Phillies Postseason Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .500
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 7
Home Runs:  Nick Castellanos - 4
RBIs:  Bryson Stott - 7
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 4

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 2
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 1.04

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 18
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 2

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

NLDS Game 4 - Phils Defeat Braves, Advance to NLCS!

Phillies 3, Braves 1
NLDS Game 4 - Thursday Night, October 12th in Philadelphia
Phillies win series, 3-1

One Sentence Summary:  A pair of home runs from Nick Castellanos, a stellar pitching performance from Ranger Suarez and the bullpen and a game-saving catch from Johan Rojas in center field led to this 3-1 series clinching victory over the Braves.

What It Means:  The Diamondbacks come to Citizens Bank Park on Monday night to start the NLCS, with the Phillies returning to the NLCS for the second year in a row.  The winner will face either the Astros or Rangers in the 2023 World Series.  Hard to believe, Harry.

What Happened:  The ballpark was once again electric.  The Phillies had runners in scoring position each of the first three innings, but couldn't plate any of them against Braves' starting pitcher Spencer Strider.  Austin Riley gave the Braves a brief lead in the fourth when he homered to left off Phillies' starter Suarez.  With the crowd needing a boost, Castellanos hit the first of his two home runs to deep left field in the fourth to tie the game.  Trea Turner broke the tie in the fifth with a solo home run, and Castellanos launched his second homer of the game in the sixth, giving the Phillies a 3-1 lead.  His pair of home runs marked the first time in postseason history a batter had hit two home runs in back-to-back postseason games.  Turner would go 4 for 4 in the game.

Seranthony Dominguez replaced Suarez in the sixth, with Jose Alvarado taking over and retiring three batters to end the sixth and start the seventh.  Craig Kimbrel relieved Alvarado with two outs in the seventh and two runners already on.  He walked Travis d'Arnaud to load the bases and likely MVP winner Ronald Acuna, Jr. stepped to the plate with a chance for a devastating hit.  Acuna connected for a long fly ball to deep center field tracked down by Rojas, and the threat was over.  The next six outs were recorded by Kimbrel, Gregory Soto and surprisingly, Matt Strahm.  Strahm put runners at the corners for the Braves in the ninth before recording the final three extremely tense outs.  Vaughn Grissom struck out on a check swing to end the game and start the on-field celebration.

Featured Card:  Castellanos batted .467 (7 for 15) in the NLDS with four home runs.  Similar to what I did last year, I also wanted to create a highlight card to commemorate the team moving on to the next round of the playoffs.

Field Report:  Jenna pinch-hit for me and took Doug, and they enjoyed the game from Section 315.  I realized watching the game at home on TV was actually way more stressful than being there, and I found myself muting the audio on more than one occasion during the tenser moments of the game.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #64 NLDS Game 3 / 2023 Chachi #67 NLCS Game 1

NLDS Game 3 - Phils Slam Six Home Runs in Rout of Braves

Phillies 10, Braves 2
NLDS Game 3 - Wednesday Night, October 11th in Philadelphia
Phillies lead series, 2-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies' offense came to life against the Braves, Aaron Nola pitched a gem and Bryce Harper went nuts in this decisive 10-2 win.

What It Means:  With a win on Thursday night, the Phillies will advance to the NLCS to face the Diamondbacks.

What Happened:  Nola gave up a pair of runs in his 5 2/3 innings, striking out nine.  He exited with the Phillies holding a 7-1 lead, and Matt Strahm made us a little nervous by allowing his inherited runner to score in the sixth.  Nola's win places him third on the Phillies all-time postseason win leader board, behind only Steve Carlton and Cole Hamels.

The Phillies came to life in the bottom of the third against Braves' starter Bryce Elder.  Nick Castellanos led off the inning with his first home run of the game, tying the game at 1-1.  Brandon Marsh and Trea Turner both reached on singles and Bryce Harper came to the plate with two outs.  Harper destroyed a hanging slider from Elder, launching an upper deck, three-run home run and sending Citizens Bank Park into a frenzy.  J.T. Realmuto would pile on later in the inning with a two-run double, scoring Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott.  In the fifth, Harper connected for his second home run, making it 7-1 Phillies.  Castellanos and Marsh went back-to-back in the eighth with solo home runs, giving the Phillies a commanding 10-2 lead.  Michael Lorenzen allowed a few baserunners, but recorded the final out in the ninth giving Game 3 to the Phillies.

Featured Card:  Following the Game 2 loss in Atlanta, Braves' shortstop Orlando Arcia was heard in the clubhouse mocking Harper's base running that resulted in a game-ending double play.  "Ha ha, atta boy Harper," was attributed to Arcia.  As Harper rounded second on both of his home runs, he stared intensely at Arcia, a moment captured by photographer Derik Hamilton.

Field Report:  Similar to the NLDS Game 3 from last season, this was an amazing game to experience live and it was a night I'll not soon forget.  Doug and I had tickets high up in Section 415, which afforded us a great view and gave us plenty of happy, random strangers to high-five frequently throughout the game.  We changed up the pregame meal ritual with our first visit to Uncle Charlie's Steaks, which we both highly recommend.  After a quick dinner, we ascended to our seats and stood for the majority of the game, sitting briefly to rest our legs between innings.  I lost track of how many times my Apple Watch went off with dangerous noise level alerts.

2023 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2023 Season Summary Index / 2023 Chachi Set Checklist

2023 Chachi #63 NLDS Game 2 / 2023 Chachi #65 NLDS Game 4

Braves at Phillies: October 11th to October 12th

2023 Chachi Series Previews #12

2023 Chachi Series Previews #13

Wednesday 5:07 and Thursday 6:07
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  The NLDS returns to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4, and hopefully, with a pair of Phillies wins, there won't be the need to return to Atlanta for Game 5.

Braves 1-1
National League East Champions

Braves Probables
TBD
TBD

Braves Postseason Leaders
Average:  Ozzie Albies - .286
Runs:  Ronald Acuna - 2
Home Runs:  Travis d'Arnaud and Austin Riley - 1
RBIs:  Travis d'Arnaud and Austin Riley - 2
Stolen Bases:  Ronald Acuna - 1

Wins:  A.J. Minter - 1
ERA:  Spencer Strider - 1.29
Strikeouts:  Spencer Strider - 8
Saves:  Raisel Iglesias - 1

Phillies 1-1
Defeated Marlins in NLWCS, 2-0

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (1-0, 0.00)
TBD

Phillies Postseason Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .375
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 5
Home Runs:  J.T. Realmuto - 2
RBIs:  Bryson Stott - 7
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 4

Wins:  Three tied with - 1
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 0.00

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 18
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 2

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NLDS Game 2 - Phils Fall Painfully to Braves

Braves 5, Phillies 4
NLDS Game 2 - Monday Night, October 9th in Atlanta
Series tied, 1-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies faltered late, allowing the Braves to score five unanswered runs, including a back-breaking two-run home run by Austin Riley in the eighth inning.

What It Means:  The series is tied at 1-1 and both teams traveled to Philadelphia for Games 3 and 4.  Aaron Nola takes the mound for the Phillies in Game 3 on Wednesday night, in one of the biggest starts of his Phillies career.

What Happened:  The Phillies scored early, but left too many runners on base and missed too many chances to score more.  In the first, Trea Turner doubled and scored on Alec Bohm's single to center.  The Phillies would leave the bases loaded when Bryson Stott grounded out to end the inning.  In the third, J.T. Realmuto connected for a two-run home run to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead.  In the fifth, Nick Castellanos singled, stole second and went to third on a throwing error by Braves' catcher Travis d'Arnaud.  Stott would bring him home with a sacrifice fly and the Phillies were up, 4-0.

Phillies' starter Zack Wheeler was dominant through five innings, not allowing a hit until there were two outs in the bottom of the sixth.  Ronald Acuna, Jr. walked with two outs and went to third on a single by Ozzie Albies.  Turner booted the relay throw from the outfield, allowing Acuna to score an unearned run.  In the seventh, d'Arnuad launched a two-run home run to left, ending Wheeler's night, and leaving the Phillies with a small 4-3 lead.  Wheeler had just set a Phillies postseason single game record with his 10th strikeout of the game.  In the eighth, Jeff Hoffman entered with one out, plunked Acuna on the elbow and then allowed the eventual game-winning, two-run home run to Riley.

Featured Card:  Trailing by a run in the top of the ninth, Bryce Harper walked to lead off the inning.  With one out, Nick Castellanos just missed a home run or at least an extra-base hit, when Michael Harris II lept and caught his fly ball against the center field fence.  Harper, who had crossed over second base, was doubled off at first to end the game.  As of this writing, I'm still in a bad mood.

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2023 Chachi #62 NLDS Game 1 / 2023 Chachi #64 NLDS Game 3

NLDS Game 1 - Bullpen, Defense Quiet Braves in Atlanta

Phillies 3, Braves 0
NLDS Game 1 - Saturday Night, October 7th in Atlanta
Phillies lead series, 1-0

One Sentence Summary:  An incredible performance from the bullpen, a few timely hits and a game-changing double play all contributed to this 3-0 series opening win against the Braves.

What It Means:  Zack Wheeler takes the mound on Monday night, as the Phils will attempt to go up 2-0 before the series moves to Citizens Bank Park for Game 3 on Wednesday.

What Happened:  Offensively, the Phillies had five stolen bases, setting a franchise postseason single-game record.  In the fourth, Bryce Harper walked, went to second on an errant pick-off throw from Braves' starter Spencer Strider, and scored on a Bryson Stott single to left.  Harper lined a solo home run over the right field wall in the sixth, giving the Phillies a 2-0 lead.  In the eighth, with the bases loaded, the Phillies scored their third run when J.T. Realmuto's swing hit Sean Murphy's catcher's mitt, forcing a run home on catcher's interference.  

Phillies' starting pitcher Ranger Suarez cruised through the first three innings, but at the first sign of trouble in the fourth manager Rob Thomson pulled him in favor of reliever Jeff Hoffman.  Hoffman did his job, and so did the five relievers that followed him.  Seranthony Dominguez allowed a pair of hits but struck out the side in the fifth.  Jose Alvarado and rookie Orion Kerkering threw 12 and eight pitches respectively n the sixth and seventh innings.  Matt Strahm walked a tight rope in the eighth, but got out of the inning thanks to a spectacular double play started by Trea Turner (see below).  And Craig Kimbrel retired the Braves in order in the ninth to clinch the win.

Featured Card:  I had to capture a screenshot for this card, as there didn't appear to be any good photos available yet.  With the Phillies holding their 3-0 lead, Kerkering walked Ronald Acuna Jr. to start the eighth, and was replaced by Strahm.  Austin Riley singled off Strahm, and Matt Olson flew out to Johan Rojas, with Acuna tagging to put runners on the corners with one out.  Ozzie Albies stepped to the plate.  Albies drilled a sharp ground ball in the hole, corralled by Turner, who flipped the ball underhand to Stott, who relayed to Harper at first for the inning-ending double play.  There was screaming and yelling in our household, so we initially missed the call from Scott Franzke.

Transaction:  As expected, Michael Lorenzen (rhp) was added to the NLDS roster, taking the place of Weston Wilson (inf).

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2023 Chachi #61 NLWCS Game 2 / 2023 Chachi #63 NLDS Game 2

Phillies at Braves: October 7th to October 9th

2023 Chachi Series Previews #10

2023 Chachi Series Previews #11

Saturday and Monday 6:07
Truist Park - Atlanta, GA

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies split in Atlanta last year in the NLDS, winning two more games when they came home to Citizens Bank Park.  They'll look to repeat that formula in 2023.

Phillies 90-72
Defeated Marlins in NLWCS, 2-0

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (4-6, 4.18)
Zack Wheeler (13-6, 3.61)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .293
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 108
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 47
RBIs:  Nick Castellanos - 106
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 31

Wins:  Taijuan Walker - 15
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.61

Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 212
Saves:  Craig Kimbrel - 23

Braves 104-58
National League East Champions

Braves Probables
Spencer Strider (20-5, 3.86)
Max Fried (8-1, 2.55)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Ronald Acuna - .337
Runs:  Ronald Acuna - 149
Home Runs:  Matt Olson - 54
RBIs:  Matt Olson - 139
Stolen Bases:  Ronald Acuna - 73

Wins:  Spencer Strider - 20
ERA:  Charlie Morton - 3.64

Strikeouts:  Spencer Strider - 281
Saves:  Raisel Iglesias - 33

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NLWCS Game 2 - Nola's Gem, Stott's Slam Sink Fish

Phillies 7, Marlins 1

NLWCS Game 2 - Wednesday Night, October 4th in Philadelphia
Phillies win series, 2-0

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola pitched a gem, and a sixth inning grand slam from Bryson Stott sent the Phillies to the next round of the 2023 playoffs.

What It Means:  The Phillies made quick work of the Marlins and they'll head to Atlanta to open the best-of-five NLDS on Saturday night.

What Happened:  Nola was on, and he pitched seven shutout innings allowing just three hits and a walk.  He was aided by solid defense in the outfield and a pair of timely double plays.  Orion Kerkering made his postseason debut with a scoreless eighth inning, and Gregory Soto allowed a ninth inning run before clinching the win.

The Phillies offense provided a few huge hits.  In the third, Cristian Pache walked and Kyle Schwarber doubled him home with a sharp ground ball that went just pass the Marlins' first baseman.  Trea Turner would single Schwarber home to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead.  In the third, J.T. Realmuto hit the first home run of the Phillies' postseason, a solo shot to left.  In the sixth, and essentially ending the Marlins' season, Alec Bohm laced a lead-off double to left, Bryce Harper walked and Nick Castellanos reached on an error by third baseman Jake Burger to load the bases.  With Marlins' reliever Andrew Nardi on the mound, Stott crushed the first pitch he saw into the right field bleachers and the Phillies fans collectively started thinking about taking on the Braves.

Featured Card:  With apologies to Nola, the key moment of this game was Stott's big swing.

Field Report:  We were back!  (I'm still tired.)  We had seats in the Diamond Club for this game, and we arrived a little later to the ballpark than the night before.  A Shake Shack burger was on the menu for Doug while I opted for a grilled sausage with onions and peppers, before watching Jamie Moyer throw out the ceremonial first pitch.  Once we made our way to our seats, we didn't move for the duration of the game and on more than one occasional my Apple Watch alerted me that noise levels were dangerously loud.  "Didn't move" probably isn't the right descriptive here as we were on our feet more often than not.  Stott's slam was perhaps the loudest and most raucous moment I've experienced at the ballpark.

After years and years of mediocre to bad baseball between 2012 and 2021, I'm making sure to soak in every moment of good baseball from this Phillies team.

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2023 Chachi #60 NLWCS Game 1 / 2023 Chachi #62 NLDS Game 1