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Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Game 106 - Yanks Demolish Floundering Phils

1999 Upper Deck #456
Yankees 14, Phillies 4
Game 106 - Monday Night, July 29th in Philadelphia
Record - 65-41, 1st Place, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisolm both belted a pair of home runs as the Yankees dismantled Zack Wheeler and the Phillies, 14-4.

What It Means:  Nothing is going right and the entire team looks lost.

What Happened:  Wheeler fell to 10-5 by allowing seven runs on seven hits, including three home runs, in five innings of work.  Yunior Marte gave up two more runs, Gregory Soto allowed three to score and Garrett Stubbs gave up the final two.  Stubbs has pitched twice in the past two weeks, so that's a good indication of how poorly things are going.  Brandon Marsh hit a solo home run in the fourth.

Featured Card:  The last time the Phillies were beat this badly by the Yankees at home was June 9, 1999, when Phillies starter Chad Ogea was roughed up.  The Yankees had an eight-run sixth inning, with the Phillies burning through four pitchers to record three outs - Chad Ogea, Mike Grace, Robert Person and Jim Poole.  The final score in that game was 11-5.

Transaction:  Carlos Estevez (rhp), acquired on Saturday, was added to the active roster and Michael Rucker (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.  Rucker was on the active roster for three games and did not throw a pitch for the Phillies.

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Monday, July 29, 2024

Yankees at Phillies - July 29th to July 31st

1984 Topps #281
2024 Chachi 1984 Topps Missing Links #12

Monday and Tuesday 6:40, Wednesday 12:35
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Kids will be invited to run the bases following Wednesday afternoon's game.

New York Yankees 61-45
 2nd Place in the A.L. East, 1 1/2 games behind the Orioles

Yankees Probables
Luis Gil (10-5, 3.10)
Gerrit Cole (3-2, 5.40)
Nestor Cortes (4-9, 4.13)

Yankees Leaders
Average:  Aaron Judge - .314
Runs:  Juan Soto - 86
Home Runs:  Aaron Judge - 37
RBIs:  Aaron Judge - 95
Stolen Bases:  Anthony Volpe - 18

Wins:  Luis Gil and Carlos Rodon - 10
ERA:  Luis Gil - 3.10
Strikeouts:  Luis Gil - 124
Saves:  Clay Holmes - 21
Philadelphia Phillies 65-40
1st Place in the N.L. East, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (10-4, 2.55)
Aaron Nola (11-4, 3.44)
Cristopher Sanchez (7-6, 3.05)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .295
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 69
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 24
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.55
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 133
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
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Game 105 - Schwarber Mashes Two Schwarbombs, Phils Still Lose

2024 Topps 1989 Topps
Baseball 35th Anniversary
#89B2-42
Guardians 4, Phillies 3
Game 105 - Sunday Afternoon, July 28th in Philadelphia
Record - 65-40, 1st Place, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber couldn't single-handedly defeat the Guardians as Kolby Allard and Jose Alvarado allowed game-tying and go-ahead home runs in this 4-3 defeat.

What It Means:  The Phillies have lost four series in a row against the Athletics, Pirates, Twins and Guardians, and they'll look to get back on track against the Yankees beginning on Monday.

What Happened:  Schwarber began the game with a home run and added a two-run home run in the third to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead.  Allard, making his Phillies debut, gave up a three-run home run to Jhonkensy Noel in the top of the fourth, tying the score.  Steven Kwan hit a solo home run in the seventh off Alvarado, giving the Guardians a 4-3 lead.  The Phillies' offense had three singles in addition to Schwarber's two home runs.  The two through five hitters went a combined 0 for 18.

Featured Card:  I'll give Schwarber the card here as the slugger delivered on the day the Phillies gave away a beach towel containing his likeness.
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Sunday, July 28, 2024

Game 104 - Phillips Tosses CG Shutout; Bullpen Adds Estevez

2024 Topps Now #479
Phillies 8, Guardians 0
Game 104 - Saturday Night, July 27th in Philadelphia
Record - 65-39, 1st Place, 9 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Tyler Phillips improved to 3-0 with a four-hit, complete game shutout as the Phillies offense mashed four home runs to support the rookie.

What It Means:  Phillips is the first Phillies rookie to throw a shutout since current Orioles pitcher Zach Eflin threw one in 2016.

What Happened:  The Phillies rode Phillips' pitching and a seven-run fourth inning to this win.  Bryce Harper, Brandon Marsh and Kyle Schwarber all homered in the fourth, with Harper's blast his 100th launched at Citizens Bank Park.  Nick Castellanos added a solo home run in the sixth inning.  Phillips gave up four singles, walked a batter and struck out four.

Featured Card:  I typically wouldn't do this, but given I have zero Phillips Phillies cards in my collection and Topps produced this fantastic Topps Now card to celebrate his gem, I'm featuring a card I don't yet have in hand.

Transaction:  Prior to the game, the Phillies landed their bullpen help, acquiring Carlos Estevez (rhp) from the Los Angeles Angles for pitching prospects George Klassen (rhp) and Samuel Aldegheri (lhp).  Estevez has emerged as one of the best closers in the game, saving 31 games last year in an All-Star season, and saving 20 games so far this year.  He spent the first six seasons of his big league career with the Rockies.  He has a 2.38 ERA in 34 innings pitched this season.

Klassen was 3-2 with a 1.97 ERA in 14 starts between Jersey Shore and Clearwater this season, and Aldegheri was 6-7 with a 3.23 ERA in 15 starts between Reading and Jersey Shore.  It was a steep price to pay for a rental player, as Estevez is a free agent following the season, but the hope is that his addition makes the bullpen stronger during a long postseason run.

Additionally, Ranger Suarez (lhp) landed on the Injured List with a bad back and Kolby Allard (lhp) was recalled to take his spot on the roster and the rotation.  Here's hoping Suarez isn't out too long, and that this additional rest gets him back to his early season form.

2024 Topps Heritage #498
2024 Choice Clearwater Threshers #15
2024 Choice Jersey Shore BlueClaws #1

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Saturday, July 27, 2024

Game 103 - Phils Look Un-Lively; Acquire Hays for Dominguez, Pache

2018 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #15
Guardians 3, Phillies 1
Game 103 - Friday Night, July 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 64-39, 1st Place, 9 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ben Lively and the Guardians' bullpen silenced the Phillies' bats in this 3-1 series opening loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies are suddenly not fun to watch.  They look as if they're pressing and I'm hoping they find their groove again soon.  The surging Mets are now in second place, a half game ahead of the Braves.

What Happened:  Lively improved to 9-6 with six strong innings, allowing just a fifth inning solo home run to Bryson Stott.  Stott had a three-hit night and Alec Bohm had a double, with the two through seven spots in the line-up going a combined 1 for 24.  Cristopher Sanchez dropped to 7-6, allowing all three Guardians runs on eight hits.

Featured Card:   Lively was designated for assignment in September 2018 by the Phillies and claimed off waivers by the Royals, when a roster spot was needed for Jerad Eickhoff.  He's since spent time with the Royals, in Korea and with the Reds, and he's been pitching well for Cleveland this season.

Transaction:  On Friday afternoon, the Phillies announced the first of possibly many trades in advance of Tuesday's trade deadline.  Austin Hays (of) was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles for Seranthony Dominguez (rhp) and Cristian Pache (of).  Hays is expected to see quite a bit of playing time in left field, with a likely platoon in center developing with Johan Rojas and Brandon Marsh.  Hays was an All-Star in 2023, and he's batting .255 with three home runs and 14 RBIs in 63 games this season.

Dominguez, the team's closer at one point, appeared in at least 50 games for the Phillies in 2018, 2022 and 2023.  In 230 games, he was 19-17 with a 3.55 ERA and 28 saves, with 16 blown saves.  Dominguez was a huge part of the Phillies' pennant-winning bullpen in 2022, and was the winning pitcher in NLDS Game 1 against the Braves and in World Series Game 1 agains the Astros.  I currently have 22 baseball cards for Dominguez in my Phillies Collection, dating back to his first appearance in 2016 in the Williamsport Crosscutters team set.  (It seems as if that number should be higher, but such is the fate of a reliever in today's baseball card sets.)

Pache had a few big highlights with the Phillies, but had largely struggled at the plate since joining the team right before opening day in 2023.  In 98 games with the Phillies overall, he batted .218 with a pair of home runs and 20 RBIs.  I've got six Pache cards in my Phillies Collection.

2024 Topps Heritage #13
2024 Philadelphia Phillies Kids Club
2023 Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary #385

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Friday, July 26, 2024

Guardians at Phillies - July 26th to July 28th

1984 Topps #569
1984 Topps #587

Friday 6:40, Saturday 6:05, Sunday 1:35
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Tonight, all fans will receive a Trea Turner bobble head, and on Saturday there's a postgame concert by Kaskade.  On Sunday, all kids will receive a Kyle Schwarber "Schwarbomb" beach towel.

Cleveland Guardians 61-41
 1st Place in the A.L. Central, 4 1/2 games ahead of the Twins

Guardians Probables
Ben Lively (8-6, 3.57)
Carlos Carrasco (3-8, 5.32)
Xzavion Curry (0-2, 4.98)

Guardians Leaders
Average:  Steven Kwan - .341
Runs:  Jose Ramirez - 72
Home Runs:  Jose Ramirez - 24
RBIs:  Jose Ramirez - 82
Stolen Bases:  Jose Ramirez - 18

Wins:  Three tied with - 8
ERA:  Tanner Bibbe - 3.50
Strikeouts:  Tanner Bibbe - 130
Saves:  Emmanuel Clase - 31
Philadelphia Phillies 64-38
1st Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (7-5, 2.97)
Taylor Phillips (2-0, 2.81)
Ranger Suarez (10-5, 2.87)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .296
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 66
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 23
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.55
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 133
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
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Game 102 - Bullpen, Defense Blows It Against Twins

2018 Topps National Baseball Card
Day Philadelphia Phillies #PH-7
Twins 5, Phillies 4
Game 102 - Wednesday Afternoon, July 24th in Minneapolis
Record - 64-38, 1st Place, 9 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Late bullpen troubles doomed the Phillies in this 5-4 loss to the Twins.

What It Means:  Heading back to the Athletics series before the All-Star break, the Phillies are 3-6 in their last nine games.  As the trade deadline looms, the team is in search of bullpen reinforcements and perhaps a corner outfielder.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola allowed a second inning solo home run and six hits overall in his six innings of work.  With the Phillies up 4-1 in the bottom of the seventh, Orion Kerkering loaded the bases with two walks and a hit batter.  Kerkering exited and Matt Strahm entered, and a few batters' later the Twins had tied the score at 4-4.  The most painful blow was a two-run double by Carlos Santana on a ball that should have been caught by left fielder Brandon Marsh.

In the bottom of the ninth, Gregory Soto hit the Twins' lead-off hitter, Trevor Larnach, and Larnach advanced to second on a wild pitch.  He'd score the winning, walk-off run on a Max Kepler infield single, giving the Twins a 5-4 win.

Featured Card:  I have 20 Santana cards in my Phillies Collection, marking his one season with the team in 2018.  This is a card I've not featured before, from the SGA Topps National Baseball Card Day Phillies team set.
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Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Game 101 - Phils Squeak by Twins with 9th Inning Rally

2024 Topps Philadelphia
Phillies #PHI-7
Phillies 3, Twins 0
Game 101 - Tuesday Night, July 23rd in Minneapolis
Record - 64-37, 1st Place, 9 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Held scoreless for 16 innings in a row, the Phillies plated three runs in the top of the ninth to defeat the Twins, 3-0.

What It Means:  The series split, they'll go for a series win behind Aaron Nola on Wednesday afternoon.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler pitched one of his better games of the year, but unfortunately came away with a no decision.  He allowed three hits while walking a pair and striking out seven.  Jeff Hoffman, Gregory Soto and Matt Strahm held the Twins scoreless, with Strahm recording his first save of the season.  

In the top of the ninth, with no score and closer Jhoan Duran on the mound, Bryce Harper doubled and Alec Bohm and J.T. Realmuto drew back-to-back walks.  Brandon Marsh got the Phillies on the board with a sacrifice fly to left and Nick Castellanos provided some insurance with a two-run double.

Featured Card:  Castellanos had the more exciting RBIs, but I'll give the card to Marsh here as he broke the scoreless tie.  This is his card from the Topps retail Phillies team set.
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Game 100 - Offensive Struggles Continue in Minneapolis

2024 Topps Heritage #203
Twins 7, Phillies 2
Game 100 - Monday Night, July 22nd in Minneapolis
Record - 63-37, 1st Place, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies had one single after the first inning of this game, as their post-All Star break complete lack of offense continued to cause issues.

What It Means:  The game started late after a 90 minute rain delay, and if you only saw the Phillies' first inning before calling it a night, as I did, you saw all the Phillies highlights from this game.

What Happened:  In the top of the first, Trea Turner singled and Bryce Harper hit a moon shot of a home run to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead.  Alec Bohm would single following Harper's home run, but he'd be stranded at first.  The Phillies had one more hit over the next eight innings, a single from Bryson Stott to lead off the second.  Ranger Suarez picked up the loss, but he appeared to not be bothered by his back, which is a great sign.  Suarez gave up three runs in 5 1/3 innings.  Yunior Marte gave up three runs in the bottom of the eighth, including a run on a bases loaded walk and a run on a wild pitch, to put the game out of reach.

Featured Card:  Here's the most recent Twins' card added to my Phillies collection, with former MVP Justin Morneau sharing space with Ryan Howard.
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Monday, July 22, 2024

Phillies at Twins - July 22nd to July 24th

1984 Topps Traded #22T
 
2019 Topps 1984 Topps Baseball
35th Anniversary Rookies #84R-JC

Monday and Tuesday 7:40, Wednesday 1:10
Target Field - Minneapolis, MN

At the Ballpark:  Tonight is St. Paul Saints night at the ballpark, with holders of a special theme ticket receiving a co-branded Saints/Twins jersey.  On Tuesday, on your way out of the ballpark, all fans will receive a Twins LED nightlight.

Philadelphia Phillies 63-36
1st Place in the N.L. East, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (10-4, 2.76)
Zack Wheeler (10-4, 2.70)
Aaron Nola (11-4, 3.54)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .297
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 66
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 22
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 71
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 22

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.70
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 126
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
Minnesota Twins 54-44
 Tied for 2nd Place in the A.L. Central, 5 games behind the Guardians

Twins Probables
Bailey Ober (8-5, 4.14)
Simeon Woods Richardson (3-1, 3.51)
TBD

Twins Leaders
Average:  Carlos Correa - .308
Runs:  Willi Castro - 56
Home Runs:  Ryan Jeffers and Carlos Santana - 14
RBIs:  Carlos Correa and Ryan Jeffers - 47
Stolen Bases:  Willi Castro - 10

Wins:  Pablo Lopez and Bailey Ober - 8
ERA:  Joe Ryan - 3.65
Strikeouts:  Joe Ryan - 130
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 15
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Game 99 - Phillips Cruises Behind Phils' Bats

2024 Topps Philadelphia
Phillies #PHI-14
Phillies 6, Pirates 0
Game 99 - Sunday Afternoon, July 21st in Pittsburgh
Record - 63-36, 1st Place, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Taylor Phillips and three Phillies relievers combined to shut out the Pirates in this 6-0 victory.

What It Means:  The Phillies avoided the sweep and next head to Minnesota for a three-game set against the second place Twins.

What Happened:  Phillips improved to 2-0 with six shutout innings, limiting the Pirates to four hits while striking out three.  Yunior Marte, Jose Alvarado and Jose Ruiz kept the Pirates off the board the final three innings of the game.  Weston Wilson started the scoring with a sacrifice fly in the second, followed by an RBI single from Garrett Stubbs.  RBIs from Trea Turner, Bryce Harper and Alec Bohm in the seventh inning gave the Phillies a 5-0 lead and some breathing room.  Nick Castellanos hit a solo home run in the top of the ninth, his 14th of the year, to put the game out of reach.

Featured Card:  As I wait to add more Phillips cards to my collection, I'll go with Stubbs for this post.  The back-up catcher went 2 for 3 on the afternoon, and he filled in nicely while regular catcher J.T. Realmuto was on the Injured List.
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Sunday, July 21, 2024

Game 98 - Ortiz, Bucs Easily Handle Phils

2022 Topps Chrome #153
Pirates 4, Phillies 1
Game 98 - Saturday Night, July 20th in Pittsburgh
Record - 62-36, 1st Place, 7 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Pirates starting pitcher Luis L. Ortiz baffled the Phillies' offense in this 4-1 loss to the Pirates.

What It Means:  The Phillies have a three-game losing streak and they'll look to avoid a sweep this afternoon with Taylor Phillips on the mound.

What Happened:  Ortiz allowed three hits over seven innings, as the offense just couldn't get anything going.  Bryce Harper hit a solo home run in the ninth off Pirates' closer David Bednar.  All-Star Cristopher Sanchez battled through 5 2/3 innings, allowing a pair of runs on eight hits.  Fellow All-Star Matt Strahm gave up two big runs in the bottom of the eighth on an Oneil Cruz two-run home run.

Featured Card:  Old friend Andrew McCutchen broke a scoreless tie in the bottom of the sixth with a solo home run.

Transactions:  J.T. Realmuto (c) was activated from the Injured List and Yunior Marte (rhp) was once again recalled from Lehigh Valley.  Rafael Marchan (c) and Michael Mercado (rhp) were both optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 97 - Bullpen Falters in Loss to Pirates

2024 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club
Pirates 8, Phillies 7
Game 97 - Friday Night, July 19th in Pittsburgh
Record - 62-35, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies couldn't hold off the Pirates, and Jose Alvarado's shaky ninth inning led to a walk-off win for the bad guys.

What It Means:  This was not a great way to start off the second half and capitalize on the good vibes generated from having eight All-Stars.

What Happened:  The Phillies jumped to a quick 3-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run double from Nick Castellanos and an RBI single from Weston Wilson.  But Aaron Nola quickly gave up three Pirates runs in the bottom of the first to tie the game.  Wilson hit his first home run of the year in the top of the third, but again Nola gave the run back in the bottom of the inning.  Trea Turner added a two-run home run in the fourth, and Kyle Schwarber added an insurance run on a sacrifice fly in the fifth.

Orion Kerkering gave up two runs in the seventh, and Alvarado was immediately in trouble in the ninth, trying to hold a one-run lead.  He allowed a lead-off single to Connor Joe and walked Andrew McCutchen.  A few batters later, the game tied and McCutchen on third, Nick Gonzales singled to left to give the Pirates the win and Alvarado his third blown save.

Featured Card:  I've not featured an Alvarado card so far this season, and hopefully this serves as a good luck charm, turning his struggles around.
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Saturday, July 20, 2024

Phillies Stars Shine in Arlington, But National League Falls


American League 5, National League 3
All-Star Game - Tuesday Night, July 16th in Arlington

One Sentence Summary:  Without Rob Thomson at the helm, the National League All-Stars fell to the American League All-Stars by a score of 5-3.

What It Means:  I decided to let go of how I felt about the horrid uniforms, especially the American League's, and enjoy the game.  The game has definitely lost its luster over the years, and I don't get quite as excited about it as I used to, but it's still cool to see all the best players in the majors come together and play.  I admittedly had no idea who some of these guys were though, especially some of the American League players.

What Happened:  Shohei Ohtani hit a three-run home run in the top of the third, but the American League countered with three runs of their own on a Juan Soto two-run double and a David Fry RBI single in the bottom of the third.  Boston's Jarren Duran broke the tie with a two-run home run in the fifth off Hunter Greene.

Featured Cards:  The Phillies had a record eight All-Stars, which means I created a record nine cards for the game, plus a bonus highlight card for Alec Bohm's fine performance in the Home Run Derby.  The derby was held on Monday night, with Bohm surprisingly advancing to the semifinal round, only to fall by one home run to the Dodgers' Teoscar Hernandez, the eventual derby winner.

Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Alec Bohm were all starters for the National League, and I admittedly enjoyed the trio being miked up for the game's bottom of the second inning.  All three also collected hits.  Batting third, Turner went 1 for 3 with a single in the third off Tanner Houck, right after Ohtani's home run.  Harper was 1 for 3 out of the clean-up spot, collecting a two-out double off starter Corbin Burnes in the first inning.  And Bohm was 1 for 2, singling off Garrett Crochet in the fourth.

Ranger Suarez and Zack Wheeler both missed the trip with minor ailments, leaving three Phillies pitchers in the National League bullpen.  Cristopher Sanchez was up first in the bottom of the sixth, retiring two batters on two pitches and calling it a night.  He induced a pair of ground-outs from Isaac Paredes and Josh Naylor.  Matt Strahm got one batter in the bottom of the seventh, striking out Bobby Witt Jr. on five pitches.  And Jeff Hoffman, who would have closed the game had the National League held a lead, recorded the final out in the bottom of the eighth, with Willi Castro grounding out.

2024 Chachi #42 Tyler Phillips / 2024 Chachi #53
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Friday, July 19, 2024

Phillies at Pirates - July 19th to July 21st

2024 Chachi 1984 Topps Missing Links #8
1984 Topps #433

Friday and Saturday 6:40, Sunday 1:35
PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA

At the Ballpark:  Tonight kicks off Yinzerpalooza Weekend at the ballpark to "celebrate all the great things we love about Pittsburgh."  On Saturday, the first 20,000 fans will receive a Wiz Khalifa bobble head, and on Sunday, all kids will receive a Kids Pierogi plush.

Philadelphia Phillies 62-34
1st Place in the N.L. East, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (11-4, 3.38)
Cristopher Sanchez (7-4, 2.96)
Taylor Phillips (1-0, 4.50)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .301
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 65
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 21
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 70
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 22

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.70
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 126
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
Pittsburgh Pirates 48-48
 3rd Place in the N.L. Central, 6 1/2 games behind the Brewers

Pirates Probables
Martin Perez (1-5, 5.15)
Luis Ortiz (4-2, 2.84)
Marco Gonzales (1-0, 2.45)

Pirates Leaders
Average:  Bryan Reynolds - .284
Runs:  Andrew McCutchen - 47
Home Runs:  Bryan Reynolds - 18
RBIs:  Bryan Reynolds - 61
Stolen Bases:  Ke'Bryan Hayes - 8

Wins:  Mitch Keller - 10
ERA:  Mitch Keller - 3.46
Strikeouts:  Mitch Keller - 105
Saves:  David Bednar - 17
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Thursday, July 18, 2024

Game 96 - Phils Pounded by A's; Select Nori in Draft

2024 Chachi Draft Pick #1
Athletics 18, Phillies 3
Game 96 - Sunday Afternoon, July 14th in Philadelphia
Record - 62-34, 1st Place, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies were destroyed by the Athletics as the team prepared to send a record eight All-Stars to the All-Star Game in Arlington.

What It Means:  I don't think it means a whole lot.  The Phillies looked ready for the break and the Athletics looked as if they were auditioning for future trades to contending teams.

What Happened:  Orion Kerkering served as the opener and tossed a perfect first inning.  It was mostly downhill from there.  Michael Mercado and Seranthony Dominguez combined to allow 10 runs on eight hits while walking four in 5 1/3 innings.  They allowed five home runs between the two of them.  Jose Ruiz gave up two more home runs and three runs overall.  Garrett Stubbs was called into duty for the final three outs and allowed five more runs, including a ninth inning grand slam to Zack Gelof.  The Athletics hit eight home runs, including a pair from future Phillie (?) Brent Rooker, two more from Seth Brown and three from Lawrence Butler.  The Phillies offense had four hits, including two doubles from Alec Bohm and a first inning solo home run from Trea Turner.

Featured Card:  On Sunday night, the Phillies selected outfielder Dante Nori from Northville High School in Michigan, as the MLB Draft's 27th pick overall.  As I've done every year since 2014, here's a card for the latest top pick by the Phillies.

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Sunday, July 14, 2024

Game 95 - Phillips Wins First Big League Start

2023 Choice Reading
Fightin Phils #13
Phillies 11, Athletics 5
Game 95 - Saturday Afternoon, July 13th in Philadelphia
Record - 62-33, 1st Place, 9 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Tyler Phillips was sharp in his first major league start, and the offense provided plenty of support for the rookie in this 11-5 win over the A's.

What It Means:  The Phillies will go for the series win this afternoon, as Major League Baseball heads into its All-Star break.  Seven All-Stars from the Phillies will head to Arlington, with Ranger Suarez staying behind to rest his back.

What Happened:  Phillips allowed four runs on six hits, including two home runs, while striking out five.  He didn't give up any walks.  Six of the Phillies runs came courtesy of the long ball, with Nick Castellanos, Johan Rojas, Trea Turner and Bryce Harper all hitting home runs.  Castellanos drove in four runs, with Harper driving in three.  Rojas provided solid defense in center field, making a run-saving running catch to end an A's threat against Phillips.

Featured Card:  I have three cards for Phillips in my Phillies collection, and I've already shown them all in previous posts.  I allow myself a repeat here, and this is his first card in my collection from last year's Reading team set.
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Saturday, July 13, 2024

Game 94 - A's Down Phils; Merrifield Released

2024 Topps #661
Athletics 6, Phillies 2
Game 94 - Friday Night, July 12th in Philadelphia
Record - 61-33, 1st Place, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense couldn't take advantage of an Athletics' bullpen game, and Ranger Suarez continued to show signs of fatigue in this 6-2 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies have two more games to try to get back on track before the All-Star break.

What Happened:  Perhaps suffering from a hangover following the sweep of the Dodgers, the Phillies looked lifeless in this Friday night game.  Suarez labored through six innings, allowing four runs on six hits.  The game was still within reach in the seventh inning with the A's holding a 4-2 lead, but Jose Ruiz gave up a two-run home run to Lawrence Butler and the deficit became unsurmountable.  A's closer Mason Miller made easy work of the final three batters to end the game.

Featured Card/Transaction:  Before the game, Whit Merrifield (inf-of) was released and Weston Wilson (inf-of) was recalled from Lehigh Valley.  Merrifield struggled to get going all season and ultimately ran out of time.  He batted .199 in 53 games, collecting four doubles, three home runs and 11 RBIs.  His 11 stolen bases brought his career total to 212, placing him sixth on the active leaders' list.

Merrifield appears with the Phillies in Topps Series Two, and he's also one of 20 subjects in the Phillies Kids Club set available at the ballpark.  I'm hoping he catches on somewhere, preferably outside the National League East.

Field Report:  Our son's weekend baseball tournament had its schedule completely upended due to the rain, and Jenna and I found ourselves unexpectedly at this game.  We had dinner at Pass and Stow (Asian chicken nachos and chorizo burrito, both new to the menu) and watched some of the game through intermittent sprinkles.  I was sad to realize it's the last time I'll ever see the Oakland Athletics, given their move out of Oakland following the season.

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Friday, July 12, 2024

Athletics at Phillies - July 12th to July 14th

1984 Topps Traded #82T
1984 Topps #210

Friday 6:40, Saturday 4:05, Sunday 1:35
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  All fans attending tonight's game, and assuming the weather cooperates, will receive a sustainable Phillies hat made from recycled water bottles.  Tomorrow is the annual fan favorite Photo Day, with fans having an opportunity to take photos of the players, coaches and broadcasters on the field prior to the game.  And on Sunday, all kids will receive a Nick Castellanos Phillies basketball jersey.

Oakland Athletics 35-60
5th Place in the A.L. West, 17 games behind the Mariners

Athletics Probables
Hogan Harris (1-3, 3.22)
Mitch Spence (5-5, 4.29)
Joey Estes (3-4, 5.53)

Athletics Leaders
Average:  Brent Rooker - .279
Runs:  Brent Rooker - 40
Home Runs:  Brent Rooker - 18
RBIs:  Brent Rooker - 55
Stolen Bases:  Zack Gelof - 11

Wins:  JP Sears - 6
ERA:  JP Sears - 4.56
Strikeouts:  JP Sears - 76
Saves:  Mason Miller - 15
Philadelphia Phillies 61-32
1st Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (10-3, 2.58)
Tyler Phillips (0-0, 2.25)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .298
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 63
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 20
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 70
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 21

Wins:  Aaron Nola - 11
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 2.58
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 126
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
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Game 93 - Nola Wins 11th, Phils Complete Sweep

2024 Topps 1989 Topps Baseball
35th Anniversary #89B2-28
Phillies 5, Dodgers 1
Game 93 - Thursday Night, July 11th in Philadelphia
Record - 61-32, 1st Place, 9 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola and the back-end of the Phillies bullpen held the Dodgers to a run and five hits, securing the win and series sweep.

What It Means:  The Phillies are firing on all cylinders, and have one more series to go, against the Athletics, before the All-Star break.

What Happened:  Nola won his team-leading 11th game with six solid innings and nine strikeouts.  He allowed a solo home run to Gavin Lux in the fifth inning for the Dodgers' only run.  Matt Strahm, Jeff Hoffman and Jose Alvarado took the final three innings, shutting down Shohei Ohtani and the rest of the Dodgers.  Ohtani was held to three singles (3 for 10) and one RBI in the three-game series.

Trea Turner (9), Brandon Marsh (9) and Kyle Schwarber (19) all hit solo home runs, with Schwarber's shot an eighth inning bomb that reached the second deck.  In the sixth, Nick Castellanos singled and was tripled home by Marsh.  Johan Rojas singled home Marsh to give the Phillies a commanding 4-1 lead at the time.

Featured Card:  Here's Nola's 1989 Topps-inspired insert card from the recently released Topps Series Two, which has an unnecessarily long name.  The card is appropriate for this post, as the Phillies hosted 1980s Retro Night as part of this game.
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Thursday, July 11, 2024

Game 92 - Sanchez, Bullpen Handles Dodgers in Win

2024 Topps #528
Phillies 4, Dodgers 3
Game 92 - Wednesday Night, July 10th in Philadelphia
Record - 60-32, 1st Place, 8 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez and an amazing bullpen performance from Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman led the Phillies over the Dodgers, 4-3.

What It Means:  This Phillies team is the quickest to 60 wins since the 1976 Phillies reached the 60-win mark in their 88th game.

What Happened:  Sanchez won his seventh game, pitching six innings and allowing a pair of runs on five hits.  In the seventh, with the Phillies holding a 4-2 lead, Matt Strahm inherited runners on the corners with one out and struck out Shohei Ohtani in one of the biggest moments of the game.  Strahm got Teoscar Hernandez to fly out to right to end the threat and preserve the lead.  Jeff Hoffman pitched a 1-2-3 ninth to record his ninth save.

Kyle Schwarber led off the bottom of the first with a home run.  In the fifth, Whit Merrifield reached on a triple lost in the lights between left and center fields and Trea Turner singled him home.  Bryson Stott would single Turner home for the Phillies' fourth run.

Featured Card:  I'll give the featured card to All-Star Strahm for his work against Ohtani.

Field Report:  I attended this game in the suite level as part of a work function.

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