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Friday, August 30, 2024

Game 134 - Marsh, Castellanos Homer in Huge Win

2023 Topps Allen & Ginter #191
Phillies 5, Braves 4
Game 134 - Thursday Night, August 29th in Philadelphia
Record - 79-55, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Brandon Marsh and Nick Castellanos hit two huge home runs in this 5-4 win over the second place Braves.

What It Means:  The Phillies looked punchless through five innings, but then they turned it on just in time for the come-from-behind win.  Three more games this weekend against the Braves are coming up.

What Happened:   Braves' starter Charlie Morton kept the Phillies off-balance and off the base paths for five innings, with the Braves mounting a 4-0 lead against Cristopher Sanchez.  In the bottom of the sixth, Castellanos and J.T. Realmuto reached on singles and Marsh launched a three-run home run off Morton to get the Phillies to within a run.  In the bottom of the seventh, Trea Turner walked to start the inning, was bunted to second by Bryce Harper and went to third on an Edmundo Sosa groundout.  With two outs, Castellanos delivered one of the biggest hits of the year, crushing a two-run home run into the bushes in center field.

The bullpen trio of Orion Kerkering, Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman pitched the final 3 1/3 scoreless innings, hitting a batter, and striking out five.  Hoffman recorded his 10th save.

Featured Card:  Castellanos had the game-winning bomb, but it was Marsh's big hit that got the Phillies back into the game and injected some life into a listless ballpark.

Field Report:  And we were there, for what was a relatively boring game until the sixth inning.  We were lucky enough to take in the game from the Diamond Club, in what felt like a fall-like night.

Transaction:  Before the game, Michael Mercado (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley with Yunior Marte (rhp) taking his place in the bullpen.

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Thursday, August 29, 2024

Braves at Phillies - August 29th to September 1st

1984 Topps #365
1984 Topps #484

Thursday and Friday 6:40, Saturday 7:15 and Sunday 7:10
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Thursday is German Heritage night at the ballpark and on Sunday, all kids will receive a Phillies gold wristband to recognize the annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Night.

Atlanta Braves 66-58
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 5 1/2 games behind the Phillies

Braves Probables
Charlie Morton (7-7, 4.24)
Reynaldo Lopez (7-4, 2.02)
Max Fried (8-7, 3.50)
Spencer Schwellenbach (5-6, 3.72)

Braves Leaders (as of 8/27/24)
Average:  Marcell Ozuna - .307
Runs:  Marcell Ozuna - 82
Home Runs:  Marcell Ozuna - 37
RBIs:  Marcell Ozuna - 98
Stolen Bases:  Ronald Acuna - 16

Wins:  Chris Sale - 14
ERA:  Chris Sale - 2.62
Strikeouts:  Chris Sale - 191
Saves:  Raisel Iglesias - 28
Philadelphia Phillies 78-55
1st Place in the N.L. East, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (9-9, 3.51)
Ranger Suarez (11-5, 2.82)
Zack Wheeler (12-6, 2.74)
Aaron Nola (12-6, 3.30)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .305
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 88
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 28
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 89
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 26

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 12
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.74
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 176
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
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Game 133 - Arrighetti and Meatballs on the Menu

2024 Topps #643
Astros 10, Phillies 0
Game 133 - Wednesday Afternoon, August 28th in Philadelphia
Record - 78-55, 1st Place, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  In an absolute drubbing, Taijuan Walker suffered through his latest poor start as Astros' starter Spencer Arrighetti nearly no-hit the Phillies in this 10-0 loss.

What It Means:  Flush it.  The Phillies took two out of three from the Astros and the Braves are coming to town next for a huge four-game series beginning on Thursday night.

What Happened:  Walker allowed six runs on 13 hits, including one of three home runs surrendered to Yordan Alvarez on the day.  Michael Mercado lasted 1 1/3 innings, allowing three more home runs, including two more to Alvarez.  Max Lazar and infielder-outfielder Weston Wilson pitched the final, scoreless 1 2/3 innings.  The Phillies' offense had three singles, with Austin Hays breaking up the no-hitter with a lead-off infield single in the eighth.

Featured Card:  I have to imagine it's the end of the road for Walker in the starting pitching rotation, and he's either demoted to the bullpen or DFA'd.  He has a 6.50 ERA in 14 starts and 70 2/3 innings pitched.

Transaction:  Wilson (inf-of) was activated from the paternity list and Buddy Kennedy (inf) was sent back to Lehigh Valley without seeing any action in a game.

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Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Game 132 - Casty Supports Nola's Gem with 3-Run Bomb

2024 Topps Now Road to Opening
Day Phillies #OD-190
Phillies 5, Astros 0
Game 132 - Tuesday Night, August 27th in Philadelphia
Record - 78-54, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola, Jose Ruiz and Tanner Banks combined for a six-hit shutout and Nick Castellanos launched a three-run home run in this 5-0 win over the Astros.

What It Means:  The Phillies would go for the series sweep on Wednesday afternoon, but it would not go well.

What Happened:  Nola won his 12th game, giving up four hits and striking out six.  A four-run third inning was highlighted by Castellanos' big swing, scoring Trea Turner and Bryce Harper.  The Phillies had scored their first run when Austin Hays doubled to lead off the inning, and Turner singled him home.  An unneeded insurance run was added in the seventh on an Alec Bohm RBI-double to score Hays.  The Phillies' offense had 11 hits overall.

Featured Card:  Castellanos has been quietly consistent in August, batting .292 for the month through this game with six doubles, a triple and three home runs.

Transaction:  In a few minor moves, Dylan Covey (rhp) was activated from the 60-day injured list, cleared waivers, and was outrighted to Lehigh Valley.  David Buchanan (rhp) was traded to the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations.  Buchanan, who last pitched for the Phillies in 2015, had been 9-3 with a 4.82 ERA in 22 games and 102 2/3 innings pitched for the IronPigs.

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Game 131 - Harper Walks It Off with Clutch RBI-Single in 10th

2024 Topps Heritage #405
Phillies 3, Astros 2 (10 Innings)
Game 131 - Monday Night, August 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 77-54, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  With Zack Wheeler and the bullpen holding the Astros at bay, the Phillies won the huge first game of this series when Bryce Harper delivered a walk-off single in the 10th inning.

What It Means:  I think the Phillies are back, and this is the kind of game they would have won before the post All-Star Game swoon.

What Happened:  Wheeler went six innings, allowing a pair of runs on six hits while striking out six.  Orion Kerkering, Jeff Hoffman, Carlos Estevez and Matt Strahm followed with a scoreless inning each, with Strahm picking up the win.  Trailing 2-0 in the fifth, Brandon Marsh got the Phillies on the board with his 13th home run of the season.  An inning later, Harper led off the sixth with a double and would score on a Nick Castellanos line drive single to center.

In the top of the 10th, Johan Rojas made a fantastic catch to preserve the tie.  In the bottom of the 10th, and with Kyle Schwarber at second as the ghost runner, Harper delivered his big hit to give the Phillies the win.

Featured Card:  Somehow I've not yet featured Harper's 1975 Topps-inspired card from this year's Topps Heritage set.

Transactions:  There were a flurry of transactions before this game.  Kolby Allard (lhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley and Weston Wilson (inf) was placed on the paternity list.  Max Lazar (rhp) and Buddy Kennedy (inf) were recalled.  Jose Alvarado (lhp) was placed on the restricted list for personal reasons with Michael Mercado (rhp) taking his place in the bullpen.

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Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Game 130 - It's a Stubbs World After All

2024 Topps #409
Phillies 11, Royals 3
Game 130 - Sunday Afternoon, August 25th in Kansas City
Record - 76-54, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Garrett Stubbs fell a home run short of the cycle and was 4 for 4 in this 11-3 series finale win over the Royals.

What It Means:  We listened to the entirety of this game on the radio, from the pregame show to the postgame wrap-up, while making the 15-hour drive back from Walt Disney World on Sunday.  The drive was unplanned, as we had booked flights for our trip, but American Airlines had other plans in store for us this week in the form of an abruptly cancelled flight down to Orlando.  After some panic, some therapeutic cursing and several deep breaths, the decision was made to load up the family truckster and head out on the road.  I'm grateful to Stubbs and the Phillies for giving us two hours and forty-one minutes of enjoyable baseball between North Carolina and Maryland.

What Happened:  Kolby Allard got the start, pushing all starters back a day to provide a little more rest.  He improved to 2-0 on the year with five solid innings, scattering eight hits and allowing a pair of solo home runs.  Five of the starters had multi-hit days.  Alec Bohm got back on track with a pair of hits and three RBIs.  Kyle Schwarber also had a pair off hits, including a double, and three RBIs.  Nick Castellanos hit a two-run home run in the eighth.

Featured Card:  Is Stubbs the most popular back-up catcher in Phillies franchise history?  Here's his card from Topps Series Two.

Transaction:  Allard (lhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley with Max Lazar (rhp) temporarily getting optioned back down.

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Game 129 - Realmuto Provides Fireworks in Big Win

2024 Topps Trading Card Day
Philadelphia Phillies #PHI-5
Phillies 11, Royals 2
Game 129 - Saturday Night, August 24th in Kansas City
Record - 75-54, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  J.T. Realmuto drove in seven runs and hit two, three-run home runs in this 11-2 therapeutic thrashing of the Royals.

What It Means:  This was a much-needed laugher of a win.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez picked up the win in his return from the injured list, allowing a run on four hits and striking out six over five innings.  The Phillies banged out 18 hits, led by Bryson Stott, who was 4 for 4 with a double, Trea Turner, who was 3 for 5, and Realmuto, 3 for 5 with seven RBIs, and his 9th and 10th home runs of the season.  Seven of the team's 18 hits were doubles.  Every starter in the line-up had a hit, except the struggling Alec Bohm, who was 0 for 5.

Featured Card:  Realmuto was the star, and his seven RBIs tied Carlos Ruiz for the most RBIs in a single game by a catcher in franchise history.

Transaction:  Suarez (lhp) was activated from the injured list and Tyler Gilbert (lhp) was optioned to the IronPigs.

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Game 128 - Walker's Outing Less Than Fastasmic

2019 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #10
Royals 7, Phillies 4
Game 128 - Friday Night, August 23rd in Kansas City
Record - 74-54, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Salvador Perez and the Royals took some batting practice off Phillies' starter Taijuan Walker in this 7-4 series-opening loss.

What It Means:  Walker's spot in the rotation is tenuous at best, as he's now 3-5 with a 6.26 ERA in 13 starts for the season.  In his three starts since returning from the injured list, Walker is 0-2 with a 9.26 ERA.  In those three starts, he's pitched 11 2/3 innings, allowing 12 runs on seven walks and 16 hits.

What Happened:  The Phillies trailed 6-1 after three innings, and never really had a chance to get back into this game.  On a positive note, four Phillies had multi-hit games with J.T. Realmuto, Bryce Harper and Brandon Marsh all adding doubles.

Featured Card:  Tyler Gilbert was called on to provide a few innings of mop-up relief following Walker's ouster.  He allowed a run on two hits and one walk and had one strikeout.  Gilbert was dealt by the Phillies to the Dodgers in February 2020 for Kyle Garlick, and he threw a no-hitter as a member of the Diamondbacks in 2021.  This is one of the minor league cards of his in my collection, from the 2019 IronPigs team set.

Transaction:  Austin Hays (of) was activated from the injured list and Cal Stevenson (of) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 127 - Lack of Magic as Phils Exit Atlanta

2016 Topps Heritage #107
Braves 3, Phillies 2
Game 127 - Thursday Night, August 22nd in Atlanta
Record - 74-53, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Braves starter Spencer Schwellenbach baffled the Phillies and the offense folded quietly in this 3-2 loss.

What It Means:  It could have been a lot worse, as the Phillies escape Atlanta having lost only one game in the standings.

What Happened:  Schwellenbach channeled Cy Young, holding the Phillies to three hits and a pair of runs while striking out nine.  Cristopher Sanchez took the loss, allowing three runs on nine hits.  The Phillies' offense managed a single from Bryce Harper in the first, a single by Bryson Stott in the seventh and an RBI-double from J.T. Realmuto a few batters later to score Stott.

Featured Card:  The Phillies scored just six runs in these three games against the Braves.  I found this post from Baseball Paul interesting, noting the last time the Phillies won a series in Atlanta while ahead of the Braves in the standings was back in May 2016.  Andrew Bailey was the winning pitcher and Jeanmar Gomez secured his 13th save of the season.
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Game 126 - Like Remy, Phils Squeak By Braves

2024 Topps Heritage #105
Phillies 3, Braves 2
Game 126 - Wednesday Night, August 21st in Atlanta
Record - 74-52, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  With the offense still scuffling, the Phillies manufactured a trio of runs in this much-needed 3-2 win over the Braves.

What It Means:  They'd go for the series win on Thursday night but (spoiler alert) fall short.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola battled through 5 1/3 innings, allowing a pair of runs on eight hits, including a two-run home run to Orlando Arcia in the fourth inning.  The Phillies tied it up in the sixth, when Edmundo Sosa led off with a single, went to third on Johan Rojas' double and scored on a Kyle Schwarber groundout.  Rojas would cross the plate on a Trea Turner sacrifice fly.  In the eighth, Weston Wilson led off with a double and advanced twice on sacrifice flies from Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh.  Carlos Estevez made it interesting in the ninth, but induced a game-inning ground out to first from Whit Merrifield with the tying run on third, to end the game.

Featured Card:  Wilson has been one of the lone bright spots in the Phillies line-up the last few weeks, and he was 2 for 3 while scoring the winning run in this game.  He was batting .362 following this game and up to this point was batting .579 (11 for 19) with three doubles, a triple and a home run in August.
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Game 125 - Quiet Offense Again Doom (Buggies) Phillies

2024 Topps #356
Braves 3, Phillies 1
Game 125 - Tuesday Night, August 20th in Atlanta
Record - 73-52, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted a solid effort by Zack Wheeler as the offense collected five singles in this series-opening, 3-1 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:  This was not the start the Phillies were hoping for on a key, six-game road trip against the Braves and surging Royals.

What Happened:  Wheeler dropped to 12-6, allowing a pair of runs and striking out eight over six innings of work.  J.T. Realmuto drove in the only run with a fourth inning single to score Alec Bohm.  Former Phillie Whit Merrifield started at second for the Braves and went 2 for 3 with a triple and a run scored.

Featured Card:  Reliever Jose Alvarado is lost.  With the Phillies trailing, 2-1, Alvarado entered this game in the bottom of the eighth, walked the bases loaded and forced home a run with his fourth walk of the inning.  Max Lazar had to be summoned from the bullpen to strike out Merrifield and get out of the bases-loaded jam.
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Monday, August 26, 2024

Astros at Phillies - August 26th to August 28th

1984 Topps #692
1984 Topps #458

Monday and Tuesday 6:40, Wednesday 4:05
 Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  It's Star Wars night at the ballpark tonight, and fans who purchased a special theme night ticket will receive a Ranger Suarez Mandalorian bobblehead.  On Wednesday afternoon, fans 55 and over can stroll the bases following the game.

Houston Astros 70-60
1st Place in the A.L. West, 4 1/2 games ahead of the Mariners

Astros Probables
Ronel Blanco (9-6, 3.14)
Justin Verlander (3-3, 3.92)
Spencer Arrighetti (6-11, 4.94)

Astros Leaders
Average:  Yordan Alvarez - .306
Runs:  Jose Altuve - 74
Home Runs:  Yordan Alvarez - 25
RBIs:  Yainer Diaz - 72
Stolen Bases:  Jose Altuve - 18

Wins:  Framber Valdez - 13
ERA:  Ronel Blanco - 3.14
Strikeouts:  Hunter Brown - 151
Saves:  Josh Hader - 28
Philadelphia Phillies 76-54
1st Place in the N.L. East, 6 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (12-6, 2.73)
Aaron Nola (11-6, 3.45)
Cristopher Sanchez (9-9, 3.51)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .294
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 87
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 28
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 88
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 25

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 12
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.73
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 170
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
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Friday, August 23, 2024

Phillies at Royals - August 23rd to August 25th

1984 Topps #511
1984 Topps #74

Friday 8:10, Saturday 7:10 and Sunday 2:10
Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City, MO

At the Ballpark:  Tonight, the first 15,000 fans will receive a Lorenzo Cain bobblehead and there's a postgame fireworks show.  On Sunday, the first 5,000 kids will receive a pair of Royals youth sunglasses.

Philadelphia Phillies

1980 Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bake McBride - .309
Runs:  Mike Schmidt - 104
Home Runs:  Mike Schmidt - 48
RBIs:  Mike Schmidt - 121
Stolen Bases:  Lonnie Smith - 33

Wins:  Steve Carlton - 24
ERA:  Steve Carlton - 2.34
Strikeouts:  Steve Carlton - 286
Saves:  Tug McGraw - 20
Kansas City Royals

1980 Royals Leaders
Average:  George Brett - .390
Runs:  Willie Wilson - 133
Home Runs:  George Brett - 24
RBIs:  George Brett - 118
Stolen Bases:  Willie Wilson - 79

Wins:  Dennis Leonard - 20
ERA:  Larry Gura - 2.95
Strikeouts:  Dennis Leonard - 155
Saves:  Dan Quisenberry - 33
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Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Phillies at Braves - August 20th to August 22nd

2024 Chachi 1984 Topps Missing Links #5
1984 Topps #466

Tuesday and Wednesday 7:20, Thursday 7:15
Truist Park - Atlanta, GA

At the Ballpark:  On Tuesday, the first 15,000 fans will receive a Chick-fil-A cow bobblehead, with the cow wearing a Braves jersey.  On Wednesday, the first 15,000 fans will receive an Ozzie Albies and Pucci (his dog?) bobblehead.

Philadelphia Phillies 73-51
1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (12-5, 2.72)
Aaron Nola (11-6, 3.45)
Cristopher Sanchez (9-8, 3.46)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .296
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 84
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 28
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 85
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 25

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 12
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.72
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 162
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
Atlanta Braves 66-58
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 7 games behind the Phillies

Braves Probables
Reynaldo Lopez (7-4, 2.06)
Max Fried (7-7, 3.62)
Spencer Schwellenbach (4-6, 4.04)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Marcell Ozuna - .309
Runs:  Marcell Ozuna - 79
Home Runs:  Marcell Ozuna - 36
RBIs:  Marcell Ozuna - 93
Stolen Bases:  Ronald Acuna - 16

Wins:  Chris Sale - 14
ERA:  Chris Sale - 2.62
Strikeouts:  Chris Sale - 187
Saves:  Raisel Iglesias - 26
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Monday, August 19, 2024

Game 124 - Bullpen Falters as Nats Avoid Sweep

2013 Finest 1993 Finest #93F-CR
Nationals 6, Phillies 4
Game 124 - Sunday Afternoon, August 18th in Philadelphia
Record - 73-51, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Two late runs were the difference in this game, as the Nationals scored off All-Star relievers Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman to steal a 6-4 win over the Phillies.

What It Means:  The Phillies won three out of the four games with the Nationals, and they're off to Atlanta to face off against the second place Braves with a crucial series beginning Tuesday night.

What Happened:  Taijuan Walker started for the Phillies, and departed after 4 2/3 innings with the Nationals leading, 3-2.  Tanner Banks gave up another run in the top of the sixth, but the Phillies battled back to tie the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the sixth on back-to-back home runs from Bryson Stott and Brandon Marsh.  The usually reliable Strahm and Hoffman gave up runs to the Nationals in the eighth and ninth innings, respectively.  In the bottom of the ninth, with J.T. Realmuto and Bryce Harper available off the bench, Edmundo Sosa singled to start the inning but then Cal Stevenson grounded into a rally-killing double play.

Featured Card:  The Phillies hosted another fantastic pre-game ceremony before this game, this time recognizing alumni, Wall of Famers and key moments from the first 20 years of Citizens Bank Park.  There were memorable moments from the first few years (2004-07), the dynasty years (2008-11) and recent years (2019-23), with almost no reference of the dark times (2012-18), other than Rhys Hoskins' home run tear in 2017 as a rookie.  I'll go with a card for Carlos Ruiz here, as he served as a stand-in during the ceremony for the late, great Roy Halladay.
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Sunday, August 18, 2024

Game 123 - Sanchez's CG Downs Nationals

2024 Topps Now Road to
Opening Day Bonus #ODB13
Phillies 5, Nationals 1
Game 123 - Saturday Night, August 17th in Philadelphia
Record - 73-50, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  On Wall of Fame Night, Cristopher Sanchez tossed his second complete game of the season, as the Phillies defeated the Nationals, 5-1.

What It Means:  The Phillies will go for a four-game sweep this afternoon.  After a off-day Monday, a big road trip begins on Tuesday with three against the Braves and then three against the Royals.

What Happened:  In another wonderful pre-game ceremony, former Phillies executive David Montgomery was posthumously inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame.  We had bigger fish to fry on Saturday, with a college visit to Swarthmore for our oldest son, so this was the first Wall of Fame ceremony we missed since 2011.

Sanchez needed 99 pitches for his complete game win, allowing a single and a fourth inning home run to Alex Call.  He struck out four on the way to his ninth win of the season.  Nick Castellanos tied the game in the bottom of the fourth with an RBI double, and the Phillies plated four more runs in the sixth.  Trea Turner led off with a double, and then five singles from Alec Bohm, Nick Castellanos, J.T. Realmuto, Edmundo Sosa and Johan Rojas, made it 5-1, Phillies.

Featured Card:  Sanchez's cardboard appearances are still fairly sparse, and this is the "bonus" card recently mailed to purchasers of the Topps Now Road to Opening Day Phillies team set.  The card was created to mark Sanchez's shutout against the Marlins in June.

Transaction:  Tyler Gilbert (lhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Tyler Phillips (rhp) was optioned back down.  Spencer Turnbull (rhp) was moved to the 60-day injured list to make room for Gilbert on the 40-man roster.

Wall of Fame Memory Lane
2009 - Harry Kalas
2010 - Darren Daulton
2011 - John Kruk
2012 - Mike Lieberthal
2013 - Curt Schilling
2014 - Charlie Manuel
2015 - Pat Burrell
2016 - Jim Thome
2017 - Tribute to Jim Bunning, Dallas Green and Darren Daulton
2018 - Pat Gillick and Roy Halladay
2019 - Bobby Abreu (Part One and Two)
2020 - Manny Trillo
2022 - Bake McBride and Ron Reed
2023 - Ruly Carpenter, John Quinn and Scott Rolen (Part One and Part Two)
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Game 122 - Turner Walks It Off as Good Vibes Continue

2024 Topps #352
Phillies 3, Nationals 2
Game 122 - Friday Night, August 16th in Philadelphia
Record - 72-50, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner capped a 4 for 5 night with a walk-off single to score Brandon Marsh in this 3-2 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  It appears (hopefully) as if things are back on track for the Phillies.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola pitched 6 2/3 shutout innings, scattering seven hits and striking out four, but was left with a no-decision after Carlos Estevez blew his first home save chance in the ninth.  The Phillies had scored twice in the third.  Turner singled to start the inning and was at third base with two outs when Nick Castellanos singled to left.  Castellanos stole second base and came home on a J.T. Realmuto single up the middle.  Estevez couldn't convert the 2-0 lead into a save, giving up three straight singles to start the ninth.

Featured Card:  Turner was given the night off on Wednesday, and went a combined 7 for 10 with a pair of doubles on Thursday and Friday.  Brandon Marsh led off the ninth with a single to right and went to second on an error by right fielder Alex Call.  Cal Stevenson then laid done a perfect bunt, advancing Marsh and safely reaching first for an infield single.  Kyle Schwarber was intentionally walked, setting up Turner's big hit to win the game.

Field Report:  We were there, and while it was great to see a walk-off win, the highlight for me had to be the pregame ceremony honoring Carlos Ruiz.  The Phillies always do these things right, and the highlight video shown of Ruiz's greatest hits brought goosebumps.  To top it off, Ruiz threw out a ceremonial first pitch to former closer Brad Lidge, reversing the roles each played in the clinching game of the 2008 World Series.

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Friday, August 16, 2024

Game 121 - Offense Comes Alive, Backed by Wilson's Cycle

2024 Chachi #60

Phillies 13, Nationals 3
Game 121 - Thursday Night, August 15th in Philadelphia
Record - 71-50, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Highlighted by Weston Wilson's cycle, the Phillies banged out 17 hits en route to a 13-3 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  All is right with the world?

What Happened:  The Phillies jumped on the Nationals quickly, scoring four first inning runs.  Alec Bohm got the party started with a three-run home run, followed by a Nick Castellanos solo homer.  They plated five more runs in the fourth.  Weston Wilson led off with a triple and came home on a Johan Rojas single to left.  Kyle Schwarber singled, Trea Turner doubled him home and Bryce Harper singled Turner home to make it 8-0, Phillies.  Castellanos capped the inning's activity with an RBI single to bring home Harper.  Four more runs would score by the end of the night, with Wilson hitting a solo home run and Johan Rojas contributing a two-run single in the eighth.

Featured Card:  Wilson had a memorable night, collecting the 10th cycle in Phillies' history and becoming the first Phillies rookie to accomplish the feat.  Following his triple to start the fourth, he singled before the inning ended.  In the seventh, he hit a solo home run to right center, his third of the season.  And in the eighth, he lofted a fly ball that just eluded right fielder Alex Call diving attempt, dropping in for a double. 

Field Report:  And we were there!  Jenna and I enjoyed our now traditional pre-game meal at Pass and Stowe before walking the concourse and taking in the game from various vantage points.  It was a little over a year ago we witnessed Michael Lorenzen's no-hitter.

2024 Chachi #59 Max Lazar / 2024 Chachi #61 Tyler Gilbert
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Thursday, August 15, 2024

Game 120 - Schwarber's Slam Saves Season?

2024 Topps Trading Card Day
Philadelphia Phillies #PHI-3
Phillies 9, Marlins 5
Game 120 - Wednesday Night, August 14th in Philadelphia
Record - 70-50, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Seemingly headed towards another painful defeat, Kyle Schwarber's fourth inning grand slam gave the Phillies the lead and ultimately the 9-5 win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  Schwarber's big hit could not have come at a better time.  With only the White Sox with a worse record since the All-Star break, and having lost four in a row, the Phillies desperately needed a win.  They'll try to keep the positive momentum going with a four-game weekend set against the Nationals beginning tonight.

What Happened:  Tyler Phillips spotted the Marlins five runs in his shaky outing, with the Phillies trailing 5-2 headed to the bottom of the fourth.  With two outs and J.T Realmuto (walked), Edmundo Sosa (reached on fielder's choice) and Johan Rojas (singled) on base, Schwarber's slam just cleared the left-center field wall, giving the Phillies a 6-5 lead.  They'd add three important insurance runs in the seventh on four straight hits - Bryce Harper doubled, Alec Bohm singled, Bryson Stott doubled and Realmuto doubled.  Carlos Estevez pitched a perfect ninth to secure the win.

Featured Card:  This is Schwarber's Topps Trading Card Day card, available at the ballpark as a giveaway on July 29th.
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Nationals at Phillies - August 15th to August 18th

1984 Topps #620
2024 Chachi 1984 Topps Missing Links #11

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

At the Ballpark:  It's Alumni Weekend this weekend, one of the best weekends of the year to attend Phillies games.  Tonight, all adults will receive a Phillies floppy hat.  On Friday night, there will be a pre-game celebration honoring Carlos Ruiz and John Oates will sing the national anthem.  Before Saturday's game, former Phillies executive David Montgomery will be posthumously inducted into the Phillies Wall of Fame.  And Sunday is Phillies Alumni Day, with dozens of former players, coaches and managers honored before the game.

Washington Nationals 55-66
4th Place in the N.L. East, 15 1/2 games behind the Phillies

Nationals Probables
Mitchell Parker (6-6, 3.83)
Patrick Corbin (2-12, 5.98)
MacKenzie Gore (7-10, 4.50)
Jake Irvin (9-10, 3.72)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Luis Garcia - .291
Runs:  CJ Abrams - 71
Home Runs:  CJ Abrams - 17
RBIs:  CJ Abrams and Luis Garcia - 59
Stolen Bases:  Lane Thomas - 28

Wins:  Jake Irvin - 9
ERA:  Jake Irvin - 3.72
Strikeouts:  MacKenzie Gore - 130
Saves:  Kyle Finnegan - 30
Philadelphia Phillies 70-50
1st Place in the N.L. East, 6 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (11-5, 2.78)
Aaron Nola (11-6, 3.60)
Cristopher Sanchez (8-8, 3.63)
Taijuan Walker (3-4, 5.68)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .297
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 82
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 28
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 81
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 24

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.78
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 156
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
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Game 119 - Phils Fall Quietly to Fish

2024 Topps #456
Marlins 5, Phillies 0
Game 119 - Tuesday Night, August 13th in Philadelphia
Record - 69-50, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Mired in a slump, slogging through the worst stretch of games of the season, the Phillies looked flat and lifeless in this 5-0 loss to the remnants of what had been a major league Marlins team.

What It Means:  Perhaps this is the low point of the season?

What Happened:  The Marlins dealt away most of their regular players leading up to the trade deadline, and the current line-up is largely call-ups from the minor leagues.  Still, they were able to connect for three runs on four hits against Taijuan Walker, making his return from the injured list, and three Marlins pitchers held the Phillies' line-up to four hits.  Walker labored through four innings, setting the tone from the outset by allowing a pair of Marlins runs in the first inning.  The ballpark was quiet through all nine innings and the fans departed disgusted.

Featured Card:  Former Phillie Cristian Pache entered the game in center field for the Marlins after an injury to Vidal Brujan.  Pache went 0 for 3 with three strikeouts, staying on theme for any member, former or current, of the 2024 Phillies.

Transaction:  Walker (rhp) was activated and Yunior Marte (rhp) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley.

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Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Marlins at Phillies - August 13th to August 14th

2024 Chaci Series Preview #5
2012 Topps Archives #188

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

At the Ballpark:  It's Harry Potter theme night tonight and the Italian Heritage Celebration is tomorrow night.  The first 4,000 fans to purchase a Harry Potter theme night ticket will receive an exclusive Phillies Harry Potter House scarf.

Miami Marlins 44-75
5th Place in the N.L. East, 25 1/2 games behind the Phillies

Marlins Probables
Valente Bellozzo (1-1, 3.05)
TBD

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Jake Burger - .251
Runs:  Jake Burger - 48
Home Runs:  Jake Burger - 22
RBIs:  Jake Burger - 53
Stolen Bases:  Xavier Edwards - 16

Wins:  Tanner Scott - 6
ERA:  N/A
Strikeouts:  Edward Cabrera - 68
Saves:  Tanner Scott - 18
Philadelphia Phillies 69-49
1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Taijuan Walker (3-3, 5.60)
Tyler Phillips (4-1, 4.83)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .297
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 81
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 27
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 80
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.78
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 156
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13
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Monday, August 12, 2024

Game 118 - Phils Limp Home After Series Loss in Phoenix

1988 Topps Traded #71T
Diamondbacks 12, Phillies 5
Game 118 - Sunday Afternoon, August 11th in Phoenix
Record - 69-49, 1st Place, 7 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies continued to find ways to lose, with Cristopher Sanchez and Jose Alvarado struggling and sloppy defense in this 12-5 loss to the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  The Phillies finished a long west coast road trip with a respectable 4-6 record.  It could have been better, but it could have been a lot worse.  With the Braves struggling, they managed to add 2 1/2 games in the standings despite the rough few weeks.  The Marlins and Nationals are in Philadelphia for the next six games, beginning on Tuesday night.

What Happened:  Sanchez gave up seven runs on 12 hits in 4 2/3 innings and the bullpen allowed five more runs before this game was over.  The Diamondbacks seemed to always have runners on base throughout the entire game, with Jake McCarthy, Adrian Del Castillo and Kevin Newman all having three-hit games.

Featured Card:  The 2024 Summer Olympics ended on Sunday, and here's a card of Mickey Morandini who was a member of Team USA at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.  Baseball was still a demonstration sport that year, but USA defeated Japan to win the tournament.

Transaction:  The Phillies claimed Kyle Tyler (rhp) off waivers from the Miami Marlins and optioned him to Lehigh Valley.  To make room on the 40-man roster for Tyler, Nick Nelson (rhp) was designated for assignment.

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Sunday, August 11, 2024

Game 117 - D-Backs Mash Nola, Marte in Lopsided Loss

2024 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (1st Edition) #22
Diamondbacks 11, Phillies 1
Game 117 - Saturday Night, August 10th in Phoenix
Record - 69-48, 1st Place, 7 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola labored, Yunior Marte threw some BP and the Phillies offense was once again missing in this 11-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  The Phillies will attempt to tie the series and avoid a series loss this afternoon.

What Happened:  Battling a lack of command, Nola threw 88 pitches over five innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on nine hits and three walks.  Marte retired just two batters in the seventh, giving up a pair of home runs and seven runs overall.  The Phillies scored in the fifth when Kyle Schwarber walked, Trea Turner doubled, and Bryce Harper grounded out to short to bring Schwarber home.  Overall, the offense was 0 for 8 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Max Lazar made his big league debut following Marte's implosion, retiring all four batters he faced and striking out Joc Pederson for his first strikeout.  To date, the only Lazar card in my collection is from the first Reading Fightin Phils team set released earlier this year.
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Game 116 - D-Backs' Dinger Walks It Off Against Hoffman

2023 Topps Heritage #140
Diamondbacks 3, Phillies 2
Game 116 - Late Friday Night, August 9th in Phoenix
Record - 69-47, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies battled back to tie this game late, only for Adrian Del Castillo to hit the first pitch thrown by Jeff Hoffman in the bottom of the ninth into the right field bleachers for a 3-2 Diamondbacks win.

What It Means:  Where is the Phillies offense?

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler deserved better.  He pitched six innings, scattering seven hits and allowing two runs while striking out eight.  The Phillies didn't score until the seventh inning, when Bryce Harper hit a solo home run to left, his 26th of the season.  In the eighth, Nick Castellanos drew a walk and Johan Rojas doubled him home a few batters later to tie the score.  Tanner Banks and Matt Strahm had kept the Diamondbacks from scoring for two innings, but the game ended after Hoffman's first pitch of the ninth.

Featured Card/Transactions:  The Phillies made a bunch of roster moves prior to this game.  Cal Stevenson (of) and Max Lazar (rhp) had their contracts purchased from Lehigh Valley.  Austin Hays (of) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.  Kolby Allard (lhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.  Darick Hall (1b) and Max Castillo (rhp) were designated for assignment to open up two spots on the 40-man roster for Stevenson and Lazar.

Hall could clear waivers and come back to the IronPigs, but I'd guess he'll likely land elsewhere.  In 59 games with the Phillies in 2022 and 2023, Hall batted .226 with 10 home runs and 19 RBIs.
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