Game 149 - Sanchez Deals, while Kennedy and Realmuto Deliver Huge Hits

2023 Topps Chrome Platinum
Anniversary #44

Phillies 2, Mets 1
Game 149 - Sunday Afternoon, September 15th in Philadelphia
Record - 90-59, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez threw another gem and J.T. Realmuto walked it off with a clutch single up the middle, as the Phillies won a hug game over the Mets, 2-1.

What It Means:  The Phillies are the first team in the majors with 90 wins this season, and their Magic Number to clinch the pennant dropped to six.  They'll head to Milwaukee next for a three-game series against the Central division-leading Brewers.

What Happened:  Sanchez was fantastic, allowing a solo home run to Tyrone Taylor as his only blemish on the day.  He allowed six hits overall while striking out seven.  Orion Kerkering and Jose Ruiz pitched the final two scoreless innings.  Weston Wilson led off the bottom of the eighth with a double, and Buddy Kennedy doubled him home to tie the game.  In the bottom of the ninth, with Mets' closer Edwin Diaz on the mound, Nick Castellanos singled to right, stole second base and came home to score the winning run on Realmuto's big hit.

Featured Card:  Realmuto's hit was obviously the bigger hit here, but Kennedy's RBI-double tied the game and set up the walk-off heroics.  Kennedy will hopefully receive a Phillies card or two in 2025, and for now, I'll settle for showing his card from the 2023 Topps Chrome Platinum Anniversary set, not released until this past May.

Transaction:  Alec Bohm (3b) was activated from the injured list and Aramis Garcia (c) was designated for assignment.

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Game 148 - Harper, Stevenson Lead Phils to Comeback Win Over Mets

2024 Topps Chrome
1989 Topps Baseball #89CB-10

Phillies 6, Mets 4
Game 148 - Saturday Afternoon, September 14th in Philadelphia
Record - 89-59, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves and Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Bryce Harper homered twice and Cal Stevenson made a leaping grab in the outfield while driving in a pair of runs at the plate in this 6-4 win over the Mets.

What It Means:  The win decreased the team's Magic Number to clinch the National League East pennant to seven games.

What Happened:  Kolby Allard continued the trend of troubling starts by the team's fifth starters.  The Mets were up 4-0 quickly, with Allard departing after three innings and turning it over to Taijuan Walker, who threw three scoreless innings.  The Phillies started chipping away when Harper hit his first home run, a solo shot, in the fourth.  He homered again in the sixth with Trea Turner on board to make it 4-3, Mets.  

In the seventh, Cal Stevenson laced a double to right, scoring two runs, and giving the Phillies the lead.  Stevenson would then bring a J.D. Martinez fly ball back into the ballpark in the top of the eighth, leaping over the center field wall to make the catch.  J.T. Realmuto added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth with a double.

Featured Card:  Stevenson came up big, but Harper's two blasts gave the home crowd something to cheer about and woke up the team.  This is one of the newest Harper cards in my collection from the Topps Chrome release.

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

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Game 147 - Nola's Very Bad 5th Inning Leads to Loss

1979 Topps #566

Mets 11, Phillies 3
Game 147 - Friday Night, September 13th in Philadelphia
Record - 88-59, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Two, three-run home runs in the sixth inning sunk Aaron Nola and the Phillies in this 11-3 drubbing from the second place Mets.

What It Means:  The Phillies need to win these crucial games, and hopefully Nola can figure out what went wrong.

What Happened:  The offense wasn't much help either, with the bats going quiet against Mets' pitching until the ninth inning.  Jose Quintana pitched seven shutout innings, allowing three hits and striking out four.  Brandon Marsh hit a three-run home run in the ninth following walks to Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper.  Nola went 4 1/3 innings, allowing six runs on six hits, including two big home runs to Francisco Alvarez and Brandon Nimmo in the nightmare sixth inning.

Featured Card:  Former Mets and Phillies pitcher Nino Espinosa says, "Let's flush this one and look ahead to the next game."

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Game 146 - Wheeler and Wilson Lead Phils to Win, Series Sweep

2024 Topps #658

Phillies 3, Rays 2
Game 146 - Wednesday Night, September 11th in Philadelphia
Record - 88-58, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler won his 15th game and Weston Wilson delivered a tie-breaking RBI single in the sixth as the Phillies beat the Rays, 3-2, completing the three-game series sweep.

What It Means:  The Mets come to town next for a big three-game series beginning on Friday night.

What Happened:  Wheeler went six strong innings, allowing a pair of runs on four hits, while striking out nine.  Matt Strahm, a revitalized Jose Alvarado and Carlos Estevez took it from there, with Estevez recording his fifth save with the Phillies.  Nick Castellanos got some revenge, after being hit in Tuesday night's game, with a two-run home in the first.  With the score tied 2-2, Wilson singled home Castellanos with the go-ahed and eventual winning run.

Featured Card:  Here's Wilson's rookie card from Topps Series Two.

Transaction:  Nick Nelson (rhp) cleared waivers and was outrighted to the IronPigs.

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Mets at Phillies - September 13th to September 15th

1984 Topps Traded #57T

1984 Topps #229

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

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies will wear their City Connect jerseys for the final time in the 2024 regular season tonight.  On Sunday, all kids will receive a Phanatic lunch bag.

New York Mets 80-66
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 8 games behind the Phillies

Mets Probables
Jose Quintana (8-9, 4.09)
Luis Severino (10-6, 3.74)
David Peterson (9-2, 2.98)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Francisco Lindor - .268
Runs:  Francisco Lindor - 102
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor - 31
RBIs:  Francisco Lindor - 85
Stolen Bases:  Francisco Lindor - 27

Wins:  Sean Manaea - 11
ERA:  Sean Manaea - 3.35

Strikeouts:  Sean Manaea - 171
Saves:  Edwin Diaz - 18

Philadelphia Phillies 88-58
1st Place in the N.L. East, 8 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (12-7, 3.41)
Kolby Allard (2-0, 3.50)
Cristopher Sanchez (10-9, 3.33)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .298
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 100
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 35
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 95
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 29

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 15
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.60
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 199
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13

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Game 145 - Schwarber Sets Record, Tempers Flare, Phils Prevail

2023 Topps Heritage #508

Phillies 9, Rays 4
Game 145 - Tuesday Night, September 10th in Philadelphia
Record - 87-58, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves and Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber set a home run record and the Phillies plated five runs in the eighth inning, eventually winning the game, 9-4.

What It Means:  This game had a little bit of everything, including a good, old-fashioned bench clearing in the eighth.

What Happened:  Schwarber started the bottom of the first with this 14th lead-off home run of the season, breaking the single-season record set in 2003 by the Nationals' Alfonso Soriano.  The Rays kept battling, tying the game at 2-2 in the top of the third before Trea Turner hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the third to make it 4-2, Phillies.  The Rays would tie it again in the sixth, chasing the struggling Ranger Suarez from the game after 5 1/3 innings.

2024 Chachi #65

In the eighth, Brandon Marsh drew a walk and Kody Clemens doubled him to third, with the Rays then bringing in Edwin Uceta from the bullpen.  Pinch-hitter Cal Stevenson laced a two-run double to right, scoring both runners and giving the Phillies a 6-4 lead.  Buddy Kennedy then collected his first hit with the Phillies, driving home Clemens, and Turner followed that with his second two-run home run of the game.  With Uceta still on the mound, Bryce Harper doubled and Uceta then drilled Nick Castellanos in the back, causing both benches and bullpens to empty.  Uceta was ejected and would later receive a three-game suspension.

Featured Cards:  I went with a few cards for this game, with Turner getting the shaft even though he was 3 for 5 with two home runs.  Stevenson received a Phillies card last year in the Topps Heritage High Number release, even though he had yet to play a game with the team.  And I wanted to pay tribute to Schwarber's record breaking home run with a special highlight card.

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2024 Chachi #64 Seth Johnson / 2024 Chachi #66

Game 144 - Clemens Walks It Off!

Phillies 2, Rays 1
Game 144 - Monday Night, September 9th in Philadelphia
Record - 86-58, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  After the Rays tied the game in the top of the ninth, Kody Clemens came through in the bottom of the ninth with a walk-off single to right to give the Phillies a 2-1 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies are riding some great vibes right now, and hopefully it continues for the next month and a half.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez and the Rays' bullpen were locked in a pitchers' duel, with the first run of the game coming in the sixth when Kyle Schwarber hit his 34th home run of the season.  Orion Kerkering and Jeff Hoffman kept the Rays from scoring in the seventh and eighth, but Carlos Estevez allowed a lead-off home run to pinch-hitter Brandon Lowe in the bottom of the ninth.  Center fielder Johan Rojas almost made a spectacular catch of the ball, but it bounced out of his glove and over the fence.

In the bottom of the ninth, Bryce Harper was on first with two outs when Bryson Stott singled him over to second.  Pinch-hitter (and Millville's own) Buddy Kennedy drew a huge six-pitch walk to load the bases, and Clemens came through with his game-winning hit.

Featured Card:  Our youngest son Ben had met Clemens back in July at a poorly organized autograph signing at the Deptford Mall that also featured John Kruk and Jose Alvarado.  All autograph seekers were made to wait in one multi-hours long line whether they had tickets for Clemens, Alvarado or Kruk.  Still it was nice to briefly meet Clemens and he was kind enough to pose for a quick picture.

Field Report:  Doug and I were at this game, enjoying the company of several distinguished guests of ALS United Mid-Atlantic in the executive dining room prior to the game.  The annual sponsor's night has been pared down quite a bit, as the Phillies used to have us down on the field prior to the game for a pre-game ceremony.  I have a feeling the change is largely due to the Phillies actually fielding a competitive team in recent years as compared to the pre-pandemic lean years.

Transaction:  Tyler Gilbert (lhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley, taking the place of Seth Johnson (rhp) who was optioned back down.

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Rays at Phillies - September 9th to September 11th

2024 Chachi Series Preview #8

1984 Topps #252

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

At the Ballpark:  There are a bunch of theme nights scheduled for this series for holders of special theme night tickets.  The newest offering appears to be Pickleball Night, which is tonight, and offers fans the chance for an exclusive Phillies Phanatic branded paddle and paddle cover.

Tampa Bay Rays 71-72
4th Place in the A.L. East, 11 games behind the Yankees

Rays Probables
Cole Sulser (0-0, 0.00)
Taj Bradley (6-10, 4.40)
Shane Baz (2-3, 3.27)

Rays Leaders
Average:  Yandy Diaz - .279
Runs:  Jose Caballero - 52
Home Runs:  Jose Siri - 17
RBIs:  Yandy Diaz - 64
Stolen Bases:  Jose Caballero - 39

Wins:  Ryan Peipot - 8
ERA:  N/A
Strikeouts:  Taj Bradley - 131
Saves:  Pete Fairbanks - 23

Philadelphia Phillies 85-58
1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 games ahead of the Braves and Mets

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (10-9, 3.45)
Ranger Suarez (12-6, 2.90)
Zack Wheeler (14-6, 2.59)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .296
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 97
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 33
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 93
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 29

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 14
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.59
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 190
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13

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Game 143 - Johnson Shelled by Marlins in Debut

2024 Choice Bowie Baysox #19

Marlins 10, Phillies 1
Game 143 - Sunday Afternoon, September 8th in Miami
Record - 85-58, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Braves and Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Seth Johnson was slammed by the Marlins in his big league debut, and the Phillies offense was baffled by Marlins' starting pitcher Edward Cabrera in this 10-1 loss.

What It Means:  Splitting the four-game series with the Marlins is disappointing, given the Marlins are running out a team of guys who likely would be in Triple-A if not for the many trades made by the club prior to the deadline this year.  The Rays come to town next for a three-game series.

What Happened:  Johnson was in trouble from the start, beginning the game with a lead-off walk and then allowing a two-run home run to Connor Norby.  He'd work out of trouble in the first, and allow just one more run in the second, before the wheels came off in the third.  After getting Jake Burger to ground out for the inning's first out, Johnson allowed a walk, four straight singles and a double before getting pulled.  Max Lazar relieved him and gave up a two-run home run, completing Johnson's line for the day - 2 1/3 innings, eight hits, nine earned runs, three walks.

Cabrera held the Phillies hitless until the sixth inning.  Garrett Stubbs made his fourth relief appearance of the season, lowering his ERA to 15.75.

Featured Card:  Here's Johnson's only 2024 baseball card appearance to date, from the Bowie Baysox team set.

Transaction:  Johnson (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Edmundo Sosa (inf) was placed on the injured list with back spasms.

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Game 142 - Phils Fall to Marlins, Ending Winning Streak at Six

2007 Upper Deck #391

Marlins 9, Phillies 5
Game 142 - Saturday Afternoon, September 7th in Miami
Record - 85-57, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola didn't have it and Taijuan Walker didn't help as the Phillies fell to the Marlins, 9-5.

What It Means:  The loss ended a modest six-game winning streak, and the Phillies will go for the series win tomorrow afternoon behind Seth Johnson.  Johnson will be making his big league debut, and was acquired from the Orioles in July for Gregory Soto.

What Happened:  It seemed as if Nola was in constant trouble from the start.  He didn't last five innings, and allowed five runs (four earned) on nine hits, including a pair of home runs.  Walker pitched the final two innings and allowed the Marlins to tack on three more runs.  Only two were earned due to a costly error from Trea Turner.  Bryson Stott stayed hot with three hits.

Featured Card:  Griffin Conine, the son of Marlins' great Jeff Conine, made his major league debut with Miami on August 26th.  He was 1 for 4 in this game while playing left field, and I hope he heats up right after the Phillies leave town.  I have six cards of the elder Conine in my Phillies Collection, including this card from the 2007 Upper Deck set.

Transaction:  With J.T. Realmuto banged up, the Phillies selected the contract of Aramis Garcia (c) from Lehigh Valley and designated Nick Nelson (rhp) for assignment.  They also claimed Jose Cuas (rhp) off waivers from the Blue Jays, and placed Rodolfo Castro (inf) on the 60-day injured list.

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Game 141 - Phils Fry Fish Pitching

2024 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club

Phillies 16, Marlins 2
Game 141 - Friday Night, September 6th in Miami
Record - 85-56, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves and Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense unloaded on a depleted Marlins' pitching staff, scoring 16 runs on 22 hits.

What It Means:  This game was fun to watch, and I'm appreciative of the Phillies giving us an stress-free evening of enjoyable baseball.  Having Scott Franzke call the game on television was an added bonus.

What Happened:  The Phillies led 7-0 after two innings, chasing Marlins' starter Austin Kitchen.  They'd go up to 14-1 after six innings.  Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, Kody Clemens and Johan Rojas all had three-hit nights.  Three other Phillies had two-hit nights.  Turner and Kyle Schwarber both homered, with Turner hitting his 16th in the second inning and Schwarber connecting for his 33rd in the sixth inning.  Zack Wheeler was the beneficiary of the run support, securing his 14th win while allowing a run on two hits and striking out seven.

Featured Card:  Rojas had three doubles, scored three runs and knocked in a pair of runs.  He also made a nice diving catch in the outfield, and I'm hopeful he's starting to heat up.

Transactions:  Alec Bohm (3b) finally landed on the injured list with a left hand strain, retroactive to September 3rd.  Buddy Kennedy (inf) was recalled to take his place.  Michael Rucker (rhp), active for three days in July without appearing in a Phillies game, was claimed off waivers by the Washington Nationals.

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Game 140 - Stott, Clemens Power Phils Past Fish

2024 Topps #139

Phillies 5, Marlins 2
Game 140 - Thursday Night, September 7th in Miami
Record - 84-56, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Braves and Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Bryson Stott had a few key hits in this 5-2 win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Phillies are once again firing on all cylinders, and this was their fifth win in a row.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez won his 12th game of the year, throwing five shutout innings and allowing three hits while striking out four.  Matt Strahm was the closer of the day, pitching a perfect ninth to record his third save of the season.  Stott started the scoring early following two first inning walks to Trea Turner and Bryce Harper.  Stott's single to left fell in and allowed Turner to score the game's first run.  In the sixth, Stott made it 2-0, Phillies, with his 11th home run of the season, a solo shot to right.  Kody Clemens would add a two-run double later in the inning for a few insurance runs, and he'd score the team's fifth run on a wild pitch.

Featured Card:  I haven't had many chances to feature Stott's cards this year, so it was good to see him have a big game against the Marlins.

Transaction:  Cal Stevenson (of) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Austin Hays (of) was placed on the injured list with a kidney infection.

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Phillies at Marlins - September 5th to September 8th

2024 Chachi 1984 Topps Missing Links #3

2024 Chachi Series Preview #7

Thursday 6:40, Friday 7:10, Saturday 4:10 and Sunday 1:40
loanDepot park - Miami, FL

At the Ballpark:  On Friday night, there's a free postgame show with DJ Swiftie performing.  On Sunday, the first 8,000 fans will receive a Los Marlins jersey.

Philadelphia Phillies 83-56
1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (11-6, 3.02)
Zack Wheeler (13-6, 2.63)
Aaron Nola (12-6, 3.29)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .299
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 93
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 32
RBIs:  Alec Bohm and Kyle Schwarber - 89
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 29

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 13
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.63
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 183
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13

Miami Marlins 52-87
5th Place in the N.L. East, 31 games behind the Phillies

Marlins Probables
Adam Oller (1-1, 3.31)
Edward Cabrera (3-6, 5.33)
Darren McCaughan (0-0, 7.90)
Max Meyer (3-5, 5.68)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Jake Burger - .247
Runs:  Jake Burger - 58
Home Runs:  Jake Burger - 25
RBIs:  Jake Burger - 60
Stolen Bases:  Xavier Edwards - 22

Wins:  Tanner Scott - 6
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  Edward Cabrera - 84
Saves:  Tanner Scott - 18

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Game 139 - Homers, Sanchez, Bullpen Contribute to Win

2024 Topps #634

Phillies 4, Blue Jays 2
Game 139 - Wednesday Afternoon, September 4th in Toronto
Record - 83-56, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Long balls again led to the win as Kyle Schwarber, Kody Clemens and J.T. Realmuto all homered in this 4-2 victory.

What It Means:  The Phillies swept the quick two-game series in Toronto, and they're now off to Miami for a four-game weekend set.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez had a rocky first inning, allowing three straight doubles, but he'd settle down to pitch seven innings and strike out seven on the way to his 10th win.  Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez slammed the door on the Marlins, with Estevez earning his fourth save with the Phillies.

Schwarber continued his torrid pace with yet another lead-off home run, his 13th of the season.  That ties the mark set by Alfonso Soriano in 2003, and Schwarber will hopefully blow past that mark over the final month of the season.  Clemens gave the Phillies the lead with a two-run home run in the second, and Realmuto added some insurance with solo home run in the ninth.  Brandon Marsh was 3 for 3 with a double.

Featured Card:  Estevez has been extremely impressive since being acquired from the Angels at the trade deadline.  He's got a 1.72 ERA in 14 appearances and 15 2/3 innings pitched so far, with 16 strikeouts.  He doesn't have any Phillies cards yet, but here's his Angels card from Topps Series Two.

Transaction:  Nick Nelson (rhp) had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley and Tyler Phillips (rhp) was optioned down.  Michael Rucker (rhp) was designated for assignment to make room for Nelson on the 40-man roster.

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Game 138 - The Kyle Schwarber Game

2024 Topps #136

Phillies 10, Blue Jays 9
Game 138 - Tuesday Night, September 3rd in Toronto
Record - 82-56, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber had a historic night at the plate, willing this comeback win against the Blue Jays.

What It Means:  The Phillies have won eight of their last 10 games.

What Happened:  Tyler Phillips didn't escape the first inning, and entering the second inning, the Blue Jays held a commanding 6-1 lead.  Schwarber had homered to lead off the game.  The Phillie started chipping away in the third when Schwarber doubled and later scored on a groundout by Nick Castellanos.  Bryson Stott would double Trea Turner home a batter later.  In the fourth, Schwarber hit his second solo home run, making it 6-4, Blue Jays.  Taijuan Walker allowed two more runs in his three innings of relief.

In the seventh, RBIs from Edmundo Sosa, Kody Clemens and Schwarber (single) made it 8-7, Blue Jays.  Schwarber's final and biggest bomb of the night came in the top of the ninth, off closer Chad Green, with two men aboard.  His three-run home run was also his third home run of the game, and gave the Phillies a 10-8 lead.

Featured Card:  Definitely Schwarber here.  His final line shows 6 at bats, 4 runs, 5 hits and 6 RBIs.  The slugger earned a Topps Now card and a Topps Now Road to Opening Day Bonus card for his feat, and here's his pose-appropriate Topps flagship card.  Per Phillies Notes on X, Schwarber joined Mike Schmidt as the second player in franchise history with five hits and three home runs in the same game.  Schmidt had done it in his four home run game against the Cubs on April 17, 1976.

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Phillies at Blue Jays - September 3rd to September 4th

2024 Chachi 1984 Topps Missing Links #4

2024 Chachi Series Preview #6

Tuesday 7:07 and Wednesday 3:07
Rogers Centre - Toronto, Ontario

At the Ballpark:  On Tuesday, the Blue Jays are hosting a "Loonie Dogs Night" which is their version of the popular dollar dog promotion.

Philadelphia Phillies 81-56
5th Place in the N.L. East, 7 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Tyler Phillips (4-1, 5.50)
Cristopher Sanchez (9-9, 3.49)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .299
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 88
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 28
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 89
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 29

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 13
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.63
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 183
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 13

Toronto Blue Jays 67-72
5th Place in the A.L. East, 13 games behind the Yankees

Blue Jays Probables
Chris Bassitt (9-13, 4.27)
Bowden Francis (8-3, 3.66)

Blue Jays Leaders
Average:  Vladimir Guerrero - .324
Runs:  Vladimir Guerrero - 82
Home Runs:  Vladimir Guerrero - 27
RBIs:  Vladimir Guerrero - 89
Stolen Bases:  George Springer - 14

Wins:  Jose Berrios - 14
ERA:  Jose Berrios - 3.59

Strikeouts:  Chris Bassitt - 149
Saves:  Chad Green - 16

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Game 137 - Castellanos Delivers Twice in Clutch

2024 Topps #421

Phillies 3, Braves 2 (11 Innings)
Game 137 - Sunday Night, September 1st in Philadelphia
Record - 81-56, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Nick Castellanos tied the game in the sixth and won the game in the 11th in this clutch win against the second place Braves.

What It Means:  The Phillies took three out of four from their division rivals, adding to their lead, and marching closer to clinching the National League East pennant.  After an off-day on Labor Day, they'll play two quick games in Toronto before heading to Miami for four games.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola pitched six solid innings, allowing a pair of runs on four hits, while striking out nine.  Trailing 2-0 in the bottom of the sixth, against the seemingly unhittable Spencer Schwellenbach, Trea Turner singled and Bryce Harper doubled with two outs.  Castellanos fell behind 0-2 and then doubled to left to score both runners and tie the score.  Elite bullpen work from Orion Kerkering, Jeff Hoffman, Matt Strahm and Carlos Estevez followed, with Estevez contributing two scoreless innings.

In the bottom of the 11th, with Kody Clemens at second base as the ghost runner, a Harper groundout moved Clemens to third.  Again with two outs, and two strikes against him, Castellanos lined a single to center to score Clemens and begin the on-field celebration.

Featured Card:  It's been great this season to feature so many Castellanos cards, and here's his Topps flagship card.

Transactions:  Jose Alvarado (lhp) was activated from the restricted list and Yunior Marte (rhp) was sent back down to the IronPigs.  With active roster sizes expanding to 28, the Phillies added Clemens (inf) and Tyler Phillips (rhp).

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Game 136 - Wheeler Proves Ace Status in Big Win Over Braves

2023 Topps All Aces #AA-40

Phillies 3, Braves 0
Game 136 - Saturday Night, August 31st in Philadelphia
Record - 80-56, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler won his 100th career game after holding the Braves to four singles over seven innings, as the Phillies won this crucial game, 3-0.

What It Means:  With one more game in the series coming up tonight, the Phillies can win the series and add a game in the standings between them and the Braves.

What Happened:  Wheeler was on, improving to 13-6 and lowering his ERA to 2.63.  He struck out seven before yielding to Jeff Hoffman and Carlos Estevez to shut down the Braves over the final two innings.  Edmundo Sosa started the scoring for the Phillies with a long home run to left-center field, his seventh of the season.  Trea Turner added a second run with his solo homer in the sixth.  In the seventh, Weston Wilson walked and sprinted home on a double to right from Sosa to give the Phillies a more comfortable 3-0 lead.

Austin Hays was 2 for 3 and was robbed of a home run in the seventh when Michael Harris II leapt over the fence to bring his home run ball back from landing in the Phillies bullpen.

Featured Card:  It could have easily been Sosa here, but Wheeler gets the nod for his ace-like performance and his 100th career win.

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Game 135 - Phils, Suarez Fall Flat Against Braves

2001 Topps Combos #TC2

Braves 7, Phillies 2
Game 135 - Friday Night, August 30th in Philadelphia
Record - 79-56, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  This was a forgettable game from the start, as Ranger Suarez struggled to find his groove and the Phillies' offense couldn't find a clutch hit in this 7-2 loss.

What It Means:  Best just to move on from this one, as there weren't a lot of positive developments.

What Happened:  Suarez dropped to 11-6 on the season as he was pulled after four innings having allowed four runs on five hits, including home runs to Orlando Arcia and Sean Murphy.  Relievers Max Lazar and Yunior Marte gave up three more runs.  The Phillies managed solo home runs from Bryson Stott and J.T. Realmuto.

Featured Card:  Games like this make it difficult to come up with a card that "fits" so here's a random card from my collection featuring two greats from the Phillies and Braves.

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