Game 136 - Clutch Single from Turner Walks It Off

Atlanta Braves	2
Philadelphia Phillies	3

10 Innings

2023 Topps Brooklyn
Collection #41

Saturday Night, August 30th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
79-57, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner came through with a clutch, two-run single in the bottom of the 10th, sending the Phillies to their third straight win over the Braves.

What It Means:  They'll go for a series sweep tonight before heading to Milwaukee for a key series with huge playoff implications.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez and Chris Sale baffled batters for most of the game.  Sanchez allowed a run on seven hits in seven innings, striking out eight.  Sale allowed a solo home run to Weston Wilson in the third, and allowed only two other hits while striking out nine.  Knotted at 1-1, Matt Strahm gave up an RBI single to Nacho Alvarez Jr. in the top of the 10th, scoring the ghost-runner, Jake Fraley.  In the bottom of the 10th, with ghost-runner Alce Bohm on second, Nick Castellanos was hit by a pitch and Bryson Stott singled to load the bases.  With two outs and two strikes on him, Turner found a hole in the infield, singling to right and scoring both Bohm and Castellanos.  It was the team's fourth walk-off win of the season.

Featured Card:  Not only did he have the winning hit, but Turner provided some fantastic plays at shortstop throughout this game.  I recently added this great-looking card of his to my collection from the club-exclusive 2023 Topps Brooklyn Collection.  Featuring a retro Topps design, the card is about as thick as four regular cards.

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Game 135 - Phils Use Small Ball to Squeak by Braves

Atlanta Braves	1
Philadelphia Phillies	2

2025 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Friday Night, August 29th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
78-57, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The night after a record-setting offensive output, the Phillies relied on some small ball to squeak by the Braves by a score of 2-1.

What It Means:  The Mets beat up on the Marlins, so the lead in the division remained at five games.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez and four relievers held the Braves to just one run in this game, with the Braves' offense going 2 for 12 with runners in scoring position.  Suarez scattered 10 hits over five innings, allowing only a second inning run.  Orion Kerkering picked up the win with a clean eighth and Jhoan Duran pitched a perfect ninth for his eighth save with the club.

In the fourth, Kyle Scwarber worked a lead-off walk, went to second on a Bryce Harper bunt single up the third base line, and scored on a Brandon Marsh RBI single to right.  The Phillies took the lead in the eighth on singles from Schwarber and Harper and a sacrifice fly from Alec Bohm.

Featured Card:  Marsh has provided steady defense and reliable at-bats throughout the summer.

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Game 134 - Schwarber Hits Record-Tying Four Home Runs!

Atlanta Braves	4
Philadelphia Phillies	19

Thursday Night, August 28th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
77-57, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  It was a record-tying night at the Bank with Kyle Schwarber hitting four homes runs and the Phillies tying the record for home runs in a game with seven in this 19-4 beatdown of the Braves.

What It Means:  That's more like it!

What Happened:  The Phillies trailed early in this game when Aaron Nola allowed three first inning runs.  They'd respond with five runs of their own in the bottom of the first and not look back.  Schwarber became the fourth player in Phillies franchise history, and the 21st player overall in major league history, with four home runs in a game.  He hit a solo home run off Braves' starter Cal Quantrill in the first, two, two-run shots in the fourth and fifth off reliever Austin Cox, and a final, three-run home run in the seventh off Wander Suero.  With a chance to make history with his fifth home run in the eighth, he popped up off infielder-turned-pitcher Vidal Brujan.

Joining the home run parade were J.T. Realmuto (2-run shot in the first), Max Kepler (another 2-run blast in the first) and Bryce Harper (solo home run in the third).  The Phillies collected 20 hits, with Harrison Bader's four-hit night getting lost in the glare of Schwarber's historic game.  Ironically, Bader fell a home run short of the cycle.

Featured Card:  There's a Topps Now card for Schwarber's feat, and it uses the same photo I had picked following the game for my Chachi card.  I also wanted to create cards for the first three Phillies to hit four home runs in a game.  Before Schwarber's big night, Ed Delahanty did in 1896, Chuck Klein did it in 1936 and Mike Schmidt had done it the most recently, in 1976.  All three are in the Hall of Fame, and maybe Schwarber joins them there one day?

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2025 Chachi #50 Lou Trivino / 2025 Chachi #52

Game 133 - McLean Impresses, Mets Complete Sweep

Philadelphia Phillies	0
New York Mets	6

2025 Topps Living #815

Wednesday Night, August 27th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
76-57, 1st Place, 4 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Rookie Nolan McLean impressively dominated the Phillies offense, as the Mets completed the three-game sweep with a 6-0 win.

What It Means:  Heading into this series with a seven game lead, taking one of the three games seemed like a decent outcome.  A complete lack of timely offense and suspect pitching led to the three-game sweep, cutting the Phillies' lead in the division to four games.

What Happened:  McLean could be a problem for years to come.  He limited the Phillies to four singles over eight shutout innings, striking out six.  Taijuan Walker took the loss, allowing four runs on 10 hits in five innings of work.  Tanner Banks had a rare bad outing, allowing two more runs in the seventh.  The Phillies' offense managed five singles the entire game, going 0 for 3 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Chase Utley and I both have similar feelings about the Mets.

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Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies - Looking to Rebound

2005 Topps #177

2025 Chachi 2005 Topps Missing Links #8

Thursday, August 28th - 6:45
Friday, August 29th - 6:45
Saturday, August 30th - 6:05
Sunday, August 31st - 7:10

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
It's Star Wars night tonight at the ballpark and 4,000 fans who bought a special theme night ticket will receive a Rogue Leader Trea Turner bobblehead.  On Saturday, all kids will receive a Bryce Harper Funko Pop! collectible, and all fans on Sunday receive a Phillies sustainable hat.

Atlanta Braves 37-43
1st Place in the N.L. East, 10 games ahead of the Marlins

Braves Probables
Cal Quantrill (0-1, 5.79)
Bryce Elder (5-9, 6.12)
Chris Sale (5-4, 2.52)
Hurston Waldrep (4-0, 0.90)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Matt Olson - .265
Runs:  Matt Olson - 75
Home Runs:  Matt Olson and Marcell Ozuna - 20
RBIs:  Matt Olson - 74
Stolen Bases:  Michael Harris - 15

Wins:  Spencer Schwellenbach - 7
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  Grant Holmes - 123
Saves:  Raisel Iglesias - 22

Philadelphia Phillies XX-XX
1st Place in the N.L. East, 10 games ahead of the Marlins

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (2-7, 6.52)
Ranger Suarez (10-6, 3.07)
Cristopher Sanchez (11-5, 2.66)
Jesus Luzardo (12-6, 4.23)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .297
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner - 90
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 110
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 32

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 12
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.66
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 195
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8

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Game 132 - Citi Field Nightmare Continues

Philadelphia Phillies	5
New York Mets	6

2020 Topps #587

Tuesday Night, August 26th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
76-56, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies battled back on Harrison Bader's eighth-inning, two-run home run, but Jhoan Duran gave up four straight singles in the ninth as the Mets walked off with a 6-5 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies have lost nine in a row at Citi Field.

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo fought the Mets and the home plate umpire through four scoreless innings before getting tagged with four runs without recording an out in the fifth.  Orion Kerkering inherited a bases loaded situation upon Luzardo's departure, and his ejection on the way off the field by home plate umpire Willie Traynor, with Kerkering allowing all three runs to score and adding a run of his own for good measure.  With the Mets leading 5-3, and after Matt Strahm, Jose Alvarado and David Robertson had restored order, Bader hit his game-tying home run off Mets' reliever Ryan Helsley.

Duran quickly gave up four straight singles to start the ninth, earning the loss, and commencing the Mets' on-field celebration.  Bader and Bryce Harper both had three hits for the Phillies.  

Featured Card / Transaction:  Joe Ross (rhp) was released and Jordan Romano (rhp) was placed on the injured list with a "right middle finger inflammation."  Daniel Robert (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Lou Trivino (rhp) had his contract selected.  Trivino grew up in Quakertown and is a long-time Phillies fan.  In parts of six big league seasons, mostly with the Athletics, he's 24-26 with a 3.92 ERA and 37 saves.  He pitched earlier this season with the Giants (11 games) and Dodgers (26 games) and the Phillies signed him on August 4th, following his release by the Dodgers.  It's been a few years since he appeared on any mainstream baseball cards, and here's his card from the 2020 Topps set.

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Game 131 - Sanchez, Bullpen Implode in Loss to Mets

Philadelphia Phillies	3
New York Mets	13

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Monday Night, August 25th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
76-55, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez had an uncharacteristically bad outing, with Jordan Romano and Joe Ross adding fuel to the flames in this 13-3 drubbing by the Mets.

What It Means:  Certainly not a great way to start a somewhat important series.

What Happened:  Sanchez was tagged for six runs (five earned) in 5 1/3 innings, walking three and striking out four.  Between the two of them, Romano and Ross, the two big offseason bullpen acquisitions, allowed seven runs on five hits and a pair of walks in two innings.  

Romano gave up a back-breaking three-run home run to Luis Torrens in the eighth.  His ERA of 8.23 is one of the historically worst ERAs of all Phillies relievers in franchise history.  Only Reggie Grabowski, with a 9.23 ERA in 1934, and Bill Hubbell, with a 8.35 ERA in 1923, are ahead of Romano on that "leader" board.

The Phillies actually held a 3-0 lead in this game early, as Trea Turner led off with a triple and scored on a Kyle Schwarber ground out in the first.  In the third, Alec Bohm added a two-run single.

Featured Card:  As it turns out, this was the last game Ross would pitch with the Phillies, as he was released following the game.  In 37 games with the Phillies, which included one "opener" start, Ross was 2-1 with a 5.12 ERA in 51 innings pitched.  He's not been nearly as bad as Romano, who is somehow still on the 40-man roster, albeit on the injured list.  Ross may not ever receive a mainstream Phillies baseball card, unless he makes it to the Topps Update checklist, but here's his team-issued photo card inserted into grab bags of signed memorabilia.  I'd have to think the Phillies have some extras of these cards sitting around in a closet somewhere.

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Philadelphia Phillies at New York Mets - N.L. East Showdown

2005 Topps #588

2005 Topps Retired Signature #23

Monday, August 25th - 7:10
Tuesday, August 26th - 7:10
Wednesday, August 27th - 7:10

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
The Mets have a few theme nights schedule for this series with Pokemon GO theme night tonight and Sesame Street theme night on Wednesday night.  On Tuesday, the first 15,000 fans will receive a "player pin" of one of the Mets broadcasters, Gary, Keith or Ron.

Philadelphia Phillies 76-54
1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (11-4, 2.46)
Jesus Luzardo (12-6, 4.10)
Taijuan Walker (4-6, 3.44)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .300
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 89
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 109
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 32

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 12
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.46
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 195
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8

New York Mets 69-61
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 7 games behind the Phillies

Mets Probables
Kodai Senga (7-5, 2.58)
Sean Manaea (1-2, 5.15)
Nolan McLean (2-0, 1.46)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Francisco Lindor - .265
Runs:  Juan Soto - 94
Home Runs:  Juan Soto - 32
RBIs:  Pete Alonso - 103
Stolen Bases:  Francisco Lindor - 23

Wins:  Clay Holmes - 11
ERA:  David Peterson - 3.18

Strikeouts:  David Peterson - 135
Saves:  Edwin Diaz - 24

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Game 130 - Suarez, Bullpen Hold Off Nats

Washington Nationals	2
Philadelphia Phillies	3

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Sunday Afternoon, August 24th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
76-54, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez struck out a career-high 11 and Tanner Banks starred in relief in this 3-2 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  The Phillies will look to widen the gap in the East between them and the Mets with three games in Flushing beginning on Monday night.

What Happened:  Suarez improved to 10-6, allowing three hits with no runs or walks while striking out a career-best 11 over seven innings.  Jose Alvarado loaded the bases in the eighth and departed without recording an out.  Banks entered, cleaned up the mess by only allowing a run, and got the Phillies out of the inning.  Orion Kerkering allowed a ninth inning solo home run to Luis Garcia Jr. before recording the final out and earning his fourth save.

The Phillies scored all their runs early, thanks to back-up catcher Rafael Marchan.  Marchan doubled home a pair in the second inning, and he walked with the bases loaded in the third inning.

Featured Card:  So far, this is Marchan's only 2025 baseball card, and it's a tough one to find at that.  He's not appeared on a mainstream baseball card since 2022, and hopefully he gets included on the Topps Update checklist or the Topps Heritage High Numbers release.

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Game 129 - Sosa's Blast Backs Nola's Solid Start

Washington Nationals	4
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2025 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Saturday Night, August 23rd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
75-54, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Edmundo Sosa's three-run home run in the fourth backed Aaron Nola's first win since early May in this 6-4 defeat of the Nationals.

What It Means:  The Phillies go for a series win this afternoon with Ranger Suarez on the mound.

What Happened:  By his own admittance, Nola has had a horrible season, so it was great to see him pitch four scoreless innings before allowing an unearned run in the top of the fifth.  He'd give up a pair of solo home runs in the sixth before exiting with his team holding a 6-3 lead.

The Phillies offense had been held in check by Nationals' starter Mitchell Parker until the fourth inning.  With one out, Bryce Harper singled to right and scored on a J.T. Realmuto double to center.  Alec Bohm doubled home Realmuto to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead.  Harrison Bader singled to put runners on the corners, and then Sosa launched his home run to left-center, giving the Phillies a 5-0 lead.  Trea Turner hit a solo home run in the sixth, just inside the left field foul pole.

Featured Card:  I flipped a coin between Sosa and Nola, and Nola got the nod.

Field Report:  Jenna and I enjoyed some Bull's BBQ before settling into our seats in Section 315.  It was a great night for a ballgame, made even better by the big fourth inning and Jhoan Duran's successful save.  We strategically started for the exit in the top of the ninth, pausing to watch Duran's dramatic entrance and watch him seal the win before beating traffic.

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Game 128 - Phils Come Back, But Duran Blows 1st Save

Washington Nationals	5
Philadelphia Phillies	4

1961 Post #115

Friday Night, August 22nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
74-54, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jhoan Duran proved he's human, blowing his first save with the Phillies, as the Nationals prevailed by a 5-4 score.

What It Means:  He wasn't going to save them all, and as manager Rob Thomson pointed out in his postgame comment, "Even Mariano blew 80 games."

What Happened:  The Nationals jumped on Taijuan Walker for three runs in the first when he gave up a pair of walks and a three-run home run to Riley Adams.  Walker settled down after that, pitching five innings and not allowing any more runs.  Trailing 3-1, Bryson Stott tied the game with a two-run home run in the sixth.  J.T. Realmuto hit a solo home run in the seventh to give the Phillies a 4-3 lead.  Duran retired the first batter he faced in the ninth, but then gave up a double to Dylan Crews and RBI single to Daylen Lile to allow the Nationals to tie the game.  When Lile tried to steal third, Realmuto threw the ball into left field, and the Nationals took the lead as Lile came home on the error.

Featured Card:  Duran has a ways to go before he catches the Phillies' all-time blown saves leader, Turk Farrell, who had 32 with the club.  The most recent challenger to Farrell's record was Hector Neris, who had 26 blown saves between 2014 and 2021.

Field Report:  I enjoyed this game from Section 214 with a few friends, and it was a great evening, despite the loss.  It was a stressful week, to say the least, and some normalcy and a few beers with friends were just what I needed.

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Game 127 - Phils' Bat Stay Hot, Sweep Out Mariners

Seattle Mariners	2
Philadelphia Phillies	11

2025 Topps Now #584

Wednesday Afternoon, August 20th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
74-53, 1st Place, 6 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies completed the three-game sweep of the Mariners in convincing fashion, collecting 20 hits and 11 runs in this lopsided victory.

What It Means:  Following an off-day on Thursday, the Phillies come home for a quick three-game weekend series with the Nationals.

We moved our oldest son into his college dorm on Wednesday morning.  He's not too far away, but it was still a roller coaster of a day and we'd have even more "memorable" moments on Thursday.  We listened to the end of this game on the way home, happy the Phillies were giving us a non-stressful win and secure in the knowledge Doug was where he was meant to be.  The sky is the limit for that kid.

What Happened:  The piling on didn't come until late in the game, as the Phillies scored eight times in the final two innings.  Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the first, Trea Turner tripled and Kyle Schwarber brought him home with a sacrifice fly.  They'd take the lead for good on an RBI-double from Bryson Stott in the second.  Max Kepler (13) and Schwarber (45) both homered.  Kepler and Stott both had three-hit days, with Stott batting .500 (6 for 12, two doubles, home run) in the series.

Jesus Luzardo struck out 12 over six innings, improving to 12-6.  Jose Alvarado pitched a perfect eighth inning in his return from being suspended for the use of a banned substance.

Featured Card:  For the third day in a row, the Phillies received a Topps Now card.  This one featured the Phillies' hottest hitters, Turner and Schwarber.  Turner is on fire, and in his last seven games, he's batting .618 (21 for 34) with four extra-base hits.  He owns a 10-game hitting streak.

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Game 126 - Sanchez K's 12, Realmuto's 8th Inning Homer Seals Win

Seattle Mariners	4
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2025 Topps Now #580

Tuesday Night, August 19th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
73-53, 1st Place, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez continued his masterful season with a 12-strikeout performance and J.T. Realmuto broke a 4-4 tie with an eighth inning, two-run home run in this 6-4 win over the Mariners.

What It Means:  The Phillies would go for a series sweep on Wednesday afternoon.

What Happened:  Sanchez unfortunately got a no-decision, but he pitched 6 1/3 strong innings, allowing a pair of runs on six hits.  Orion Kerkering had a rare rough outing, allowing the Mariners to tie the game in the seventh.  David Robertson pitched a scoreless eighth, and Jhoan Duran pitched a perfect ninth for his sixth save with the Phillies.

Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run in the first, his National League leading 44th of the season.  Bryson Stott, who is hopefully heating up, hit a solo home run in the fourth to give the Phillies a 4-1 lead.  Realmuto's eventual game-winning home run came with Bryce Harper on base and nobody out in the eighth.

Featured Card:  Apparently Schwarber set a franchise record by hitting a home run in his 15th straight series.  I wasn't aware of that until the Topps Now card popped up the following morning.

Transaction:  Jose Alvarado (lhp) was activated from the restricted list and Nolan Hoffman (rhp) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley.  To make room for Alvarado on the 40-man roster, Josh Walker (lhp) was designated for assignment.

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Game 125 - Offense Explodes for 22 Hits in Win

Seattle Mariners	7
Philadelphia Phillies	12

2025 Topps Now #571

Monday Night, August 18th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
72-53, 1st Place, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense punished Mariners' pitching with 22 hits and 12 runs in this convincing win.

What It Means:  We were there, and this felt like a playoff game.  Monday night, American League opponent, and yet the ballpark was electric.

What Happened:  Every batter in the Phillies' starting line-up had at least two hits.  Trea Turner led the way, going 4 for 6, with five RBIs and falling a triple short of the cycle.  Bryce Harper hit two impressive home runs, a solo shot in the sixth and a two-run home run in the seventh, while going 3 for 6.  J.T. Realmuto added his own solo home run in the second, going 3 for 5.  Ranger Suarez was the beneficiary of the outburst, allowing two runs on four hits while striking out 10, one short of tying his career high.  The game shouldn't have been as close at the end, but Nolan Hoffman, making his big league debut, allowed three runs in a lengthy ninth inning.

Featured Card:  It's not often Harper hits two home runs and isn't the featured card, but Turner had a big night too, and his first home run of the season at Citizens Bank Park was also his 1,500th career hit.  Topps Now gave him a card for the milestone.

Field Report:  Wanting to enjoy a night out before a busy week ahead, Jenna and I went to this game.  After a leisurely dinner (and dessert) and Pass and Stowe, we watched most of this game from the concourse.

Transaction:  Max Lazar (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley and Hoffman (rhp) was briefly recalled to take his place.

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Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies - Wrapping Up the Summer Schedule

2005 Topps #511

2005 Topps #525

Friday, August 22nd - 6:45
Saturday, August 23rd - 6:05
Sunday, August 24th - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Fans 21 and over will receive a Phillies City Connect floppy hat tonight.  On Sunday, all kids receive a pair of Trea Turner performance sunglasses.

Washington Nationals 52-75
5th Place in the N.L. East, 22 games behind the Phillies

Nationals Probables
Cade Cavalli (1-0, 2.20)
Mitchell Parker (7-13, 5.83)
Jake Irvin (8-8, 5.30)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  CJ Abrams - .265
Runs:  CJ Abrams - 77
Home Runs:  James Wood - 26
RBIs:  James Wood - 83
Stolen Bases:  CJ Abrams - 26

Wins:  Jake Irvin - 8
ERA:  MacKenzie Gore - 4.11

Strikeouts:  MacKenzie Gore - 170
Saves:  Kyle Finnegan - 20

Philadelphia Phillies 74-53
1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Taijuan Walker (4-6, 3.34)
Aaron Nola (1-7, 6.92)
Ranger Suarez (9-6, 3.25)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .303
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 89
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 45
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 109
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 31

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 12
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.46
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 195
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8

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Seattle Mariners at Philadelphia Phillies - Phils Home for 6

2005 Topps #123

2005 Topps #194

Monday, August 18th - 6:45
Tuesday, August 19th - 6:45
Wednesday, August 20th - 1:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
There are special ticketed theme nights tonight (Oktoberfest) and tomorrow night (Harry Potter Night).  The Harry Potter theme ticket comes with an exclusive Phillies Harry Potter House Hat.

Seattle Mariners 68-57
2nd Place in the A.L. West, 1 1/2 games behind the Astros

Mariners Probables
Logan Gilbert (3-4, 3.31)
Bryce Miller (2-5, 5.73)
Luis Castillo (8-6, 3.48)

Mariners Leaders
Average:  J.P. Crawford - .262
Runs:  Cal Raleigh - 82
Home Runs:  Cal Raleigh - 47
RBIs:  Cal Raleigh - 102
Stolen Bases:  Randy Arozarena - 24

Wins:  Bryan Woo - 10
ERA:  Bryan Woo - 3.02

Strikeouts:  Bryan Woo - 153
Saves:  Andres Munoz - 29

Philadelphia Phillies 71-53
1st Place in the N.L. East, 5 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (8-6, 3.28)
Cristopher Sanchez (11-4, 2.45)
Jesus Luzardo (11-6, 4.21)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .291
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 85
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 43
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 102
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 28

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez - 11
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.45
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 195
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 8

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Game 124 - Phils Hang On to Down Nats

Philadelphia Phillies	11
Washington Nationals	9

2025 Topps Now Road to
Opening Day #OH-188

Sunday Morning, August 17th

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
71-53, 1st Place, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola and Alec Bohm returned from the injured list with mixed results and the Phillies battled to an 11-9 win that began on Sunday morning.

What It Means:  They went 6-4 on the roadtrip and now return home for three with the Mariners and three more with the Nationals.

What Happened:  In his first start since May 14th, Nola completely fell apart, and fell apart quickly, in the third inning.  Spotted to a 6-0 lead and with one down in the bottom of the third, the Nationals did this to Nola - single, single, single, walk, single, double, double - tying the score.  Nola exited and Tanner Banks entered to restore order.  The Nationals wouldn't score again until Paul DeJong hit a three-run home run off Max Lazar in the bottom of the ninth, resulting in Jhoan Duran needing to come in and secure the save.

The Phils scored a run in the first without a hit, and then scored five more in the second.  Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run single, followed by an RBI single from Bryce Harper and topped off with a three-run home run from Bohm.  They'd retake the lead for good in the fourth on a two-run single from Weston Wilson.  Nick Castellanos added a solo home run in the sixth, hopefully breaking his lengthy slump, and two more insurance runs were added in the eighth.  Every starter with the exception of Rafael Marchan had at least one hit, with Marchan going 0 for 5 on the day.

Featured Card:  It's good to have Bohm back, and his first inning home run was his ninth of the year.

Transaction:  Nola (rhp) was activated from the 60-day injured list and Cal Stevenson (of) was released to free up a spot on the 40-man roster.  Bohm (3b) was activated with Otto Kemp (inf) getting sent back to Lehigh Valley.  Finally, Daniel Robert (rhp) was activated and also optioned down.

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Game 123 - Depressing Day for the Phils

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Washington Nationals	2

2025 Bowman #45

Saturday Afternoon, August 16th

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
70-53, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Taijuan Walker continued to turn in quality starts and the offense continued to struggle mightily in this 2-0 loss to the Nationals.

What It Means:  The Phillies will go for the series split this morning in a nationally televised game on the Roku app.

What Happened:  Walker pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing a pair of runs on six hits.  His only mistake on the day was a pitch thrown to James Wood for a two-run double in the fifth.  The Phillies offense had plenty of chances to score, but went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  Trea Turner had a three-hit day, but was left stranded each time.  Nationals' rookie starting pitcher Cade Cavalli picked up his first big league win, throwing seven shutout innings.

Featured Card / Transaction:  Immediately following the loss, Dave Dombrowski announced Zack Wheeler (rhp) was placed on the injured list with a blood clot in his right shoulder.  This is scary news, and while the main concern is rightfully on Wheeler's health and his family, it throws the rest of the Phillies season (and postseason) into question.  With the ace of the staff now out indefinitely, the rotation for now will consist of Cristopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, Aaron Nola, Jesus Luzardo and Taijuan Walker.  Manager Rob Thomson also mentioned Andrew Painter's name as a possibility down the stretch.

We're hoping for all the best for Wheeler.

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Game 122 - Schwarber, Harper Slug Phils to Victory

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Washington Nationals	2

2025 Topps Chrome #31

Friday Night, August 15th

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
70-52, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber broke a 2-2 tie in the seventh with a three-run home run, his 43rd of the season, as the Phillies went on to defeat the Nationals, 6-2.

What It Means:  I honestly turned the game off following the departure of Jhoan Duran in the ninth.  Duran was nailed in the ankle on a comebacker from Paul DeJong, and left the field while riding in the Nationals' bullpen cart.  Fortunately, X-rays came back negative and what looked like absolute doomsday for the Phillies' World Series hopes could turn out to be just a bad bruise.

What Happened:  The Phillies took a quick 2-0 lead in the first on a two-run double from Bryce Harper.  They should have had more, but Edmundo Sosa and Otto Kemp both struck out with the bases loaded.  The Nationals scored twice off Phillies' starter Zack Wheeler.  Wheeler got a no decision in this game, pitching only five innings before the bullpen took over.  Nationals' starter MacKenzie Gore shut down the Phillies in the second through sixth innings.  With runners on first and second and one out in the seventh, Schwarber took reliever Konnor Pilkington deep, with Bryce Harper providing more cushion with a solo home run as the sluggers went back-to-back.

David Robertson jumped in for the injured Duran in the ninth, sealing the win.

Featured Card:  Why not another Schwarber card?  This is the newest of his in my collection, from the Topps Chrome set released on July 23rd.

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Game 121 - Offensive Slump Continues in Loss to Nats

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Washington Nationals	3

2005 Topps Heritage Then and Now #TN3

Thursday Night, August 14th

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
69-52, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Offensive woes continued for the Phillies and the Nationals came from behind with a pair of seventh inning runs in this 3-2 defeat.

What It Means:  The Phillies banged out 10 hits, more than their last few games, but only plated two runs and were 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo was likely left in the ballgame a few batters too many.  He pitched six-plus innings, allowing four hits and striking out seven.  With his team holding a slim 2-1 lead, Luzardo began the seventh with a walk, double and walk, loading the bases.  Orion Kerkering came in and gave up a two-run single to Jose Tena as the Nationals took a 3-2 lead.

The Phillies runs came on an RBI ground out from Bryce Harper in the third and an RBI double from Kyle Schwarber in the fifth.

Featured Card:  Again lacking a logical choice for this game summary post, here's a favorite Nationals card from my Phillies Collection.  This one is a little odd as Livan Hernandez led the league in 2004 with nine complete games, but the Expos were on the move to Washington for the 2005 season.  We get a Nationals card, but an Expos uniform.  Robin Roberts led the league with 22 complete games in 1956.

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Game 120 - Nothing Goes Right in Loss to Reds

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Cincinnati Reds	8

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Wednesday Night, August 13th

Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
69-51, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez couldn't find his groove, Jordan Romano allowed a back-breaking grand slam and the Phillies offense managed three hits in this 8-0 loss to the Reds.

What It Means:  The worst loss of the season?  The Phillies headed to Washington next for a four-game set.

What Happened:  Following an hour rain delay at the outset, Sanchez departed after six innings with his team trailing, 4-0.  The fourth run was unearned due to errors by both Brandon Marsh and Sanchez on the same play.  In the bottom of the seventh, Romano loaded the bases and then surrendered a grand slam to Miguel Andujar, putting the game completely out of reach.

Featured Card:  This might be the end of the line for Romano, as the Phillies need a roster spot when Aaron Nola is activated from the injured list on Sunday.  Signed to bolster the bullpen for the late innings, Romano is 2-4 with a 7.24 ERA in 46 appearances and 41 innings pitched.  This is his rare team-issued photo card, only available (so far) as an identifier in memorabilia grab bags sold during Lou Gehrig/ALS night in June.  Along with his card in Topps Series Two, these might be the only Phillies baseball cards available for Romano.

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Game 119 - Suarez Struggles, Phils Can't Solve Singer in Loss

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Cincinnati Reds	6

1976 SSPC #43

Tuesday Night, August 12th

Great American Ball Park - Cincinnati, OH
69-50, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez continued his struggles and the Phillies offense was punchless in this 6-1 loss to the Reds.

What It Means:  Spoiler alert - an even worse loss was coming up the following day.

What Happened:  Suarez dropped to 8-6.  He allowed six runs on 10 hits and two walks in 5 1/3 innings.  In seven starts since the beginning of July, Suarez is 1-4 with a 5.58 ERA in 40 1/3 innings pitched.  Reds' starting pitcher Brady Singer went six innings, allowing three hits while striking out six.  The lone Phillies run came on a solo home run from Bryce Harper in the top of the ninth.

Featured Card:  With absolutely no current Phillie player deserving a card for this game, here's one of my favorite Reds cards in my Phillies Collection.  This is former Phillies player and long-time coach John Vukovich, who played in 31 games for the Reds in 1975.

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