Game 148 - Disaster in Atlanta

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Atlanta Braves	6

11 Innings

2023 Topps #589

Friday Night, September 11th

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
82-66, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The bullpen blew three save opportunities, and all seems pretty grim for the Phillies after this nightmarish 6-5 loss to the Braves in 11 innings.

What It Means:  I'm not feeling very positive these days.  Immediately after the loss, the Phillies announced Jesus Luzardo would miss Saturday's start with shoulder stiffness.  The beleaguered bullpen will need to cobble together nine innings tonight as the Phillies' chances of winning the division slip away.

What Happened:  There was stuff that happened early and then stuff that happened late.  After a 47 minute rain delay at the outset, Aaron Nola gave the Phillies another solid start.  He went six innings, allowing two solo home runs, six hits overall and three walks.  The Phillies took a 3-1 lead in the second when Derek Hill connected for a bases-clearing double off the tough Chris Sale.

Jonathan Bowlan entered for the save in the ninth as Jhoan Duran had pitched two days in a row.  Bowlan blew it.  Pinch-hitter Justin Crawford singled home ghost runner Bryson Stott in the top of the 10th.  Chase Shugart entered for the save in the bottom of the 10th.  Shugart blew it.  In the top of the 11th, Luis Arraez singled home ghost runner Garrett Stubbs, but the Phillies couldn't push across any more runs and left the bases loaded.  In the bottom of the 11th, Brooks Raley took over for Shugart with one out.  Raley blew it.  Ha-Seong Kim singled home ghost runner Ozzie Albies, and Drake Baldwin doubled to the center field wall to score Kim with the winning run.

Featured Card:  @BoopStats posted on X this was the fourth time the Phillies had three blown saves in a game, with Bowlan, Shugart and Raley joining the club shown below.  Seems like more than three years ago that Craig Kimbrel was blowing saves for the Phillies.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Atlanta Braves: N.L. East Showdown, Part 2

2006 Topps Philadelphia Phillies SGA #10

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH76

Friday, September 11th - 7:15
Saturday, September 12th - 7:15
Sunday, September 13th - 1:35

Truist Park - Atlanta, GA
On Sunday, the first 3,000 kids will receive a Ronald Acuna, Jr. basketball jersey.  It should be noted when the Phillies do a kids' giveaway, every kid in attendance gets the giveaway, and not just the first 3,000.

Philadelphia Phillies 82-65
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (6-10, 4.76)
Jesus Luzardo (14-5, 2.87)
Andrew Painter (3-9, 5.71)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .269
Runs:  Trea Turner - 93
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 44
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 92
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 24

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 17
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.79

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 221
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 30

Atlanta Braves 86-61
1st Place in the N.L. East, 4 games ahead of the Phillies

Braves Probables
Chris Sale (14-9, 2.10)
Tyler Mahle (2-1, 1.24)
Grant Holmes (9-5, 3.46)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Michael Harris - .286
Runs:  Matt Olson - 94
Home Runs:  Matt Olson - 37
RBIs:  Matt Olson - 81
Stolen Bases:  Ronald Acuna - 20

Wins:  Chris Sale - 14
ERA:  Chris Sale - 2.10

Strikeouts:  Chris Sale - 184
Saves:  Raisel Iglesias - 32

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Game 147 - Bats Take Afternoon Off Against Astros

Houston Astros	2
Philadelphia Phillies	1

1994 Fleer #239

Thursday Afternoon, September 10th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
82-65, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies managed three hits, wasting a solid effort from Zack Wheeler, and falling by a 2-1 score to the Astros.

What It Means:  This was a frustrating loss, especially as the team heads to Atlanta for a crucial three-game weekend series against the first place Braves.

What Happened:  Wheeler gave up a run on five hits and struck out nine in his seven inning outing.  Jose Alvarado worked out of a jam in the eighth to preserve the tie.  Jhoan Duran allowed a solo home to Cam Smith in the top of the ninth to give the Astros the lead.  The Phillies scored their lone run in the fifth on a fielder's choice groundout from Bryson Stott, with Alec Bohm running into an out at third base.

Featured Card:  I could be wrong, but I feel the window I have to feature Don Mattingly cards on this blog is closing.  As I continue to enter large 5,000 count boxes of junk wax era and 1990s baseball cards into my collection at TCDB, I've come across a bunch of Mattingly cards I forgot I had.  This is one of those cards from the under appreciated 1994 Fleer set.  We could use Mattingly in his prime in the Phillies' line-up right about now.

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Game 146 - Schwarber Slams Phils to Victory Over Astros

Houston Astros	7
Philadelphia Phillies	11

2025 Topps Chrome Logofractor
Edition Power Players #PP-15

Wednesday Night, September 9th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
82-64, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber's sixth inning grand slam propelled the Phillies to this 11-7, much-needed win over the Astros.

What It Means:  They would try to go for the series win on Thursday afternoon with Zack Wheeler on the mound and entering the day just three games behind the Braves for the division lead.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez was uncharacteristically hit hard, seemingly tipping his pitches to the Astros' offense.  He suffered through a four-run third inning and allowed another two runs in the fourth.  The Phillies rallied to tie the game for the first time with four runs of their own in the bottom of the third.  Singles from J.T. Realmuto, Bryan De La Cruz and Trea Turner made it a 4-1 game.  Bryce Harper singled home two more runs, and Luis Arraez brought Harper home to tie it up.  After Sanchez allowed the Astros to take the lead again, Turner made it a 6-5 ballgame with a solo home run in the fifth.

The offense then exploded for six runs in the bottom of the sixth.  Arraez doubled, Bryson Stott reached on an error and pinch-hitter Edmundo Sosa singled Arraez home with a clutch single to right.  Justin Crawford reached on an infield hit and De La Cruz drew a walk with the bases loaded to give the Phillies a one-run lead.  Schwarber then connected for his slam off Astros' reliever AJ Blubaugh to put his team in front for good.

Featured Card:  This is the latest Schwarber card added to my collection, and the scan doesn't do this card justice.  I knew Topps was releasing different shinier and/or more limited versions of its Chrome sets, but I never heard of the Logofractor Edition set until recently.

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Game 145 - Baserunning Blunders Contribute to Loss

Houston Astros	6
Philadelphia Phillies	5

2023 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Tuesday Night, September 8th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
81-64, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A rough start from Andrew Painter and two costly base running blunders cost the Phillies in this 6-5 loss to the Astros.

What It Means:  The Braves also lost, so the Phillies hold steady at four games behind them in the division.  They're only a half game up over the Cubs for the top Wild Card spot.

What Happened:  Painter was touched for four runs in a disastrous second inning, and allowed another run in the fourth to put the Phillies in a 5-0 hole.  He allowed 10 hits overall and two walks, while striking out six.  The Phillies started to climb back with three runs in the sixth.  Justin Crawford doubled, Kyle Schwarber singled and Trea Turner hit a three-run home run into the left field bleachers.  Brooks Raley allowed another run in the top of the seventh on a Daulton Varsho home run.

In the bottom of the seventh, Alec Bohm doubled and came home on a Brandon Marsh double.  With runners on second and third and no one out, J.T. Realmuto lined out to shortstop Jeremy Pena and Marsh was easily doubled off second when he wandered too far off the bag and broke for third on contact.  The Phillies got another run closer in the ninth when Bryson Stott singled and came home on an Edmundo Sosa double.  Sosa admired his hit for too long from the batter's box, and he likely should have had an easy triple.  A few fly outs that could have been sac flies weren't, with Sosa anchored at second, and Kyle Schwarber popped out to second to end the game.

Featured Card:  It was Jenna who noticed Paco Figueroa, the team's usual first base coach, was not manning his position at first base during this game.  Bobby Dickerson, the infield coach, was there in his stead, as Figueroa is dealing with a hip injury.  Interestingly enough, Figueroa is also the team's base running coach, so he could not have liked what he saw from the dugout from Marsh or Sosa.  Figueroa appears in the 2011 Reading Phillies team set and has team-issued cards in the 2019, 2022 and 2023 photo card sets.

Field Report:  Jenna and I spent most of the game watching from the Diamond Club on a beautiful late summer evening.

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Game 144 - Luzardo Tosses Career-Best Game in 1-0 Win

Atlanta Braves	0
Philadelphia Phillies	1

2026 Topps Now #644

Monday Afternoon, September 7th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
81-63, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo threw his first career shutout, limiting the Braves offense to just two singles and striking out 12 in this incredibly impressive 1-0 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies split the series with the Braves and ended the four game set at the same place where they had started it - four games behind the Braves in the division with 18 games remaining in the regular season.

What Happened:  Luzardo needed 109 pitches to complete his gem, in a game that took just one hour, 51 minutes to play.  The last Phillies game where a pitcher won a 1-0 shutout with 10 or more strikeouts was Roy Halladay's perfect game in 2010.  It was also the fastest Phillies nine-inning game since July 4, 1989 at Veterans Stadium.  The game was scoreless until Kyle Schwarber launched a 415 foot home run to right-center field, off reliever Didier Fuentes, his 43rd home run of the season.  Sarah Langs shared on X that this was the fifth time Schwarber had homered in a game that ended 1-0, tying Ted Williams for the most such home runs all-time.

Featured Card:  I was happy to see Topps created a Topps Now card for Luzardo's landmark game, and equally impressed Topps chose a photo with a Schwarber cameo for the card.

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Houston Astros at Philadelphia Phillies: September Rolls Along

2006 Topps #456

2006 Topps #364

Tuesday, September 8th - 6:40
Thursday, September 9th - 6:40
Wednesday, September 10th - 1:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
There are theme nights Monday (Hello Kitty Night) and Tuesday (First Responders Night) and seniors can stroll the bases following Wednesday afternoon's game.

Houston Astros 73-71
1st Place in the A.L. West, 2 games ahead of the Rangers

Astros Probables
Hayden Wesneski (4-1, 3.18)
Hunter Brown (5-3, 3.31)
Cristian Javier (2-5, 5.98)

Astros Leaders
Average:  Yordan Alvarez - .314
Runs:  Yordan Alvarez - 94
Home Runs:  Yordan Alvarez - 38
RBIs:  Yordan Alvarez - 95
Stolen Bases:  Cam Smith - 10

Wins:  Peter Lambert - 8
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  Peter Lambert - 137
Saves:  Josh Hader 23

Philadelphia Phillies 81-63
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Andrew Painter (3-8, 5.55)
Cristopher Sanchez (16-5, 2.58)
Zack Wheeler (12-5, 3.23)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .271
Runs:  Trea Turner - 90
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 43
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 87
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 24

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.58

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 221
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 30

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Game 143 - Acuna Crushes Ball, Spirits as Braves Prevail

Atlanta Braves	5
Philadelphia Phillies	4

1990 Donruss #312

Sunday Afternoon, September 6th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
80-63, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Ronald Acuna, Jr. blasted a three-run home run off rookie Alex McFarlane in the eighth inning, spoiling what was perhaps Aaron Nola's strongest outing of the year.

What It Means:  When the Phillies lose recently, it continues to be because of the bullpen, lack of clutch hitting, or both.  They would look to even up the the series on Labor Day afternoon with Jesus Luzardo taking the mound.

What Happened:  Nola went seven strong innings, allowing a run on four hits and striking out five.  He departed with his club holding a 4-1 lead thanks to Alec Bohm's two-run double in the first and solo home runs from Derek Hill and Kyle Schwarber in the eighth.  McFarlane got the ball in the eighth inning, allowed a single to Mike Yastrzemski and a double to Drake Baldwin before losing the battle to Acuna.  The Braves' slugger connected for a long, three-run home run and then flapped, skipped and danced around the bases, sarcastically giving the booing Phillies fans a curtain call upon returning to the dugout.  

In the ninth, Ozzie Albies led off with a double against closer Jhoan Duran, and scored the game's eventual winning run on a triple from Austin Riley.  The Phillies got the tying run to third in the bottom of the ninth with just one out, but Bryan De La Cruz lined out to short and Edmundo Sosa struck out swinging to end the ballgame.

Featured Card:  I spent time this weekend organizing a 5,000-count box of junk wax era cards, and learned there are multiple versions of each of the cards from the 1990 Donruss set, due to different splatter designs on the fronts of the cards or LEAF, INC. showing up on the backs either with or without a period at the end.  Mike Maddux looks how this discovery, and this Phillies game, made me feel.

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Game 142 - Wheeler Deals, Schwarber Slugs in Win Over Braves

Atlanta Braves	2
Philadelphia Phillies	4

2026 Topps Chrome #290

Saturday Night, September 5th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
80-62, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler battled through six innings and Kyle Schwarber drove in a pair of runs in this crucial 4-2 win over the Braves.

What It Means:  The four-game series is tied with games coming up this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon.

What Happened:  The Phillies jumped on Braves' starter Martin Perez early, scoring twice on three hits and a walk in the first inning.  Schwarber drove in his first run of the game in the second with an RBI groundout to score Derek Hill, who had tripled to start the inning.  Wheeler escaped a bases loaded and no outs situation in the first, settling down from there and only allowing a solo home run to Ronald Acuna, Jr. in the third.  Wheeler struck out nine in his outing, including Acuna to end the fifth.  Schwarber hit his league-leading 41st home run of the season in the fourth, giving the Phillies a 4-1 lead.  Jonathan Bowlan gave up another home run in the seventh, but Jose Alvarado and Jhoan Duran shut down the Braves in the final two frames for the 4-2 win.  Duran recorded his 30th save.

Featured Card:  After a rough start to the second half, it appears as if Wheeler is back, having tweaked his mechanics slightly to get back on track.

Field Report:  Jenna and I enjoyed this game from the Pass and Stow bar and later outside Pass and Stow and their roomy picnic tables.

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Game 141 - Rough Inning for Sanchez, Lack of Offense Doom Phils

Atlanta Braves	5
Philadelphia Phillies	2

2026 Bowman Prospects #BP-49

Friday Night, September 4th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
79-62, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies dropped the important series opener against the Braves as a result of a rough second inning from Cristopher Sanchez and a lack of clutch hitting.

What It Means:  There are three more games to go in the series, with Zack Wheeler taking the mound tonight.

What Happened:  Sanchez worked out of a first inning jam only to start a second inning jam with a lead-off walk.  The Braves then strung together three singles to give them an early 3-0 lead.  Sanchez went six innings overall, giving up three runs on five hits and three walks.  The Phillies would creep back into the game when Alec Bohm doubled home Luis Arraez in the bottom of the second, followed by a Bohm solo home run in the fourth.  Braves' ace Chris Sale would shut them down the next two innings, with the Braves bullpen duo of Didier Fuentes and Raisel Iglesias handling the final two frames.  The Phillies offense was 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.  Orion Kerkering continued his frustrating season, allowing a two-run home run to Mauricio Dubon in the eighth.

Featured Card:  It wasn't all bad news for the Phillies on Friday.  Top prospect Aidan Miller is slated to make his season debut on Sunday in Clearwater after missing almost the entire season with a back injury.  With Bohm set to become a free agent following the season, the Phillies need to know if Miller is ready to assume their everyday third baseman role.

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Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies: N.L. East Showdown

2006 Topps #445

2006 Philadelphia Phillies SGA #3

Friday, September 4th - 6:40
Saturday, September 5th - 6:05
Sunday, September 6th - 1:10
Monday, September 7th - 1:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
On Saturday, all kids 14 and under will receive a Phillies squeeze bottle and kids receive a Phillies rope hat on Sunday.

Atlanta Braves 83-57
1st Place in the N.L. East, 4 games ahead of the Phillies

Braves Probables
Chris Sale (13-9, 2.06)
Martin Perez (8-8, 3.05)
Tyler Mahle (2-1, 1.48)
Bryce Elder (8-8, 4.11)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Michael Harris - .295
Runs:  Matt Olson - 94
Home Runs:  Matt Olson - 37
RBIs:  Michael Harris and Matt Olson - 80
Stolen Bases:  Ronald Acuna - 20

Wins:  Chris Sale - 13
ERA:  Chris Sale - 2.06

Strikeouts:  Chris Sale - 177
Saves:  Raisel Iglesias - 29

Philadelphia Phillies 79-61
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (16-4, 2.52)
Zack Wheeler (11-5, 3.31)
Aaron Nola (6-10, 4.93)
Jesus Luzardo (13-5, 3.02)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .275
Runs:  Trea Turner - 88
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 40
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 83
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 24

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.52

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 209
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 29

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Game 140 - Sluggers Slumber in Loss to Snakes

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Arizona Diamondbacks	1

2026 Topps Chrome #160

Wednesday Afternoon, September 2nd

Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ
79-61, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies had just three hits against seven Diamondbacks' relievers, wasting Andrew Painter's seven shutout innings in this 1-0 loss.

What It Means:  It was still an incredibly solid road trip, as the Phillies went 6-3.  They lost the first two and the last game, but won six in a row in the middle.  A crucial N.L. East showdown with the Braves starts Friday night at home.

What Happened:  Painter allowed two hits and didn't walk a batter while striking out six.  In his last three starts, he's got a 1.80 ERA over 20 innings with three walks and 20 strikeouts.  Jonathan Bowlan relieved Painter in the eighth and allowed a solo home run to James McCann on the very first pitch he threw.  Bryan De La Cruz had two singles and Bryce Harper stayed hot with a single and a pair of walks for the offense.

Featured Card:  It's incredibly encouraging to witness Painter completely turn his season around.  He hasn't appeared on a Topps flagship set base card yet, but Topps did give him a card in its Topps Chrome set, released in July.

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Game 139 - Harper Stays Hot, Luzardo Tosses Gem in Win

Philadelphia Phillies	7
Arizona Diamondbacks	1

2026 Topps Big Ticket Players #BTP-19

Late Tuesday Night, September 1st

Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ
79-60, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Bryce Harper stayed red hot with a 4 for 4 night and Jesus Luzardo pitched a gem in this 7-1 win over the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  The Phillies go for the series sweep this afternoon.  They now own sole possession of the top National League Wild Card spot and they're three back of the Braves in the division.  The Phillies and Braves open a four game, Labor Day Weekend series at Citizens Bank Park on Friday.

What Happened:  Luzardo's only blemish was a fifth inning solo home run allowed to Jordan Lawlar.  He picked up his 13th win, allowing six hits and striking out six.  Jonathan Bowlan and Chase Shugart handled the Diamondbacks over the final two innings.  The Phillies manufactured runs throughout the game, with no home runs but 13 hits overall.  Trea Turner started it off with an RBI double in the first and Luis Arraez grounded into a double play to score Turner, giving the Phillies a 2-0 lead.  Alec Bohm added an RBI single in the fifth.  Three more runs scored in the eighth, putting the game out of reach, when Justin Crawford contributed a pinch-hit single, Kyle Schwarber added a sac fly and Harper singled home Crawford.  Bryson Stott scored another run with a sac fly in the ninth.

Featured Card:  Harper is hitting .483 (15 for 31) on this West Coast trip, and he's reached base in a career-high 34 straight games.  He's truly a . . . Big Ticket Player.

Transaction:  Rosters expanded to 28 players, and the Phillies added Rafael Marchan (c) and Grant Holman (rhp).  Holman was selected off waivers from the Tigers on May 7th, and he's pitched well for the IronPigs, going 3-0 with a 3.12 ERA in 26 innings pitched.

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Game 138 - Phils Finish August as Hottest Team in Baseball

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Arizona Diamondbacks	1

2026 Topps Heritage #300

Late Monday Night, August 31st

Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ
78-60, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola, the bullpen and a long home run from Bryson Stott contributed to this 2-1 series opening win over the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  The Phillies were the best team in baseball during the month of August with a 21-7 record.  They're tied with the Cubs for the top Wild Card spot with a 5 1/2 game lead overall in the Wild Card race.  These games against the Diamondbacks are a good test, but the real challenge starts next week when seven of their next 10 games are against the first place Braves.

What Happened:  Nola went five innings, allowing a run on five hits and two walks while striking out four.  Interim manger Don Mattingly used almost all of his bullpen to cobble together four scoreless innings with Alex McFarlane, Orion Kerkering, Brooks Raley, Jose Alvarado and Jhoan Duran all getting a turn.  There was a lot of traffic, but each of the relievers worked out of jams.  Duran stranded runners at first and third in the ninth, recording his 29th save.

Stott hit the longest home run of his career in the second at 464 feet.  In the third, Garrett Stubbs led off with a single, went to second when Kyle Schwarber walked and scored on a Bryce Harper double.  Harper led the team with a 1.069 OPS in August, batting .333 (32 for 96) with eight doubles, five home runs and 14 RBIs.

Featured Card:  The last game summary to feature a Kerkering card was the disastrous NLDS Game 4 from last season, and it's nice to see the reliever seemingly getting back on track this season.

Transaction:  Tommy Pham (of) was dealt to the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations.  In 44 games with the IronPigs, Pham batted .250 with three home runs and 25 RBIs.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Arizona Diamondbacks: Stretch Run Begins

2006 Topps Philadelphia Phillies SGA #23

2006 Topps #418

Monday, August 31st - 9:40
Tuesday, September 1st - 9:40
Wednesday, September 2nd - 3:40

Chase Field - Phoenix, AZ
It's Teacher's Appreciation Night tonight at the ballpark with ASU Night to follow on Tuesday.

Philadelphia Phillies 77-60
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 5 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (5-10, 5.03)
Jesus Luzardo (12-5, 3.09)
Andrew Painter (3-8, 5.95)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .274
Runs:  Trea Turner - 87
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 40
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 82
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.52

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 203
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 28

Arizona Diamondbacks 73-65
2nd Place in the N.L. West, 9 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Diamondbacks Probables
Brandon Pfaadt (7-1, 3.51)
Eduardo Rodriguez (14-4, 2.50)
TBD

Diamondbacks Leaders
Average:  Gabriel Moreno - .302
Runs:  Corbin Carroll - 83
Home Runs:  Nolan Arenado and Ketel Marte - 21
RBIs:  Ketel Marte - 67
Stolen Bases:  Corbin Carroll - 20

Wins:  Eduardo Rodriguez - 14
ERA:  Eduardo Rodriguez - 2.50

Strikeouts:  Eduardo Rodriguez - 119
Saves:  Paul Sewald - 24

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Game 137 - J.T., Edmundo Homer to Back Wheeler's Rebound Effort

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Los Angeles Angels	2

2026 Topps #363

Sunday Afternoon, August 30th

Angel Stadium - Anaheim, CA
77-60, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler figured some things out and the Phillies benefitted from a few timely home runs from J.T. Realmuto and Edmundo Sosa in this 5-2 win over the Angels.

What It Means:  The Phillies completed the sweep, and they've won 12 of their last 14 games.  They'll start a big series late tonight in Phoenix against the contending Diamondbacks.

What Happened:  Wheeler looked suspect in the first, but rebounded to pitch five shutout innings.  He allowed just a run on four hits (and three walks) while striking out six.  Alex McFarlane pitched a scoreless seventh inning, lowering his season ERA to 0.96.  Orion Kerkering worked out of Jose Alvarado's jam in the eighth, and allowed a run himself in the ninth, before recording his second save of the season.  Realmuto homered to center in the third, tying the game at 1-1, and Sosa broke the tie with a solo home run in the seventh.  Luis Arraez (sac fly) and Brandon Marsh (pinch-hit single) drove in two more runs in the eighth, and Bryce Harper doubled home Realmuto in the ninth for the game's final run.

Featured Card:  Realmuto hasn't given me a lot of opportunities to feature his cards this season, so it was nice to see him star in a win.  Here's his base card from Topps Series Two.

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Game 136 - Clutch 10th Inning Hits from Schwarber, Turner Lead to Win

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Los Angeles Angels	2

10 Innings

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Late Saturday Night, August 29th

Angel Stadium - Anaheim, CA
76-60, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A punchless Phillies offense came to life in the 10th and Cristopher Sanchez pitched seven solid innings in this 4-2, extra-inning win over the Angels.

What It Means:  Unlike the prior night, I was too tired to see even a single pitch of this game.  The Phillies go for a series sweep later this afternoon with the struggling Zack Wheeler on the mound.

What Happened:  Brandon Marsh singled home Alec Bohm with the game's first run in the second, and the score stayed at 1-0 until the bottom of the eighth.  It appeared as if it could be a 2-0 Phillies lead, but Bryce Harper was thrown out at home in the top of the eighth trying for a straight steal.  It was the second base-running blunder and out of the inning as Trea Turner had been picked off earlier.  In the bottom of the inning, Zach Neto connected for a solo home run off reliever Jonathan Bowlan, tying the score.

In the 10th, with one out and runners on second and third, Kyle Schwarber doubled on a ball that fell just in front of center fielder Mike Trout.  Trea Turner then singled two more runners home, giving the Phillies a 4-1 lead.  The Angels scored a run in the bottom of the 10th off Jhoan Duran, but he held on to earn the win, while pitching two innings of relief.

Featured Card:  Sanchez crossed the 200 strikeout plateau for the second season in a row during this game.  I'm still holding out hope for a second series of team-issued photo cards, and we'll find out when the Phillies return home on September 4th if it's going to happen or not.

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Game 135 - SOSA SLAMS PHILS TO WIN; LC Tribute

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Los Angeles Angels	3

2026 Topps Now #611

Late Friday Night, August 28th

Angel Stadium - Anaheim, CA
75-60, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Edmundo Sosa hit a pinch-hit grand slam in the top of the ninth inning, sending the Phillies to an amazing 5-3 win over the Angels.

What It Means:  Yes, I stayed up for this entire game but I almost turned it off in the seventh and went to bed.  I'm glad I didn't!

What Happened:  Andrew Painter suffered through a typical first inning for him, allowing three runs on two hits, two walks and two wild pitches, before settling down and pitching well the next five innings.  He didn't allow another hit the rest of the way and struck out six overall.  The Phillies pushed across a run in the fifth on a bunt single from Derek Hill, scoring Alec Bohm.  

Angels' reliever Ben Joyce came on in the ninth to try and hold a 3-1 lead.  Bohm was hit by a pitch and Justin Crawford walked, and Bryson Stott hit a fly ball to right that would have been a home run if not for an incredible leaping catch by Wade Meckler.  With two outs, J.T. Realmuto drew another walk and Sammy Peralta relieved Joyce.  Sosa connected for his slam, giving the Phillies a 5-3 lead and stunning the Angel Stadium crowd.

Featured Card:  Sosa rightfully earned a Topps Now card, but I also wanted to pay tribute to Larry Christenson, who passed away on Friday.  Christenson was a career Phillie, and a member of the 1980 World Championship team.  He won 83 games in his 11-year career, but I'll remember him most for being omnipresent at Phillies alumni events, special ceremonies and even just regular games.  He never didn't sign or pose for a picture with our oldest son, Doug, and I'd venture to guess Doug probable has at least a dozen Christenson autographs in his collection on Wall of Fame prints, baseballs, photo cards and score cards.  LC will be missed.

1977 Topps #59

1982 Donruss #219

2017 Chachi Alumni Weekend #1

2018 Chachi Friendly Encounters #18

2019 Chachi Friendly Encounters #7

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Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angels Angels: Phils Going to Disneyland

2006 Topps Philadelphia Phillies SGA #25

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH144

Friday, August 28th - 9:38
Saturday, August 29th - 10:07
Sunday, August 30th - 4:07

Angel Stadium - Anaheim, CA
Along with the odd start times, there are giveaways throughout this series.  Tonight, all fans will receive a Zach Neto bobblehead.  Saturday is Mexican Heritage Night at the ballpark and on Sunday, fans will receive a Joe Adell Angels football jersey.

Philadelphia Phillies 74-60
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 5 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Andrew Painter (3-8, 6.04)
Cristopher Sanchez (16-4, 2.62)
Zack Wheeler (10-5, 3.40)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .272
Runs:  Trea Turner - 86
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 40
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 81
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.62

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 203
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 28

Los Angeles Angels 52-82
5th Place in the A.L. West, 15 games behind the Astros

Angels Probables
Reid Detmers (4-8, 3.62)
Ryan Johnson (3-7, 5.75)
Yusei Kikuchi (0-4, 6.25)

Angels Leaders
Average:  Nolan Schanuel - .276
Runs:  Zach Neto - 83
Home Runs:  Zach Neto - 22
RBIs:  Zach Neto - 64
Stolen Bases:  Zach Neto - 18

Wins:  Jose Soriano - 9
ERA:  Reid Detmers - 3.62

Strikeouts:  Reid Detmers - 172
Saves:  Jordan Romano and Ryan Zeferjahn - 4

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Game 134 - Pitching, Hitting, Defense Win the Day the Seattle

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Seattle Mariners	0

2026 Topps Profiles #TP-19

Wednesday Afternoon, August 26th

T-Mobile Park - Seattle, WA
74-60, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  After two late nights of lackluster performances, everything clicked - pitching, offense, defense - in this decisive 6-0 win over the Mariners.

What It Means:  Following an off-day on Thursday, the West Coast swing continues with a weekend series in Anaheim.

What Happened:  Pitching:  Jesus Luzardo picked up his 12th win, allowing one hit (and three walks) in seven innings of work, while striking out nine.  Tim Mayza and Jhoan Duran shut down the Mariners over the final two innings.

Offense:  The Phillies got out to a 2-0 lead in the first when Kyle Schwarber doubled and Bryce Harper connected for his 27th home run of the season.  Four more runs would score in the second.  Justin Crawford singled home Bryson Stott, who had doubled to start the inning.  With two men aboard, Schwarber hit his 40th home run of the season, giving the Phillies a 6-0 lead.  Stott had three hits in the game.  Harper has reached base in a career-best 29 straight games.

Defense:  Bryce Harper robbed Julio Rodriguez of what could have been a home run, making a leaping catch in right field to keep the ball in the ballpark, or at least take a hit away.  All three infielders - Stott, Trea Turner and Luis Arraez - made acrobatic plays at different points in the game, preserving the shutout and Luzardo's one-hitter.

Featured Card:  This is from one of those superfluous Topps insert sets with a loose theme pulling together 25 stars.  The "Profiles" aspect of the card has nothing to do with the game, but I chose it since Harper shares the card with Mariners' all-time great, Ken Griffey, Jr.  (Would Griffey or Mariners team collectors feel the need to add this card to their collections?)

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