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Thursday, August 27, 2026

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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Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Game 133 - Sleeping in Seattle

Philadelphia Phillies  1 
Seattle Mariners  4 

1979 Topps #199
Late Tuesday Night, August 25th
T-Mobile Park - Seattle, WA
73-60, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted another solid effort from Aaron Nola as the offense managed just six singles in this 4-1 late night loss to the Mariners.

What It Means:  With Andrew Painter on the mound, the Phillies will try to avoid a series sweep on Wednesday afternoon before heading to Anaheim for their next three games.

What Happened:  Nola has clearly figured something out.  He went six innings, allowing two runs (including another Cal Raleigh home run) on three hits while striking out seven.  He left with his team trailing 2-1, but Orion Kerkering and Brooks Raley quickly gave up two more Mariners runs in the seventh.  The Phillies scored their lone run in the second on three consecutive singles from Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh and Justin Crawford.  They'd have just three more singles the rest of the game.  Mariners' starter George Kirby went 7 2/3 innings, allowing a run while striking out nine.

Featured Card:  Here's my favorite Larry Milbourne Mariners card, from the 1979 Topps set.
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Game 132 - Nine-Game Winning Streak Quietly Ends

Philadelphia Phillies  2 
Seattle Mariners  9 

1981 Topps #583
Late Monday Night, August 24th
T-Mobile Park - Seattle, WA
73-59, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler's second half struggles continued and the Phillies offense managed just five hits in this 9-2 series opening loss to the Mariners.

What It Means:  The nine game winning streak went out with a whimper in the middle of the night.  This is especially disappointing given how the club's nine-game homestead had ended, with one of the more memorable walk-off home run wins in franchise history.

What Happened:  Wheeler lasted four innings, allowing four home runs (two to Cal Raleigh) and eight runs overall on nine hits and five walks.  It appeared he could not locate the strike zone at all.  Chase Shugart allowed Raleigh's third home run of the game in the seventh.  The Phillies held a brief 1-0 lead after a bases loaded Alec Bohm ground out in the first, but the Mariners answered with five runs in the bottom of the first.  J.T. Realmuto hit a solo home run in the second.

Featured Card:  I'd be lying if I said I stayed up for the duration of this game, as we called it a night following Realmuto's home run.  With no logical choice here, here's a card of my favorite Phillies/Mariners player, local product Larry Milbourne.
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Tuesday, August 25, 2026

Game 131 - SCHWARBOMB WALKS IT OFF!

St. Louis Cardinals  4 
Philadelphia Phillies  6 

2026 Topps Now #588
Sunday Afternoon, August 23rd
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
73-58, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Down to their last strike four times in the bottom of the ninth inning, the Phillies staged an improbable six-run, come-from-behind win, capped by Kyle Schwarber's moonshot of a two-run home run that cleared the batter's eye in center field.

What It Means:  From the great Sarah Langs, before this win, the last time the Phillies won a game in which they trailed by four or more runs and down to their last batter was April 13, 1983 against the Mets.  Bo Diaz hit a walk-off grand slam in that game to give the Phillies a 10-9 win, and I clearly remember listening to the game on my clock radio from my 12th Street bedroom.

What Happened:  The Phillies did absolutely nothing through eight innings against Cardinals' pitching.  They had collected five hits and were sleepwalking to a 4-0 loss, ready for a lengthy flight to Seattle.  Cristopher Sanchez had given up four runs on nine hits in 6 2/3 innings.  The Cardinals brought in their All-Star closer, Riley O'Brien, to get some work in a non-save situation.  

Bryce Harper doubled to lead off the inning, then Luis Arraez and Brandon Marsh both flew out to left.  J.T. Realmuto singled to center, moving Harper to third.  Justin Crawford walked to load the bases.  Edmundo Sosa doubled on a ground ball just fair down the third base line, clearing the bases and making it a 4-3 game.  Bryan De La Cruz was up next, and he singled Sosa home to tie the game.  Schwarber's two run home run that came next will be shown on Phillies highlight reels for years to come, and is the kind of thing that happens during a season where maybe something special is brewing.  It was the ninth win in a row for the Phillies, and they've not lost since before their trip to Iowa.

Featured Card:  Topps Now gave us a Schwarber card, but I wish they had used a photo showing his massive bat flip.

Field Report:  I was not technically at the ballgame, but I was driving by Citizens Bank Park about to get on the Walt Whitman Bridge southbound when Schwarber hit his bomb.  We had just dropped off our oldest son Doug for his second year of college at Villanova, and the bittersweet ride home was improved by the 18-minute improbable rally the Phillies staged in the bottom of the ninth.  I could see Phanavision as the Phillies celebrated at home plate.

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Game 130 - Painter Paints a Gem Against Cards

St. Louis Cardinals  3 
Philadelphia Phillies  12 

2026 Choice Clearwater Threshers
Rise to the Show Gold #4
Saturday Night, August 22nd
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
72-58, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Andrew Painter pitched the best game of his rookie season and the bats came alive once more in this 12-3 win over the Cardinals.

What It Means:  The Phillies would go for the series sweep on Sunday afternoon.  (Spoiler alert: It tuned out to be one of their most thrilling wins in recent memory.)

What Happened:  Painter threw seven fantastic innings, allowing a run on five hits and no walks, while striking out eight.  He reaped the benefit of 15 Phillies hits, including a three-run inning in the first and four-run innings in the third and sixth.  Key hits from the offense included a two-run double from Edmundo Sosa in the first, a three-run home run from Bryce Harper in the sixth and a laser beam of a home run from Kyle Schwarber in the ninth off Cardinals' back-up catcher Pedro Pages.  It was Schwarber's league-leading 38th home run of the season.

Featured Card:  I'm thrilled to present a Painter card, especially after how dreadfully his season began.  The Phillies minor league affiliates seem to put out these "Rise to the Show" mini sets several times a season, and this was my limited edition (numbered to 100) gold variation found within a pack of the Clearwater Threshers' version of the set.
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Monday, August 24, 2026

Philadelphia Phillies at Seattle Mariners: West Coast Swing Begins

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #11
2006 Topps #358

Monday, August 24th - 9:40
Tuesday, August 25th - 9:40
Wednesday, August 26th - 4:10

T-Mobile Park - Seattle, WA
The first 10,000 fans will receive a Mariners jersey as part of their Native American Heritage Night tonight.  It's also Care Bears Night, with special themed tickets available.
Philadelphia Phillies 73-58
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (10-4, 2.92)
Aaron Nola (5-9, 5.12)
Jesus Luzardo (11-5, 3.35)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .277
Runs:  Trea Turner - 86
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 39
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 78
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.62
Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo and Cristopher Sanchez - 194
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 28
Seattle Mariners 62-69
2nd Place in the A.L. West, 3 games behind the Astros and Rangers

Mariners Probables
Logan Gilbert (10-7, 3.35)
George Kirby (8-10, 4.18)
TBD

Mariners Leaders
Average:  Randy Arozarena - .275
Runs:  Randy Arozarena - 84
Home Runs:  Randy Arozarena - 20
RBIs:  Randy Arozarena - 58
Stolen Bases:  Josh Naylor - 25

Wins:  Logan Gilbert - 10
ERA:  Logan Gilbert - 3.35
Strikeouts:  Logan Gilbert - 157
Saves:  Andres Munoz - 23
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Saturday, August 22, 2026

Game 129 - Bohm Walks It Off with 2-Run Triple!

St. Louis Cardinals  6 
Philadelphia Phillies  7 
10 Innings

2026 Topps Now #579
Friday Night, August 21st
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
71-58, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies battled throughout this game, eventually prevailing in extra innings on Alec Bohm's two-run, walk-off triple.

What It Means:  They've now won seven in a row and suddenly the division lead is in sight.

What Happened:  Phillies' starter Jesus Luzardo was hit early and often, allowing four runs on six hits over 5 2/3 innings, but striking out nine.  Brandon Marsh and J.T. Realmuto hit back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the second to tie the score, 2-2.  The Phillies took a brief 3-2 lead in the third when Bohm singled home Luis Arraez, who had doubled to reach.  Home Run Derby winner Jordan Walker hit a two-run home run in the top of the sixth, putting the Cardinals on top, 4-3.  Luzardo would depart the game shortly thereafter.  The Phillies tied it up and took the lead in the sixth on another RBI-double from Realmuto and a Justin Crawford sacrifice fly.  Brooks Raley was on the mound in the eighth when the Cardinals tied up again on a Brian Torres RBI single.

In the 10th, the Cardinals took a brief lead when Jose Fermin singled home ghost runner Alec Burleson.  But in the bottom of the 10th, Arraez singled ghost runner Bryce Harper to third and Bohm brought them both home with his triple to deep center to win the game.

Featured Card:  Topps produced a Topps Now card for the smoking hot Bohm to commemorate his game-winning hit.

Field Report:  We enjoyed this entire game from the muggy confines of the Diamond Club with friends.  The Kyle Schwarber bobble head was nice, but the extra inning win was better.

Transaction:  On Thursday, the Phillies claimed Andrew Hoffman (rhp) off waivers from the Arizona Diamondbacks and optioned him to Lehigh Valley.  Felix Reyes (1b) was recalled and place on the 60-day injured list with a broken right wrist to make room for Hoffman on the 40-man roster.  In eight relief appearances this season with the Diamondbacks, Hoffman has a 7.71 ERA in 11 2/3 innings pitched.

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Game 128 - Nola Dazzles in Win Over Marlins

Miami Marlins  1 
Philadelphia Phillies  4 

2026 Topps #463
Wednesday Night, August 19th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
70-58, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola pitched like it was 2018, allowing a run on five hits in seven strong innings, as the Phillies downed the Marlins, 4-1.

What It Means:  This was win number six in a row and the Cardinals would come to town next for a three-game set beginning on Friday night.

What Happened:  Nola was fantastic.  He struck out eight, and the only run allowed was a solo home run in the sixth from Javier Sanoja.  Garrett Stubbs beat out an infield hit in the second for the game's first run and Luis Arraez launched a two-run home run to right center field to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead.  An unneeded insurance run scored in the seventh when Kyle Schwarber somehow eluded a tag at the plate, scoring on a Trea Turner double.

Featured Card:  Maybe it's the magic of the Field of Dreams?  In his last two starts, Nola is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA in 12 innings pitched.  His only two runs allowed are from solo home runs.

Transaction:  Shortly after this game ended, the Phillies announced the signing of Nestor Cortes (lhp) and Brian Keller (rhp) was designated for assignment to make room for Cortes on the 40-man roster.  Cortes was an All-Star with the Yankees in 2022, a year in which he won a career-high 12 games and had a 2.44 ERA over 28 starts.  He last pitched for the Brewers and Padres in 2025, showing up in a combined eight starts and going 2-4 with a 6.29 ERA.

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Game 127 - Bohm, Stott Stay Hot; Winning Streak Up to Five

Miami Marlins  4 
Philadelphia Phillies  6 

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards
Tuesday Night, August 18th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
69-58, 2nd Place, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A four-run sixth inning, paced by clutch hits from Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott, led to this 6-4 win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Phillies would go for their sixth win in a row and a series sweep of the Marlins on Wednesday.

What Happened:  The Marlins held a 3-1 lead heading to the bottom of the sixth, having scored a pair of runs off starter Zack Wheeler and an unearned run in the top of the sixth off reliever Alex McFarlane.  McFarlane would earn his first career win as a result of the outburst in the bottom of the inning.  Trea Turner was hit by a pitch and went to second on a Luis Arraez single.  Bohm would double Turner home, making it a 3-2 game.  Stott drove in the next two runs with a single to center, and Justin Crawford made it a 5-3 game with a clutch, two-out single to left to score Stott.  Kyle Schwarber, slumping somewhat since the Field of Dreams game, singled home an insurance run in the eighth.  With a depleted bullpen, Brooks Raley took care of the save, earning his first save with the club and first save overall since 2023.

Featured Card:  It could have been Bohm again, or either McFarlane or Raley, but I'll give Stott another turn.  This is his team-issued photo card from the set still on sale at the ballpark.  We've been told the team doesn't plan a second edition of the set, but I've been told that before only to have a second edition set surprisingly show up late in the season.
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Game 126 - Phils Squeak by Fish on Controversial Umpire Call

Miami Marlins  5 
Philadelphia Phillies  6 

2025 Topps Chrome Platinum
1955 Topps Doubleheaders #55DH-4
Monday Night, August 17th
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
68-58, 2nd Place, 6 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez won his league-leading 16th game and a controversial replay review aided the Phillies in this 6-5 win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Phillies kicked off their homestead with their fourth win in a row.  In the seventh, the Marlins' Javier Sanoja doubled down the first base line with the ball initially called foul.  Upon replay review, it was ruled fair, but what would have been the tying run was placed back at third base.  Marlins' manager Clayton McCullough earned a justifiable ejection due to the umpire's mishap.

We arrived home on Monday after our odyssey to Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, and I proudly plopped in front of the TV for the duration of this game.

What Happened:  Sanchez allowed a run on six hits while striking out six over six innings of work.  The Phillies' bullpen allowed the Marlins to creep back into the game, as Sanchez had departed with a 4-1 lead.  Jhoan Duran escaped trouble in the ninth to record his 27th save.  The Phillies received RBI singles from Trea Turner and Luis Arraez in the third, and an RBI pinch-hit single from Derek Hill in the sixth.  Hill also walked with the bases loaded in the seventh.  Alec Bohm provided the needed insurance run in the eighth with an RBI single to drive home Bryce Harper.  Harper was 3 for 4 in the game.

Featured Card:  I'll feature another Harper card here, as there is no shortage of his cards in my collection.  Here's his 1955-inspired card from the recently released Topps Chrome Platinum set, with Mike Schmidt making an appearance on the back of the card.  Even though it's recently released, Topps still considers this a 2025 set for some reason.
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Game 125 - Phils Come from Behind for Series Sweep

Philadelphia Phillies  7 
Minnesota Twins  5 

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215
Sunday Afternoon, August 16th
Target Field - Minneapolis, MN
67-58, 2nd Place, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies rallied for a come-from-behind victory and Jhoan Duran shut down his former team in the ninth for his 26th save of the season.

What It Means:  We listened to this entire game, from pregame to postgame, in the middle of our 12+ hour drive from Minneapolis to Pittsburgh.  The Phillies completed the sweep and would open up a six-game series against the Marlins and Cardinals on Monday.

What Happened:  The Twins jumped out to an early 4-0 lead following a first inning grand slam from Brooks Lee off Andrew Painter.  Painter would settle down after that, allowing one more run in five innings pitched.  The Phillies didn't start chipping away until scoring four in the sixth, capped by Alec Bohm's three-run home run to make it a 5-4 game.  In the eighth, Bryce Harper singled and Luis Arraez doubled to start the inning.  Bohm singled to right to tie the game, and with two outs Bryan De La Cruz grounded a single to left, scoring two runs and giving the Phillies the lead.  Duran put a few runners on in the ninth but ended up striking out the side to secure the save.

Featured Card:  With no more De La Cruz cards to post, I'll give Bohm another card here.
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Game 124 - Bohm Goes 5 for 5 in Win Over Twins in MN

Philadelphia Phillies  9 
Minnesota Twins  1 

2026 Topps #377
Saturday Night, August 15th
Target Field - Minneapolis, MN
66-58, 2nd Place, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Alec Bohm went 5 for 5 and the Phillies were in control following a seven-run fifth inning in this 9-1 win over the Twins.

What It Means:  They'd go for a series sweep (one win in Iowa, two in Minnesota) on Sunday afternoon.  (I'm officially only one week behind in my game summary posts.)

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo reaped the benefit of the offensive surge, allowing a run on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings pitched.  He struck out nine to temporarily give him the team lead.  Alex McFarlane and Chase Shugart struck out five more Twins in a combined 2 1/3 innings of relief.  The Phillies took a 1-0 lead in the second when Alec Bohm doubled and eventually came home on a J.T. Realmuto sacrifice fly.  They poured it on in the fifth.  Luis Arraez walked with the bases loaded to score the first run of the inning.  Bohm and Sosa both singled scoring two more and then Bryson Stott lifted a three-run home run over the right field wall to give the Phillies an 8-0 lead.  Bohm would double and come home on another Realmuto sac fly in the ninth to bookend the day's scoring.  Bohm had three doubles and a pair of singles in the game.

Featured Card:  Bohm, who I was honestly hoping would be dealt at the trade deadline, has been red hot.  Through this game and so far in August, he was batting .367 with five doubles and five RBIs.

Field Report:  After the magical Field of Dreams game, Jenna and I made the four hour drive from Cedar Rapids to Minneapolis, touring Paisley Park on Friday and spending the day at Target Field on Saturday.  We toured the ballpark in the afternoon, watched some of the Phillies' batting practice at the conclusion of the tour and made our way to Section 12, right behind the Phillies' dugout on the third base line, for some enjoyable baseball.  Jenna immediately started receiving texts at the start of the game that we were clearly visible on the TV broadcast whenever a right-handed batter was at the plate.  There was a great pregame tribute to former Twin Jhoan Duran before the game and it was cool being so close to the action.

Both the Brewers and Twins use cheerleaders and a between innings host to keep the crowd engaged throughout the game.  I'm hoping the Phillies avoid going the cheerleader route for as long as possible, and the between inning host gave off a minor league ballpark vibe.

Transaction:  Kameron Misner (of) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley following the Field of Dreams game.

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Friday, August 21, 2026

St. Louis Cardinals at Philadelphia Phillies: Looking to Extend Winning Streak

2006 Topps #84
2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #7

Friday, August 21st - 6:40
Saturday, August 22nd - 6:05
Sunday, August 23rd - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Two great promotions are on deck for this weekend series.  Tonight, all fans receive a Kyle Schwarber bobblehead, with Schwarber wearing the popular, retro baby blue uniform.  On Sunday, all kids will receive a Bryce Harper football jersey.
St. Louis Cardinals 66-63
3rd Place in the N.L. Central, 13 1/2 games behind the Brewers

Cardinals Probables
Hunter Dobbins (3-3, 3.42)
Andre Pallante (12-6, 3.57)
Kyle Leahy (10-4, 3.24)

Cardinals Leaders
Average:  Alec Burleson - .288
Runs:  JJ Wetherholt - 85
Home Runs:  Jordan Walker - 26
RBIs:  Jordan Walker - 94
Stolen Bases:  Jordan Walker - 17

Wins:  Andre Pallante - 12
ERA:  Michael McGreevy - 3.54
Strikeouts:  Matthew Liberatore - 125
Saves:  Riley O'Brien - 33
Philadelphia Phillies 70-58
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 5 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jesus Luzardo (11-5, 3.23)
Andrew Painter (2-8, 6.43)
Cristopher Sanchez (16-4, 2.51)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .274
Runs:  Trea Turner - 84
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 37
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 74
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 23

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 16
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.51
Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 187
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 28
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2026 Chachi Field of Dreams Set

I knew I'd create a few custom cards from the Field of Dreams game for my 2026 Chachi set, but when walking from the movie site to the actual ballpark, I had the idea for an insert set to commemorate the event.  There was a meandering gravel path between the two locations with some concessions, helpful ushers and what looked to be somewhat sturdy, life-size standees of stars from the Phillies and Twins.  I took pictures of all the Phillies and the one ex-Phillie, with Jenna posing with a few of her favorites.

Shown here are those 11 photos, presented on a 1941 Play Ball design, which is close enough to represent the 1939 throwback uniforms worn by the Phillies.
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Thursday, August 20, 2026

Game 123 - The Field of Dreams Game

2026 Chachi #69
2026 Chachi Friendly Encounters #8
2026 Topps Now #551

Philadelphia Phillies  7 
Minnesota Twins  1 

Thursday Night, August 13th
Field of Dreams - Dyersville, IA
65-58, 2nd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  On a magical night for baseball, the Phillies shined in a 7-1 win over the Twins at baseball's Field of Dreams, situated in the middle of a huge corn field in Iowa.

What It Means:  This is easily the best regular season Phillies game I've ever attended.

What Happened:  After a moving pregame ceremony in which both teams and two dozen Hall of Famers emerged from the corn stalks in right field, Kyle Schwarber hit the third pitch of the game into the corn over the right field wall.  Bryce Harper walked, went to third on a Luis Arraez single and scored on a Bryson Stott single to center.  The Phillies scored three more runs in the fourth on a two-run home run from Schwarber that bounced off the glove of Twins' right fielder Luke Keaschall and over the wall.  Trea Turner then doubled and Harper singled him home.  Brandon Marsh capped the scoring with a two-run home run in the seventh.  Every Phillie in the starting line-up had a hit in the game, except for catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Aaron Nola allowed a second inning home run to Keaschall, but settled in and allowed five hits overall while striking out nine in his five inning outing.  Brooks Raley, Jonathan Bowlan, Orion Kerkering and Jhoan Duran kept the Twins off the scoreboard over the final four innings.

Featured Card:  I wanted to create a Chachi highlight card to celebrate the game, and given the hundreds of pictures I took during the day it was hard to parse down the photos to just a few to show here.  I also decided to create an insert set using photos of the Phillies standees located on the path leading between the movie site and the actual ballpark.  Given the Phillies chose to wear 1939-inspired uniforms, I kept the insert card design simple and based it on the 1941 Play Ball set.  I feature these in a future post.

Field Report:  It was incredible.  Jenna and I decided we needed to go to this game as soon as it was announced the prior year.  With both boys working and occupied with summer activities, we received their permission to make it a solo trip.  We pulled into Dyersville around 1:15 after the 90 minute drive from Cedar Rapids.  After waiting in line for the parking lots to open at 2pm, we quickly parked, trekked across the muddy grass parking lot and waited in line again for our early access passes from travel group, On Location.  The early access was amazing, as we were able to explore the movie site and the surrounding stores with very few other fans around at that point.  Jenna captured a selfie with Shane Victorino, we spent an appropriate amount of money on souvenirs and I took in the Field of Dreams from the movie, standing on the pitching mound, enjoying the view from second base and of course, thinking about my Dad.

In a truly magical touch, fans needed to cross through the corn field from the movie site to the ballpark area.  There was a meandering path lined with cutouts of Phillies and Twins players and then more merchandise and food concessions outside the larger (and new) ballpark.  We watched in awe as Mike Schmidt and Adrian Beltre stood in line with other fans for merchandise.  We made our way to our lofty seats in Section 304, Row DD, and enjoyed the view before the pregame ceremonies.  The game itself was extremely enjoyable as well, especially given the Phillies were in command from the outset.  Lifelong memories were created.

Transaction:  Kameron Misner (of) was recalled from Lehigh Valley as the 27th man for the game, but did not make an appearance.

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Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Game 122 - Phils Stumble Out of St. Louis with Another Loss

Philadelphia Phillies  1 
St. Louis Cardinals  7 

1963 Topps #404
Wednesday Afternoon, August 12th
Busch Stadium - St. Louis, MO
64-58, 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler was off, Jose Alvarado was wild and the Phillies offense was dormant in this 7-1 loss to the Cardinals.

What It Means:  This would be the low point of the road trip, as the Phillies lost two out of three to the Cardinals and found themselves officially out of a playoff spot.  The Field of Dreams game was coming up on Thursday, followed by a weekend twofer in Minnesota.

What Happened:  Wheeler lasted five innings, allowing five runs (four earned) on six hits.  Jose Alvarado tried to keep the game at a 5-1 deficit, but allowed a hit, three walks and two more runs in the seventh.  The Phillies' bats were mostly quiet, going 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position.  Luis Arraez hit a ground-rule, RBI double in the fourth, hopefully busting out of his slump.

Featured Card:  We listened to this game on the four hour drive from Madison, Wisconsin to Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  Current Phillie Derek Hill was famously born in Iowa, and he'd become the first native Iowan to play a big league ballgame in the state on Thursday night.  Backup catcher Bob Oldis, with the Phillies in 1962 and 1963, was born in Preston, Iowa, growing up in Iowa City.
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Game 121 - Lack of Offense Dooms Phils in St. Louis

Philadelphia Phillies  0 
St. Louis Cardinals  2 

2019 Topps Heritage #252
Tuesday Night, August 11th
Busch Stadium - St. Louis, MO
64-57, 2nd Place, 8 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies wasted a solid effort from Cristopher Sanchez, grounding into four double plays and collecting five singles in this 2-0 loss.

What It Means:  Really just a forgettable game.

What Happened:  Sanchez battled through six innings and 89 pitches thrown on a steamy St. Louis night, allowing four hits and striking out seven.  The Cardinals scored their two runs off relievers Alex McFarlane in the seventh and Tim Mayza in the eighth.  The Phillies offense was 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.  Luis Arraez is in the midst of 2 for 23 slump, batting .087 over the past five games.

Featured Card:  Jenna and I spent the day in Madison, Wisconsin, birthplace of Phillies reliever Pat Neshek, an All-Star with the team in 2017.  This is his Lowell Palmer inspired card from the 2019 Topps Heritage set.

Transaction:  Alan Rangel (rhp) was optioned to the IronPigs and McFarlane (rhp) was recalled.

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