Game 113 - Hill Slams Phils to Win Over Nats

Washington Nationals	3
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2026 Topps Now #518

Monday Night, August 3rd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
60-53, 2nd Place, 7 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Derek Hill hit a go-ahead grand slam in the bottom of the seventh inning, leading to this 6-3 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  This was a good vibes win, and Hill's slam is a highlight that will definitely make its way into the 2026 Phillies Video Yearbook.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola followed his recent pattern of pitching well, except for the pair of home runs he allowed over the first two innings, giving the Nationals a 3-0 lead.  He went six innings, allowing six hits, two walks and striking out five.  Kyle Backhus was the beneficiary of the win following Hill's home run and Backhus working out of his self-created jam in the seventh.  Nationals' reliever Andrew Alvarez hit Bryan De La Cruz and walked Bryson Stott to start the bottom of the seventh.  Tom Cosgrove replaced him on the mound and walked Edmundo Sosa to load the bases.  That set up Hill's grand slam, the eventual game winner and the first grand slam of the season for the Phillies.  Bryce Harper added a two-run home run in the eighth.

Featured Card:  There just aren't many Hill cards out there, and he hasn't had any cards so far in 2026 . . . or so I thought.  Topps Now produced this card for Hill, his first card of the season and to date his only Phillies baseball card.

Transaction:  See here for a complete recap of the Phillies deadline day moves.  They played this game with just 25 players, as Seth Johnson (rhp) was traded to the Athletics a few hours before game time.

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Phils Add Batting Champ Arraez, Pair of Relievers at Trade Deadline

President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski had a busy Monday, making two major trades and two minor trades as the Phillies look for a push to get them back to the postseason.

2026 Topps #420

2023 Topps Heritage #92

2026 Choice Jersey Shore BlueClaws #22

2026 Choice Clearwater Threshers #12

Arraez, Kilian Acquired from Giants:  The first trade unofficially and then officially announced was the acquisition of Luis Arraez (2b) and Caleb Kilian (rhp) from the Giants in exchange to minor leaguers Ramon Marquez (rhp) and Marty Gair (rhp).

Arraez will play second base for the Phillies, which means Bryson Stott will likely move over to third, Alec Bohm will shift to first and Bryce Harper will temporarily return to right field.  Arraez has already won three batting titles (2022, 2023, 2024), and he's currently the National League batting leader with a .324 average.  He's a four-time All-Star who has often been on the move, spending time with the Twins (2019-22), Marlins (2023-24), Padres (2024-25) and Giants.  Caleb Kilian appeared in eight games for the Cubs between 2022 and 2024, but he's found success so far this season out of the Giants' bullpen.  He's 3-6 with a 4.26 ERA in 44 1/3 innings pitched with eight saves.  Kilian is still a rookie, so the Phillies have him under team control for the foreseeable future.

Marquez was the Phillies' No. 4 ranked prospect in their system and Gair was not ranked.  Still only 20 years old, Marquez was a combined 6-1 with a 1.68 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 59 innings pitched at Jersey Shore and Clearwater.

To make room on the 40-man roster for Arraez and Kilian, Lou Trivino III (rhp) and Payton Henry (c) were designated for assignment.

2023 Topps Update #US43

2026 Choice Jersey Shore BlueClaws #30

2026 Choice Jersey Shore BlueClaws #16

Raley Joins 'Pen from Mets:  Next, the Phillies acquired Brooks Raley (lhp) from the Mets in exchange for minor leaguers Luke Gabrysh (rhp) and John Spikerman (of).  Nolan Hoffman (rhp) was designated for assignment to make room for Raley on the roster.  Raley is a veteran of nine big league seasons, and he's been with the Mets since 2023.  He's got a 1.96 ERA in 41 1/3 innings pitched so far this year.  Spikerman was the team's 27th ranked top prospect and Gabrysh was not ranked.

2026 Topps #666

2025 Topps #362

2026 Topps #213

Hoffman, Johnson Shipped Out:  Hoffman, DFA'd a few hours earlier, was dealt to the Royals for minor leaguer Manuel Colon (rhp).  Hoffman pitched in four games for the Phillies between this and last season, with no record and a 7.94 ERA in 5 2/3 innings pitched.  Colon, just 19 years old, has yet to appear on any baseball cards.

At the 6pm trade deadline buzzer, Seth Johnson (rhp) was traded to the Athletics for Colby Thomas (of).  Johnson appeared in 27 games for the Phillies over the past three seasons, and was 2-2 with a 7.18 ERA in 31 1/3 innings pitched.  Thomas has played in 104 games with the A's, batting .214 with 10 home runs and 30 RBIs, while playing mostly right field.

Washington Nationals at Philadelphia Phillies: Deadline Day Looms

2006 Topps #372

2006 Topps #83

Monday, August 3rd - 6:40
Tuesday, August 4th - 6:40
Wednesday, August 5th - 6:40
Thursday, August 6th - 6:05

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
There are three straight theme nights to start the series - Margaritaville Night tonight, a College Series Business of Sports Night sponsored by Temple University on Tuesday, and Pickleball Night on Wednesday.  On Thursday, all fans will receive a fantastic looking Field of Dreams Phillies t-shirt.

Washington Nationals 55-58
4th Place in the N.L. East, 12 1/2 games behind the Braves

Nationals Probables
TBD
Zack Littell (7-8, 4.94)
Jake Irvin (2-5, 5.56)
Foster Griffin (12-3, 3.06)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  CJ Abrams - .287
Runs:  James Wood - 100
Home Runs:  James Wood - 30
RBIs:  CJ Abrams - 85
Stolen Bases:  Nasim Nunez - 40

Wins:  Foster Griffin - 12
ERA:  Foster Griffin - 3.06

Strikeouts:  Cade Cavalli - 133
Saves:  Clayton Beeter - 11

Philadelphia Phillies 59-53
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 8 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (3-9, 5.61)
Jesus Luzardo (9-5, 3.57)
Andrew Painter (1-8, 6.72)
Cristopher Sanchez (14-4, 2.61)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .280
Runs:  Trea Turner - 75
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 33
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 66
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 19

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 14
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.61

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 168
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 24

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Game 112 - Phils Blast Orioles in Rain-Shortened Finale

Philadelphia Phillies	8
Baltimore Orioles	0

6 Innings

2026 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #11

Sunday Afternoon, August 2nd

Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore, MD
59-53, 2nd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies battled through the raindrops in this 8-0 series finale shutout victory over the Orioles.

What It Means:  Tomorrow is trade deadline day, and the Phillies will open a four-game series at home against the Nationals.  I'm hoping for at least a few upgrades to the roster before first pitch tomorrow night.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler was lost after just two innings thanks to a nearly two-hour rain delay, but his velocity was back up to normal and he allowed just a hit while striking out three in his abbreviated outing.  Kyle Backhus and Tim Mayza shut down the Orioles over the next three innings.  Bryan De La Cruz stayed hot with a two-run home run in the third, and that was all the Phillies would really need.  Two more Phillies runs crossed the plate in the fourth, Bryce Harper hit a solo home run in the fifth and Justin Crawford started the scoring in the sixth with an RBI single.  De La Cruz and Schwarber added sacrifice flies in the inning to cap the scoring for the day.

Featured Card:  In eight games so far, De La Cruz is batting .450 (9 for 20) with a pair of home runs and six RBIs while playing solid defense.  It seems as if he's worked his way into the Phillies' plans for the stretch run.  His only 2026 baseball card appearance to date is within the IronPigs team set.

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Game 111 - Sanchez, Phils Battle to Shutout Win Over Orioles

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Baltimore Orioles	0

2026 Topps Heritage #110

Saturday Night, August 1st

Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore, MD
58-53, 2nd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez struck out 11 and the Phillies' offense came up with a few clutch hits when needed in this 5-0 win over the Orioles.

What It Means:  Zack Wheeler takes the mound this afternoon as the Phillies look for their first series win since the All-Star Break.

What Happened:  Sanchez worked out of jams in the fourth and sixth innings, as he allowed just two hits but walked five.  He improved his record to 14-4.  Jonathan Bowlan struck out the side in the seventh, with Jose Alvarado and Jhoan Duran following with perfect innings to secure the win.  The game was scoreless until the fifth when Bryan De La Cruz singled home Bryson Stott.  The Phillies plated four more runs in the eighth with RBI singles from Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh and Justin Crawford.

Featured Card:  Here's Sanchez's card from the 1977 Topps inspired Heritage set.

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Game 110 - Bullpen Fails Again in Loss to O's

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Baltimore Orioles	6

2026 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils Top 10 Prospects #4

Friday Night, July 31st

Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore, MD
57-53, 2nd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Andrew Painter pitched well in his return to the majors, but Orion Kerkering's implosion in the seventh led to this 6-4 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies went from two games behind the Braves to eight games behind in less than two weeks.  They are 3-10 since the All-Star Break, the worst record in the majors.

What Happened:  Painter got off to a rocky start, giving up a double to Dylan Beavers and a two-run home run to Pete Alonso to start the game.  He'd settle in after that, allowing just one more hit and striking out six in six innings of work.  The Phillies led by a 4-2 score after six innings, thanks in part to solo home runs from Trea Turner in the third and J.T. Realmuto in the sixth.  In the bottom of the seventh, Kerkering allowed a single, walk, double to tie the game and hit a batter before being relieved by Tim Mayza.  Mayza promptly allowed a two-run triple to Gunnar Henderson to give the Orioles a 6-4 lead.

Featured Card:  At least Painter pitched well.  This start was either a showcase for a potential trade or an audition for his vacated fifth starter's spot . . . or a little bit of both.

Transaction:  Painter (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Brian Keller (rhp) was optioned back down.

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Game 109 - Phils Blow Six-Run Lead in Loss to Fish

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Miami Marlins	8

1987 Topps Glossy Send-Ins #1

Wednesday Afternoon, July 29th

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
57-52, 2nd Place, 6 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies held a 6-0 lead at one point, which was steadily blown by Jesus Luzardo, Seth Johnson and Jonathan Bowlan as the Marlins came back to win, 8-6.

What It Means:  Definitely the worst loss of the trip.

What Happened:  Bryson Stott hit a two-run double in the third and Bryan De La Cruz added a run with a sacrifice fly in the fourth.  A solo home run from Trea Turner, an RBI triple from Bryce Harper and an RBI single from Alec Bohm gave the Phillies a 6-0 lead in the top of the fifth.  And then things started to unravel.  

Luzardo allowed three runs in the bottom of the fifth.  He departed in the seventh with one out and two runners on, and the Phillies holding a slim 6-4 lead.  Interim manger Don Mattingly opted for Johnson in the high leverage situation, with Johnson allowing both inherited runners to score, tying the game.  In the bottom of the eighth, Griffin Conine hit a two-run home run off Bowlan, breaking the tie and ultimately sending the Marlins to the victory.

Featured Card:  It doesn't seem as if Mattingly is a very good manager?  His bullpen usage has been strange and unpredictable, his line-ups have been odd and he recently clashed with Harper through the media.  There's a slim chance he's back in 2027 if the Phillies make the postseason and zero chance if they don't.

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Game 108 - Phils Waste Nola's Solid Outing

Philadelphia Phillies	0
Miami Marlins	1

2016 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils Holiday

Tuesday Night, July 28th

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
57-51, 2nd Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A first inning home run from the Marlins' Kyle Stowers accounted for all the offense in this game as the Phillies wasted a solid performance from Aaron Nola in this 1-0 loss.

What It Means:  With the trade deadline looming, nothing is going right for the Phillies at this point.  They have too many holes to fill with just one or two trades, but we'll wait and see what president of baseball operations Dave Dombroski has up his sleeve over the next few days.

What Happened:  Nola allowed his first inning home run and then settled in to pitch 5 2/3 innings, allowing four more hits and striking out four.  The Phillies offense had four hits and was 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.  Bryan De La Cruz had two hits, including a double, to raise his Phillies average to .636 (7 for 11).

Featured Card:  I could be wrong here, but as far as I can tell the last time the Phillies lost to the Marlins by a score of 1-0 in Miami was on September 24, 2015.  Alec Asher pitched seven strong innings in that game and was the hard luck loser.

Transaction:  Garrett Stubbs (c) was activated from the injured list and Payton Henry (c) was optioned to the IronPigs.  Henry was on the Phillies' active roster for four games and didn't appear in any of them.

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Game 107 - Phils Come Back, But Duran Blows It

Philadelphia Phillies	7
Miami Marlins	8

2025 Topps Chrome Platinum
Autographs #CPA-TP

Monday Night, July 27th

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
57-50, 2nd Place, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  After the Phillies offense mounted an impressive comeback late in this game, Jhoan Duran couldn't hold a two-run lead as the Marlins walked off with a stunning (and deflating) 8-7 victory.

What It Means:  Things continued to fall apart for the Phillies at this point, with this loss beginning a four-game losing streak as I watched and tried to listen from afar.

What Happened:  The Marlins led 5-2 after two innings following a rough start from Zack Wheeler, who only lasted three innings and blamed things on just having "a bad day."  The Phillies would take a 6-5 lead in the sixth.  Bryce Harper walked, was moved to second on a Brandon Marsh ground out and scored on an Alec Bohm single.  Bryson Stott singled and J.T. Realmuto doubled Bohm home.  Justin Crawford would connect for a single to left, scoring Stott and Realmuto and giving the Phillies the lead.  They'd add an insurance run in the eighth, but it wouldn't be enough.

Duran was in trouble from the outset in the ninth.  The Marlins offensive sequence went single, single, stolen base, hit by pitch, single by Heriberto Hernandez to tie the game at 7-7, single, force out, single by Griffin Conine to win the game.

Featured Card:  Former Phillie Tyler Phillips started this game for the Marlins, allowing two runs over the first five innings.  I just added this card of his to my collection from the 2025 Topps Chrome Platinum set, released on June 5th, or a little over five months since the end of 2025.

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Game 106 - Bohm and Stott Drive in a Combined Nine Runs in Win

New York Yankees	4
Philadelphia Phillies	11

2026 Topps #562

Sunday Night, July 26th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
57-49, 2nd Place, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Alec Bohm and Bryson Stott drove in a combined nine runs in this 11-4 drubbing of the Yankees.

What It Means:  The Phillies avoided a series sweep at the hands of the Yankees and next headed to Miami for a a three-game set.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez was the beneficiary of the run support, improving to 13-4 on the season.  He pitched six innings, allowing three runs on six hits (and three walks) while striking out six.  Chase Shugart pitched the final two shutout innings, striking out five.  Stott hit a solo home run in the second, added an RBI-single in the third and capped his night with a bases-clearing double in the sixth.  Bohm had his own bases-clearing double in the third.

Featured Card:  Here's Stott's card from Topps Series Two, released in June.

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Game 105 - Bullpen Does Its Job, Offense Does Not

New York Yankees	3
Philadelphia Phillies	1

2022 Choice
Worcester Red Sox #23

Saturday Night, July 25th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
56-49, 2nd Place, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies' bullpen collectively turned in an impressive performance, but the Phillies' offense couldn't get anything going in this 3-1 loss to the Yankees.

What It Means:  I'm playing catch up after a week-long trip to the Happiest Place on Earth, and it seems I didn't miss a whole lot of good Phillies baseball.

What Happened:  Tim Mayza was the opener, allowing no runs over the first two innings, and Brian Keller made his big league debut, allowing a run in three innings of work.  The Phillies scored a first inning run on a Bryce Harper sac fly and then pretty much shut things down for the remainder of the game.  They were 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  Keller is quite the story and it's awesome that after seven seasons in the minors, dating back to 2016, he finally made it to the majors.  He was a 39th round draft pick by the Yankees in 2016, and more on his emotional debut can be found here.  Keller's baseball card appearances have been limited to minor league team sets and Japanese issues, and here's his most recent minor league team set appearance from 2022.

Transaction:  Kameron Misner (of) was acquired from the Kansas City Royals for cash considerations and Steward Berroa (of) was designated for assignment to make room for Misner on the 40-man roster.

The Phillies also made a whole bunch of pitching moves.  Keller (rhp) had his contract selected and Kyle Backhus (lhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley.  Max Lazar (rhp) and Alex McFarlane (rhp) were optioned to Lehigh Valley and Tanner Banks (lhp) was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room for Keller on the 40-man roster.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Baltimore Orioles

2006 Topps Philadelphia Phillies SGA #1

2006 Topps #342

Friday, July 31st - 7:05
Saturday, August 1st - 7:05
Sunday, August 2nd - 1:35

Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore, MD
Before Saturday night's game, the Orioles will induct three new members into their Hall of Fame - former players Chris Davis and Storm Davis, along with front office executive and scout Jim Russo.

Philadelphia Phillies

1983 Phillies Leaders
Average:  Gary Matthews - .258
Runs:  Mike Schmidt - 104
Home Runs:  Mike Schmidt - 40
RBIs:  Mike Schmidt - 109
Stolen Bases:  Bob Dernier - 35

Wins:  John Denny - 19
ERA:  John Denny - 2.37

Strikeouts:  Steve Carlton - 275
Saves:  Al Holland - 25

Baltimore Orioles

1983 Orioles Leaders
Average:  Cal Ripken - .318
Runs:  Cal Ripken - 121
Home Runs:  Eddie Murray - 33
RBIs:  Eddie Murray - 111
Stolen Bases:  John Shelby - 15

Wins:  Scott McGregor - 18
ERA:  Mike Boddicker - 2.77

Strikeouts:  Storm Davis - 125
Saves:  Tippy Martinez - 21

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Philadelphia Phillies at Miami Marlins

2026 Chachi 2006 Topps Missing Links #10

2006 Topps #578

Monday, July 27th - 6:40
Tuesday, July 28th - 6:40
Wednesday, July 29th - 12:10

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
Monday night is a Bark at the Park night at the ballpark.

Philadelphia Phillies

2006 Phillies Leaders
Average:  Ryan Howard - .313
Runs:  Chase Utley - 131
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 58
RBIs:  Ryan Howard - 149
Stolen Bases:  Jimmy Rollins - 36

Wins:  Brett Myers - 12
ERA:  Brett Myers - 3.91

Strikeouts:  Brett Myers - 189
Saves:  Tom Gordon - 34

Miami Marlins

2006 Marlins Leaders
Average:  Miguel Cabrera - .339
Runs:  Hanley Ramirez - 119
Home Runs:  Dan Uggla - 27
RBIs:  Miguel Cabrera - 114
Stolen Bases:  Hanley Ramirez - 51

Wins:  Three tied with - 12
ERA:  Dontrelle Willis - 3.87

Strikeouts:  Scott Olsen - 166
Saves:  Joe Borowski - 36

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Game 104 - Schlittler Happens

New York Yankees	1
Philadelphia Phillies	0

2010 MultiAd Lakewood
BlueClaws #16

Friday Night, July 24th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
56-48, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo made one mistake, allowing a solo home run to Paul Goldschmidt in the fourth, and Cam Schlittler shut down the Phillies for 7 1/3 innings in this 1-0 loss to the Yankees.

What It Means:  The Phillies need to get it going again.

What Happened:  Luzardo was the hard luck loser, allowing the run in seven innings of work while striking out nine.  The Phillies had four hits.  They couldn't capitalize on a bases loaded, one out situation in the eighth as Trea Turner lined out to left and Kyle Schwarber grounded to first to end the inning.  Bryce Harper was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts.

Featured Card:  This is one of the three Lebron cards in my Phillies collection, and I thought it appropriate to feature former prospect Siulman Lebron on the day LeBron James signed with the 76ers on a two-year $8 million contract.  This Phillies game will forever be linked to the day LeBron came to Philly.  (Of course, I could have gone with a Chris James card too, but this was more fun.)

Transaction:  Rafael Marchan (c) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left knee injury and Payton Henry (c) was selected from Lehigh Valley to serve as the temporary back-up catcher.  To make room for Henry on the 40-man roster, Brad Keller (rhp) was moved to the 60-day injured list.

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New York Yankees at Philadelphia Phillies: The LeBron Era Begins

2006 Topps Updates & Highlights #UH100

2006 Topps #20

Friday, July 24th - 6:45
Saturday, July 25th - 6:05
Sunday, July 26th - 7:20

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
On Sunday, all kids receive a Phanatic hat.

New York Yankees 57-45
2nd Place in the A.L. East, 2 games behind the Rays

Yankees Probables
Cam Schlittler (9-6, 2.20)
Ryan Weathers (3-7, 4.40)
Will Warren (7-4, 4.00)

Yankees Leaders
Average:  Ben Rice - .277
Runs:  Ben Rice - 66
Home Runs:  Ben Rice - 30
RBIs:  Ben Rice - 71
Stolen Bases:  Jazz Chisolm - 27

Wins:  Cam Schlittler - 9
ERA:  Cam Schlittler - 2.20

Strikeouts:  Cam Schlittler - 145
Saves:  David Bednar - 18

Philadelphia Phillies 56-47
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Jesus Luzardo (9-4, 3.43)
TBD
Cristopher Sanchez (12-4, 2.65)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .292
Runs:  Trea Turner - 69
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 33
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 61
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 17

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 12
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.65

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 151
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 24

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Game 103 - Pitching Woes Continue in Loss to Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers	9
Philadelphia Phillies	5

2026 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (Series 1) Mystery Promo

Wednesday Night, July 22nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
56-47, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Dodgers offense overpowered Aaron Nola and the Phillies bullpen in this 9-5 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies have lost their first two series coming out of the All-Star Break and the Yankees come to town next for a weekend set.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola once again was fine until he wasn't.  Nola allowed a solo home run to Dalton Rushing in the third and then Rushing connected for a two-run double in the fifth to give the Dodgers a 3-2 lead.  Max Muncy added a two-run home run in the fifth and that was pretty much the ballgame.  Nola fell to 3-8 with a 5.82 ERA.  The wheels came off in the eighth when Tim Mayza and Orion Kerkering combined to allow four more runs to score.

The Phillies had a few momentary highlights with Alec Bohm hitting a two-run home run in the first and Bryan De La Cruz hitting a solo home run in the fifth in his Phillies debut.  Baserunning problems continued with Bryson Stott getting tagged out at third to scuttle a fifth inning rally.

Featured Card:  De La Cruz and Alex McFarlane both made their Phillies debuts, with McFarlane seeing his first big league action.  The first batter he faced in the majors was Shohei Ohtani and Ohtani flew "out sharply" per the official description to center.  McFarlane retired Andy Pages and Max Muncy with Freddie Freeman collecting a single in between.  McFarlane appears as a bonus card in both of the Reading Fightin Phils team sets released to date, and I'm sure he'll start popping up in Topps offerings soon.

Field Report:  I was there as part of a work gathering, enjoying the breezes in Section 201.

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Game 102 - Game Ends on Baserunning Blunder

Los Angeles Dodgers	2
Philadelphia Phillies	1

1939 Play Ball #145

Tuesday Night, July 21st

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
56-46, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler's latest superb effort was wasted as the Phillies couldn't plate a run after the first inning in this 2-1 loss to the Dodgers.

What It Means:  This game was delayed at the outset by 80 minutes due to thunderstorms.  Again, weather permitting, the Phillies will go for the series win tonight with Aaron Nola on the mound.

What Happened:  Wheeler's only blemish was the two-run home run he allowed to Max Muncy in the fourth inning.  He went seven strong innings, allowing five hits and striking out nine.  Jose Alvarado and Jonathan Bowlan gave the offense a chance with two scoreless innings of relief.  In the first, Bryce Harper lined to center for a two-out double and came home on an RBI-single from Alec Bohm.  Bohm had three hits on the night.

The Phillies had runners at second and third with one out in the ninth.  Brandon Marsh grounded to third, and Justin Crawford was tagged out after a brief run-down between third and home.  Realmuto, who had reached third safely, decided to run back to second, where he was doubled up to end the game.

Featured Card:  With the All-Star Game behind us now, the Phillies can turn their attention to the Field of Dreams Game to be played in Iowa in mid-August.  The Phillies and Twins recently revealed the uniforms they'd be wearing during the game, and while I don't have a color representation of the 1939 throw-back uniform the Phillies will wear in my baseball card collection, here's a good black and white view as modeled by Hugh Mulcahy from the 1939 Play Ball set.

Transaction:  Garrett Stubbs (c) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left wrist injury and Bryan De La Cruz (of) was recalled from Lehigh Valley.

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Game 101 - Turner's Ridiculous Game Ends in Victory

Los Angeles Dodgers	7
Philadelphia Phillies	10

2026 Topps Now #472

Monday Night, July 20th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
56-45, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner hit two home runs and committed what could have been ruled four errors in what he deemed a "ridiculous game" in this 10-7 series opening win over the Dodgers.

What It Means:  Weather permitting, the Phillies go for the series win on Tuesday night with Zack Wheeler on the mound.

What Happened:  The Phillies found their bats and pounded out 11 hits, scoring four runs in both the second and sixth innings.  Turner homered in the second and sixth, Brandon Marsh hit a solo home run in the sixth, Bryce Harper connected in the seventh and Derek Hill added a solo shot in the eighth.  Turner also had a double while committing only one error officially, but what was four errors unofficially.  Christopher Sanchez battled through 5 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits while striking out seven.  Chase Shugart got into trouble in the ninth, allowing three runs to score, before Jhoan Duran was called upon to record the game's final out.

Featured Card:  Both Turner and Harper received Topps Now cards.  Harper's seventh inning solo home run was his 200th with the Phillies, and the back of his card also mentions this was the club's 1,000th win at Citizens Bank Park.  Here's Turner's Topps Now card, which highlights his 200th career home run, his second home run of the game and hit off Alex Vesia in the sixth inning.

Transaction:  Alan Rangel (rhp) was optioned back to the IronPigs and Alex McFarlane (rhp) was recalled from Double-A Reading.  McFarlane had been active earlier on the season for one game (April 24th) but didn't see any game action.

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Game 100 - Phils Drop Sunday Snoozefest

New York Mets	6
Philadelphia Phillies	1

1998 Stadium Club #238

Sunday Afternoon, July 19th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
55-45, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A bullpen game, coupled with once-again absent offense, led to this 6-1 loss to the Mets on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon for baseball.

What It Means:  I listened to most of this game while enjoying the Ocean City beach along with seemingly a few million of my closest friends.  The outcome of the game didn't match the picture perfect summer day.

The Phillies are 41-14 in games started by Cristopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler or Jesus Luzardo this season.  They are 14-31 in games started by anyone else, including Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, Andrew Painter and Alan Rangel.

What Happened:  Rangel got the start for this game, and it didn't go well.  He departed after four innings with the Mets holding an insurmountable 5-0 lead.  Tim Mayza would allow a sixth run in the fifth inning.  The Phillies offense couldn't get anything going, and Mets' starter Nolan McLean had 10 strikeouts in his six-inning outing.  Alec Bohm hit a solo home run in the seventh, and overall the Phillies were 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  At least the beach was wonderful?  (I've got nothing.)

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Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies: NLCS Preview?

2006 Topps #109

2006 Topps #398

Monday, July 20th - 7:10
Tuesday, July 21st - 6:40
Wednesday, July 22nd - 6:40

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
On Tuesday night, all kids will receive a Phillies Big Chain, featuring one of the best team logos in club history from the early 1980s.

Los Angeles Dodgers 63-37
1st Place in the N.L. West, 11 1/2 games ahead of the Diamondbacks

Dodgers Probables
Emmet Sheehan (4-6, 4.81)
Eric Lauer (3-0, 3.12)
Roki Sasaki (3-5, 4.98)

Dodgers Leaders
Average:  Shohei Ohtani - . 290
Runs:  Shohei Ohtani - 66
Home Runs:  Shohei Ohtani - 22
RBIs:  Andy Pages - 67
Stolen Bases:  Andy Pages - 8

Wins:  Justin Wrobleski and Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 10
ERA:  Justin Wrobleski - 2.69

Strikeouts:  Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 113
Saves:  Tanner Scott - 14

Philadelphia Phillies 55-45
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (11-4, 2.62)
Zack Wheeler (10-1, 2.13)
Aaron Nola (3-7, 5.68)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Brandon Marsh - .293
Runs:  Trea Turner - 66
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 33
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 61
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 17

Wins:  Cristopher Sanchez - 11
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.62

Strikeouts:  Cristopher Sanchez - 144
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 24

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