Game 157 - Wheeler Reaches 2,000 Ks, Marsh Paces Offense in Win

Milwaukee Brewers	4
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2026 Topps #702

Tuesday Night, September 22nd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
87-70, 2nd Place, 5 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler reached 2,000 career strikeouts and set a Phillies record with seven straight strikeouts to start a game, as the Phillies would rally to beat the Brewers, 6-4.

What It Means:  I'm getting caught up over the weekend due to a busy week at work, and this is the last time the Phillies have won a game through Friday night.  This win dropped the Phillies Magic Number to 2, where it remains as of Saturday morning.

What Happened:  Wheeler would strike out 11 and allow three runs on five hits before departing with two outs in the sixth.  The Phillies got out to an early 3-0 lead, thanks to Brandon Marsh's two-run home run in the second and Alec Bohm's RBI double in the third.  The Brewers tied it up at 3-3 in the sixth, leading to Wheeler's departure, but Tim Mayza was able to escape any further trouble.  In the bottom of the eighth, and all with two outs, three straight singles from Luis Arraez, Bohm and Bryson Stott, along with a Brewers' error, allowed the Phillies to take a 5-3 lead.  Marsh doubled home Stott for an added insurance run.  Jhoan Duran was shaky in the ninth, allowing a run on a hit and a walk, but he'd shut down the Brewers for his 33rd save.

Featured Card:  Marsh could have gotten the card here, but I'll give it to Wheeler and I was grateful Topps created a Topps Now card to celebrate his milestone.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 156 - Sanchez, Crawford, Bullpen Prevail Over Mets

Philadelphia Phillies	7
New York Mets	2

2026 Topps Chrome
Wave Refractors #73

Sunday Afternoon, September 20th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
86-70, 2nd Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies finally looked again like a play-off caliber team in this rainy, Sunday afternoon win over the Mets.

What It Means:  The Magic Number to clinch a playoff spot is down to 3.  The Phillies split this series with the Mets and are headed home to wrap up the regular season with six games against the postseason bound Brewers and Rays, beginning on Tuesday night.

What Happened:  The Phillies jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first on a Luis Arraez sacrifice fly and another clutch, two-out RBI single from Alec Bohm.  They took a 4-0 lead in the third when Kyle Schwarber walked, was doubled home by Trea Turner and Arraez singled Turner home.  Cristopher Sanchez was pulled in the seventh inning, much to his displeasure, having allowed a run on six hits and striking out six.  Alex McFarlane entered, allowed an inherited run to score, but struck out Juan Soto on three straight pitches to end the threat.  Justin Crawford broke the game open in the eighth with a bases-clearing triple.  Sanchez notched his 18th win of the season, becoming the first Phillies pitcher with at least 18 wins in a season since Roy Halladay won 19 in 2011.

Featured Card:  The rookies came up big in this game, with both McFarlane and Crawford playing pivotal roles.  I'll give the card to Crawford here, as his triple allowed the Phillies to have their first real breathing room in a game since the prior Sunday.

Transaction:  Following his latest disastrous outing on Saturday afternoon, Orion Kerkerking (rhp) was optioned to the IronPigs and Max Lazar (rhp) was recalled.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 155 - Bullpen Falters Again in Latest Loss

Philadelphia Phillies	3
New York Mets	10

2026 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Saturday Afternoon, September 19th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
85-70, 2nd Place, 6 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Andrew Painter battled through 5 1/3 innings, but the offense could score only three runs for the fifth game in a row and the bullpen duo of Brooks Raley and Orion Kerkering imploded in this 10-3 loss.

What It Means:  This was one of the most depressing losses of the season, and that's saying something.

What Happened:  After 4 1/2 innings, the Phillies held a 3-1 lead thanks to an Alec Bohm RBI single in the fourth, followed by a Bryce Harper sacrifice fly and another Bohm RBI single in the fifth.  In the bottom of the fifth, Painter allowed a two-run home run to Francisco Alvarez, giving the Mets a 4-3 lead, but then struck out the side to end the inning.  Raley entered in the sixth and could not retire a batter, and the inning ended with the Mets up, 6-3.  Kerkering entered in the eighth and was atrocious, allowing four more runs on four hits, a pair of walks and a wild pitch.

Featured Card:  Raley owns an 8.71 ERA in his 15 relief appearances with the Phillies, and there's a chance he's not on the postseason roster.  Kerkering definitely will not be on the postseason roster, as he was demoted to the IronPigs following this game.  His season, and perhaps his Phillies tenure, are over.  In 24 games since the All-Star break, Kerkering has a pair of blown saves and a 9.43 ERA in 21 innings pitched.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 153 - Nola Follows Wheeler with Impressive Start

Philadelphia Phillies	3
New York Mets	0

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Thursday Night, September 17th

Citi Field - Flushing, NY
85-68, 2nd Place, 4 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola was fantastic, taking a no-hit bid into the sixth inning, as the Phillies shut down the Mets in this 3-0 win.

What It Means:  The magic number to clinch a playoff spot has dropped to 5.

What Happened:  Nola's no-hitter ended with one out in the sixth when Nick Morabito connected for a clean single to left.  Nola then induced a double play to end the inning.  He has a 2.10 ERA over his last 10 starts, which is not something I saw coming before the All-Star break.  Bryce Harper singled home Brandon Marsh with the game's first run in the fifth.  Luis Arraez and Justin Crawford added sac flies in the seventh and eighth innings.  Jonathan Bowlan left the game with a groin injury, further depleting an already shaky bullpen, and Jhoan Duran recorded his 32nd save.

Featured Card:  Here's Nola's card from the Kids Club/Club 215 set available at the ballpark.  When we last visited the club kiosk prior to the game on September 8th, they were all out of Duran cards for the year.

Transaction:  In need of pitching depth, the Phillies claimed Jose Urquidy (rhp) off waivers from the Chicago White Sox and transferred Caleb Killian to the 60-day injured list.  Urquidy was a 13-game winner with the Astros in 2022 and pitched three scoreless innings against the Phillies in relief in the World Series.  In 11 games with the Pirates and White Sox this season, he's 2-2 with a 5.28 ERA in 29 innings pitched.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 152 - Wheeler Provides Vibe Boost with Solid Outing

Philadelphia Phillies	3
Washington Nationals	0

2026 Topps Sandglitter #261

Wednesday Night, September 16th

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
84-68, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler looked strong again in his start against the Nationals, and the Phillies gave him enough run support for a 3-0 win.

What It Means:  A solid start from Wheeler was needed following the Jesus Luzardo injury news and another rough outing from Cristopher Sanchez.

What Happened:  Wheeler allowed four hits over his seven innings, walking one and striking five.  He's one away from his milestone 2,000th career strikeout.  Jose Alvarado and Jhoan Duran took care of the final two innings with Duran recording his 31st save.  The Phillies scored two quick runs in the first with Alec Bohm singled home Trea Turner, who had walked to reach.  Bryson Stott walked with the bases loaded to give the Phillies a 2-0 lead with one out, but the Phillies couldn't score any more runs.  They left 13 runners on base in this game, and became the first team in 71 years to walk 13 times in a nine-inning game, but score only three runs.  Bryce Harper singled in the seventh and came around to score on a Luis Arraez double to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead.

Featured Card:  I'll gladly give Wheeler the card here.  He's 3-1 with a 1.04 ERA in his last four starts, striking out 29 over 26 innings.  Somehow I ended up with the Sandglitter version of his 2026 Topps card, one of 91 (!) parallel sets available from the 2026 Topps set per TCDB.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 151 - Phils Unable to Provide Any Joy

Philadelphia Phillies	3
Washington Nationals	6

2026 Choice Reading Fightin
Phils (Series 2) #4

Tuesday Night, September 15th

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
83-68, 2nd Place, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Christopher Sanchez stumbled through 6 1/3 innings, Jonathan Bowlan allowed a three-run to the first batter he faced, and the Phillies offense was absent for the middle innings of this game, as the team lost to the Nationals, 6-3.

What It Means:  Fortunately, the Diamondbacks lost, so the Phillies magic number to clinch a Wild Card spot decreased to 8 with 11 games to play.  The afternoon started off with bad news as it was announced Jesus Luzardo was going on the injured list with shoulder stiffness.  He and the team insist it's no big deal, but with the playoffs looming, this news sure does sound grim.  In hindsight, Luzardo probably should not have thrown 109 pitches last week in his first career shutout.

What Happened:  Alec Bohm singled home Kyle Schwarber with the game's first run in the first inning, but the Nationals quickly took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the first.  Luis Arraez doubled home Trea Turner to tie the game int he third, and the Phillies took a brief lead in the top of the fifth on Schwarber's 45th home run of the season.  It was all downhill from there.  Sanchez allowed a solo home run to Andres Chaparro in the bottom of the fifth, tying the game again.  Pinch-hitter Daylen Lile homered off Bowlan following Sanchez's exit, giving the Nationals a 6-3 lead in the seventh.

Featured Card:  In more positive news, the Reading Fightin Phils won Game 1 of their playoff series against the Hartford Yard Goats by a convincing score of 21-4.  Bryan Rincon was 2 for 5 with five RBIs and Aroon Escobar was 2 for 4 with a two-run home run.  It was Reading's first playoff win since 2016.

Transaction:  Luzardo (lhp) was placed on the 15-day IL and Kyle Backhus (lhp) was recalled.  For the record, the original transaction announcement had Grant Holman (rhp) getting the promotion.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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?)

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

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.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist