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

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.

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.

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

All-Star Game Experience - Absolutely Amazing / All-Star Game - Complete Dud

2026 Chachi #59

2026 Chachi #58

2026 Chachi #56

2026 Chachi Friendly Encounters #7

American League All-Stars	4
National League All-Stars	0

Tuesday Night, July 14th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

One Sentence Summary:  Citizens Bank Park was electric during the pregame ceremonies and for all the other mid-game festivities, but the 96th All-Star Game itself was fairly boring, as the American League pitching completely shut down the National League, 4-0.

What It Means:  There was absolutely nothing during the game for a Phillies fan (or a National League fan for that matter) to cheer for.  Still, it was worth the six-year wait between the announcement of the game in 2019 and the playing of the game in 2026.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez struck out Mike Trout to start the game, then allowed a single to Yordan Alvarez, walked Shea Langeliers and walked Bobby Witt, Jr. to load the bases.  Cody Bollinger brought home two runs with a single to center, eventually earning him the game's MVP honors.  Ben Rice singled to give the American League a 3-0 lead and that was pretty much the ballgame.  Sanchez would be saddled with the loss and a 27.00 ERA for his one inning of work.  The National League All-Stars managed three singles, never advancing a runner to second base.  Miguel Vargas hit a solo home run for the American League in the eighth.

Sanchez had a crappy night, and the other Phillies All-Stars, other than pitchers Jesus Luzardo and Jhoan Duran, didn't fare much better.  Kyle Schwarber led off as the DH, replacing the injured Shohei Ohtani.  Schwarber struck out swinging again Dylan Cease in the first and grounded out to second in the third.  Brandon Marsh started in right field, batting seventh.  He struck out twice - against Parker Messick in the second and Nick Martinez in the fifth.  Bryce Harper pinch-hit for Schwarber in the sixth, striking out in his only at-bat against Cade Smith.

Jesus Luzardo had the best night of all six Phillies All-Stars.  Entering in the fourth, Luzardo struck out Riley Greene and then induced two quick ground outs from Ernie Clement and Trout.  He threw a total of six pitches.  Jhoan Duran entered with one out in the top of the ninth, jogging to the mound in the dark while we all waited for his signature entrance music to start.  It eventually started, albeit late, and Duran needed just four pitches to retire Travis Bazzana and Ceddanne Rafaela after Randy Arozarena had reached on a single.

2026 Chachi #61

2026 Chachi #57

2026 Chachi #60

2026 Chachi #55

Featured Cards:  Since I started creating Chachi cards in 2005, a mainstay of my sets are the annual All-Star cards, and this year is no different.  I created cards for the six Phillies All-Stars, along with Don Mattingly, who served as a bench coach.

Field Report:  Doug and I were there!  Doug completed the trifecta of Futures Game, Home Run Derby and All-Star Game, and this was the second All-Star Game I've attended.  My Dad and I were at Veterans Stadium, cheering on Ricky Bottalico, back in 1996.  We arrived right before 5pm and waited in a crazy long line out to the parking lot to eventually snake its way through the entrance when gates opened.  We surveyed the MLB All-Star Fan  Zone, set up outside the ballpark and complete with vendors, food trucks and photo opportunities, before heading into the ballpark proper.  After a 20 minute or so wait to get into the team store, Doug found the Ohtani Ring the Bell t-shirt he wanted and he posed for a quick picture with the Rangers' mascot, Captain.

We then did a full lap of the ballpark, getting stuck momentarily in an unmoving crowd in Ashburn Alley, and enjoying our obligatory meal at Bull's BBQ, before settling into our seats in Section 415, Row 2.  It was hot, but there was an occasional breeze in the higher section, something we rarely experience down in Section 315.

The pregame ceremony is always my favorite part of the All-Star Game, and I love the full team introductions.  I was happy to see all the represented teams once again wearing their actual uniforms and not MLB created abominations for the game.  We loved how the starting line-up signed their own version of a Declaration after being announced, and singers Jennifer Hudson and Patti LaBelle were amazing.  There were flyovers, fireworks and a dramatic reading from actor and Phillies fan Miles Teller.  Mike Schmidt and Steve Carlton threw out the ceremonial first pitches, caught by Scott Rolen and Cole Hamels.

The Sandlot tribute in the middle of the fifth inning was also very impressive.  With Ray Charles, Jr. singing "America the Beautiful" and the ballpark lights dimmed, kids rode their bikes, played catch, practiced their swings and traded baseball cards down on the field with the All Stars.  What followed was so many fireworks in such rapid succession, Doug and I were convinced they might actual blow up the ballpark.

The game itself stunk.  Sanchez struck out Trout to start the first and then quickly gave up three runs, letting all the air out of the celebratory balloon.  But I loved every minute of it, and I'm thrilled I could share it with my son, just like my Dad had done 30 years earlier.

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

Game 97 - Wheeler, Still Bitter, Dominates Tigers; More from the All-Star Village

Philadelphia Phillies	5
Detroit Tigers	0

2026 Chachi Freindly
Encounters #6

Sunday Afternoon, July 12th

Comerica Park - Detroit, MI
54-43, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Still bitter over his All-Star Game snub, Zack Wheeler improved to 10-1 with a two-hit, 10-strikeout performance against the Tigers in this 5-0 win.

What It Means:  Wheeler was eventually invited to the All-Star Game but felt "disrespected" and declined the invite.  It's a shame, as the fans, including me, would have loved to have seen him at least introduced prior to the game on Tuesday.

What Happened:  Wheeler, Jose Alvarado, Orion Kerkering and Jonathan Bowlan combined for the two-hit shutout, striking out 14 Tigers batters.  Wheeler out-dueled Tarik Skubal, who departed after five innings with the Phillies leading, 2-0.  The big hit for the Phillies was a bases-clearing double by J.T. Realmuto in the sixth inning.  Bryson Stott would beat out an infield hit to shortstop, scoring Realmuto with the Phillies' fifth run.

Featured Card / Field Report:  I was back at the All-Star Village on Sunday morning, this time as a volunteer manning the booth for ALS United Mid-Atlantic as part of the MLB Together initiative.  I enjoyed early morning access to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, snapping quite a few pictures of the many fantastic exhibits before the crush of eager fans arrived for the day.  I also made a new friend in the Athletics' mascot, Stomper, who helped guide a bunch of wondering fans over to the MLB Together booths during the mid-morning rush.  It was a fantastic day, and I left incredibly impressed by what the Phillies and MLB had put together for their fans.

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

Game 61 - Sanchez Sets Lefty Record for Scoreless Streak

San Diego Padres	2
Philadelphia Phillies	3

2026 Topps Now #283

Wednesday Night, June 3rd

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
32-29, 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez continued his dominant season, while setting the all-time record for consecutive scoreless innings by a left-handed pitcher with 50 2/3.

What It Means:  Sanchez passed lefty Carl Hubbell on the all-time list, as Hubbell's streak was 45 1/3 scoreless innings in 1933.  Sanchez incredibly now finds himself third all-time on the list, behind just Orel Hershiser (59 innings in 1988) and Don Drysdale (58 innings in 1968).  Absolutely amazing.

What Happened:  The Phillies had to score some runs to support Sanchez's gem, and Adolis Garcia delivered with an RBI double in the fifth, scoring Bryson Stott who had doubled to start the inning.  In the top of the seventh, the scoreless streak came to an end when Ty France doubled with two outs and scored on a Jackson Merrill single to left.  Both hits were clean, and if the streak had to end, I'm glad it ended this way instead of on an error or a bloop home run from someone.  The Phillies took back the lead in the seventh, on solo home runs from J.T. Realmuto (3) and Kyle Schwarber (23).  Jhoan Duran was perfect again in the ninth, earning his 14th save.

Featured Card:  Sanchez received a Topps Now card for his efforts.  He went seven innings, allowing four hits, the one run and striking out eight.  He's now 7-2 with a 1.46 ERA and hopefully heading for an All-Star Game start.

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

Game 56 - Sanchez Sets Franchise Record for Scoreless Innings Streak

2006 Chachi #44

Philadelphia Phillies	3
San Diego Padres	0

Wednesday Afternoon, May 27th

Petco Park - San Diego, CA
29-27, 2nd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez threw seven more scoreless innings, breaking the franchise record set by Grover Cleveland Alexander in 1911, as the Phillies squeaked by the Padres, 3-0.

What It Means:  This was a big win for the club, as they swept the Padres and have some momentum heading into a big series against the Dodgers.  It was also a big win for Sanchez, as he's clearly cemented himself among the game's elite pitchers.  Alexander threw 41 consecutive scoreless innings in 1911, and Sanchez's streak is now up to 44 2/3 innings.

What Happened:  Justin Crawford did his part to preserve the streak with a running, leaping catch in center in the sixth inning.  Sanchez improved to 6-2, with his ERA dropping to 1.47.  He struck out nine in the game.  With Brad Keller and Jhoan Duran unavailable out of the bullpen, the Phillies went with a Jonathan Bowlan/Jose Alvarado tandem to close things out, and Alvarado earned his first save of the year.  The Phillies scored a pair of runs on RBIs from Kyle Schwarber and Trea Turner in the sixth.  Turner added a solo home run in the ninth, his second in as many days.

Featured Card:  Sanchez earned a Topps Now card for his efforts, but I wanted to add a card for his feat to the 2026 Chachi set too.  I'll hopefully add another if he ultimately breaks the major league record held by Orel Hershiser of 59 consecutive scoreless innings, set in 1988.

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

Game 46 - Sanchez Dominant in Complete Game Shutout

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Pittsburgh Pirates	0

2026 Topps Now #209

Saturday Afternoon, May 16th

PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
23-23, Tied for 2nd Place, 8 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez tossed his second career shutout and struck out a career high 13 Pirates en route to this 6-0 win.

What It Means:  This win got the team to .500 for the first time since April 13th, when they were 8-8.  They'll go for the series sweep on Sunday afternoon as Zack Wheeler battles Paul Skenes.  Dusty Wathan was the interim interim manager for this game, as Don Mattingly was attending his son's college graduation from Purdue University.

What Happened:  Sanchez needed 108 pitches for his gem, and he scattered six hits while walking none.  He struck out Marcell Ozuna four times and Oneil Cruz three times.  Bryce Harper stayed hot, launching a three-run home run in the top of the first inning that hit the batter's eye in dead center field and traveled an estimated 457 feet.  Kyle Schwarber contributed a two-run double in the second to give the Phillies and Sanchez a 5-0 lead.  Trea Turner doubled home Justin Crawford in the eighth for an unneeded, but welcome insurance run.

Featured Card:  As expected/hoped, Sanchez received a Topps Now card for his second career shutout.

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

Game 36 - Sanchez Deals, Offense Explodes Late in Win Over A's

Athletics	1
Philadelphia Phillies	9

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club / Club 215

Tuesday Night, May 5th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
16-20, Tied for 2nd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Christopher Sanchez dominated over eight shutout innings and the Phillies piled on the runs late in the game to win this series opener over the A's, 9-1.

What It Means:  The Phillies have won seven of their last eight games under interim manager Don Mattingly.  It certainly helps that all aspects of the team's play - pitching, offense, defense - have vastly improved over the past week-plus.

What Happened:  Sanchez allowed three hits in his outing, walking one and striking out ten.  Jhoan Duran, spotted a nine-run lead, essentially had a rehab appearance and worked out of ninth inning trouble, including three walks, to end the game.  The Phillies held a slim 1-0 lead until the bottom of the seventh, thanks to Bryce Harper's solo home run in the third.  They'd explode for five runs in the eighth and three runs in the ninth, off Athletics' relievers Mark Leiter, Jr. and Tyler Ferguson.

In the seventh, the big blows were a two-run double from J.T. Realmuto and a two-run home run from Bryson Stott.  In the ninth, Trea Turner singled home Justin Crawford, who had doubled to start the inning.  Harper hit his second home run with Turner aboard, just barely clearing the center field wall, giving the Phillies a 9-0 lead.

Featured Card:  Here's Sanchez's card from this year's team-issued Kids Club / Club 215 team set.  A checklist was recently added to the kiosk in Ashburn Alley, showing the 17 cards available.  A Rob Thomson card was also available earlier this season, but was pulled from the stand following his dismissal.

Field Report:  We attended this game with family, enjoying the festivities from Section C in the Diamond Club.  Bull's BBQ was on the pre-game menu and we have yet to try the Schwarbomb Sundae.  Maybe soon?

Transaction:  Duran (rhp) was activated from the injured list and Trevor Richards (rhp) was traded to the Chicago White Sox for cash considerations.  Richards joins the list of extremely short-time Phillies, and he made two appearances, pitching 4 1/3 innings and allowing a run.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall (Coming Soon) / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 1 - Sanchez, Schwarber, Bohm Star in Home Opener

Texas Rangers	3
Philadelphia Phillies	5

2026 Topps #325

Thursday Afternoon, March 26th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
1-0, Tied for 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Braves and Marlins

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez struck out 10, Kyle Schwarber and Alec Bohm both hit home runs and Justin Crawford looked solid in his big league debut as the Phillies downed the Rangers, 5-3.

What It Means:  All is right with the world.

What Happened:  Sanchez began his march towards Cy Young Award candidacy with six shutout innings, allowing just three hits.  Kyle Backhus gave up all three Rangers runs in a shaky ninth inning before Jhoan Duran had to be called upon for the two out save.  Zach Pop was on the mound for the first ABS challenge in Phillies history, with the call confirmed as a ball, missing the strike zone by a tenth of an inch.

Schwarber hit his first home run of the season in the bottom of the first, giving the Phillies a 2-0 lead.  Bohm connected for a three-run home run in the fifth.  Crawford went 2 for 4 on the day, lining the first pitch he saw from Rangers' starter Nathan Eovaldi up the middle for his first big league hit.

Featured Card:  Topps is going to need to put out a lot more Sanchez cards this years, if I'm going to keep pace with his expected ace-like season.  Here's his card from the 2026 Topps flagship release.

Field Report:  We gave our tickets to our oldest son Doug and his girlfriend, as our youngest son Ben was making his tennis season debut for his high school team.  Rest assured, we'll get to our share of Phillies games soon enough.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall (Coming Soon) / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Texas Rangers at Philadelphia Phillies: 2026 Home Opener - Play Ball!

2006 Topps #485

2006 Topps #33

Thursday, March 26th - 4:15
Saturday, March 28th - 4:05
Saturday, March 29th - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
All fans receive a 2025 National League East Champions pennant on Thursday.  Fans 15 and over will receive a McDonald's Opening Night t-shirt on Saturday night and all fans will receive a 2026 schedule magnet on Sunday.

Texas Rangers 81-81
3rd Place in the A.L. West, 9 games behind the Mariners

Rangers Probables
Nathan Eovaldi (11-3, 1.73)
Jacob deGrom (12-8, 2.97)
MacKenzie Gore (5-15, 4.17)

Rangers Spring Leaders
Average:  Josh Smith - .340
Runs:  Cameron Cauley - 12
Home Runs:  Wyatt Langford - 5
RBIs:  Wyatt Langford and Josh Smith - 15
Stolen Bases:  Alejandro Osuna - 4

Wins:  Jack Leiter - 3
ERA:  Nathan Eovaldi - 3.26

Strikeouts:  Peyton Gray and Jack Leiter - 18
Saves:  Peyton Gray - 2

Philadelphia Phillies 96-66
2025 N.L. East Champions

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (13-5, 2.50)
Aaron Nola (5-10, 6.01)
Jesus Luzardo (15-7, 3.92)

Phillies Spring Leaders
Average:  Justin Crawford - .250
Runs:  Otto Kemp - 11
Home Runs:  Otto Kemp - 4
RBIs:  Otto Kemp - 15
Stolen Bases:  Justin Crawford and Johan Rojas - 3

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 3
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 19
Saves:  Four tied with - 1

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall (Coming Soon) / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

2025 Chachi #17 Cristopher Sanchez

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  165
Opening Day 2025 Age:  28

Born:  December 12, 1996, La Romana, Dominican Republic
Acquired:  Traded by the Tampa Bay Rays to the Phillies for Curtis Mead, November 20, 2019

Contract Status:  Signed through 2029
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2021-25

Postseason Appearances:  Philadelphia Phillies 2023-25

2025 Topps Living #871

Suddenly one of the elite pitchers in the National League, Cristopher Sanchez had a Cy Young worthy season if not for the Pirates' Paul Skenes.  Sanchez was 13-5 in 32 starts with a 2.50 ERA in 202 innings pitched.  He struck out 212 batters and his 8.0 bWAR was tops in the National League.  He made two starts in the doomed NLDS against the Dodgers, pitching to a 2.25 ERA over 12 innings, striking out 13.  With Zack Wheeler's status uncertain for the start of the 2026 season, I'm looking for Sanchez to get the nod to start on opening day.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2024 Topps Philadelphia Phillies #PHI-9
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (2):  2024-25
Favorite 2025 Card:  2025 Topps Living #871
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  17 as of 12/29/25, 7 added in 2025

TCDB Stats: 292 total as of 12/29/25, my 17 cards overall are ranked 3rd, 1st is herkojerko with 43

Complete Chachi Checklist

2020 Chachi New Additions #5

2021 Chachi #37

2021 Chachi #49 - Weird Game HL

2022 Chachi #21

2023 Chachi #36

2024 Chachi #17

2024 Chachi #43 - Eight All-Stars HL

2024 Chachi #52 - All-Star

2025 Chachi #17

2025 Chachi #60 - NLDS Game 1

2025 Chachi #63 - NLDS Game 4

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

2025 Chachi #16 Aaron Nola 

/ 

2025 Chachi #18 Taijuan Walker

NLDS Game 4 - Season Ends on Heartbreaking Walk-Off Error

Philadelphia Phillies	1
Los Angeles Dodgers	2

11 Innings

Thursday Night, October 9th

Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
Dodgers win series, 3-1

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies and Dodgers battled through 10 innings, only for the game, the series, and the season, to end on a walk-off error from reliever Orion Kekerking in the bottom of the 11th.

What It Means:  I tend to compose these posts the day or days after the end of a game, as I'm typically too tired to put thoughts together after 9pm on most nights.  Tonight, I'm writing this partly because I don't know what else to do, but mostly because I want to get it out of the way.  This is the fourth year in a row the Phillies season ended without a World Series victory despite the highest of hopes, and each time the season has ended in 2022, 2023, 2024 and now 2025, it's gotten progressively more gut-wrenching.

What Happened:  In case there were any lingering doubts, Cristopher Sanchez cemented himself as the staff ace in this game, pitching six scoreless innings and allowing only four hits until the seventh.  He was lifted from the game with one out in the seventh with runners on first and second.  Jhoan Duran entered, recorded the second out on a ground  out and intentionally walked Shohei Ohtani to load the bases.  Duran walked Mookie Betts with the bases loaded, tying the game at 1-1.  The Phillies had scored their lone run in the top of the seventh when Nick Castellanos doubled home J.T. Realmuto, who had singled to start the inning.  The Phillies offense had four hits and went 1 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

The two teams traded scoreless frames in the ninth, tenth and 11th innings, with Duran, Matt Strahm and Jesus Luzardo, the scheduled Game 5 starter, shutting down the Dodgers.  The Phillies had the go-ahead run at second base in Bryce Harper in the top of the 11th, but pinch-hitter Harrison Bader struck out to end the threat.

In the bottom of the 11th, Luzardo recorded two outs, but singles from Tommy Edman and Max Muncy put runners on first and third.  Kerkering entered and walked Kiké Hernandez to load the bases.  With pinch-runner Hyeseong Kim on third, Andy Pages bounced a ball back to Kerkering.  The pitcher fielded the ball, and rather than throw to first for the sure out, he opted to throw wildly home, allowing Kim to score the winning run.  Game over, series over, season over.

Featured Card:  I'm going to take a little break from this blog and the Phillies for a few weeks.  This one hurts, and reminds me of the heartbreak of losing the 2011 NLDS to the Cardinals.

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

2025 Chachi #62 NLDS Game 3 

/ 2026 Chachi #1

NLDS Game 1 - Offense, Bullpen Stumble in Loss to Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers	5
Philadelphia Phillies	3

Saturday Night, October 4th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Dodgers lead series, 1-0

One Sentence Summary:  The top of the Phillies line-up was 1 for 11 with six strikeouts, while David Robertson and Matt Strahm couldn't contain the Dodgers in the seventh inning in this gut-wrenching 5-3 loss to the Dodgers in Game 1.

What It Means:  Emphasis on gut-wrenching.

What Happened:  Game 1 starter Christopher Sanchez was locked in until the sixth inning, allowing one hit, a walk and a hit batter through the first five.  In the bottom of the second, the fans got their only real chance to go wild when Alec Bohm drew a lead-off walk, Brandon Marsh singled to center and J.T. Realmuto tripled to the center field wall on a ball Teoscar Hernandez seemed uninterested in cutting off.  Harrison Bader next just missed a home run, settling for a sacrifice fly to score Realmuto. That 3-0 score held until the top of the sixth.  With two outs, Freddie Freeman walked, Tommy Edman singled, and Kiké Hernandez brought them both home with a double to left.

That chased Sanchez (prematurely?) from the game, and Robertson entered.  Robertson got out of that inning but was immediately in trouble in the top of the seventh.  He allowed a lead-off single to Andy Pages and then hit Will Smith to put two runners on.  Matt Strahm replaced Robertson, struck out Shohei Ohtani looking and got Mookie Betts to pop up to third.  Hernandez launched the first pitch he saw from Strahm into the right-center field stands and that was essentially the ballgame.

Ohtani got the win, allowing the three runs on three hits and striking out nine.  Trea Turner (0 for 3), Kyle Schwarber (0 for 4) and Bryce Harper (1 for 4) came up small in the loss, with a combined six strikeouts.

Featured Card:  I hate making these cards when the Phillies lose.

Field Report:  Doug and I watched/agonized over this game from our preferred Section 315.  I reminded him before the game we were lucky to be attending postseason games for the fourth year in a row, to which he responded, like a true Phillies fan, "But we haven't won anything yet."  We did a full, pregame lap of the ballpark, buying a few NLDS souvenirs and choosing Uncle Charlie's Steaks as our playoff dinner.  

As usual, the pregame ceremony was fantastic, the crowd was raucous and the energy levels were high.  Similar to a year ago in Game 1 of the NLDS against the Mets, the crowd fell flat when the Phillies went inning after inning without scoring any more runs.  If all is right with the world, our next game will be NLCS Game 1 against either the Cubs or Brewers.

Transaction:  Garrett Stubbs (c) and Lou Trivino (rhp) were omitted from the postseason roster with the Phillies opting to go with Otto Kemp (inf) and Tim Mayza (lhp).

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

2025 Chachi #59 Trea Turner HL / 2025 Chachi #61 NLDS Game 2