Game 160 - 2019 Topps Total #663 Ranger Suarez

Phillies 5, Marlins 0
Game 160 - Friday Night, October 1st in Miami
Record - 82-78, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez concluded his amazing season with seven more shutout innings, as the Phillies defeated the Marlins, 5-0.

What It Means:  With the win, the Phillies secured their first winning season since 2011.

What Happened:  Suarez scattered six hits over his outing while striking out nine and improving his season record to 8-5.  Per this Tweet from Ryan Spaeder, Suarez's ERA of 1.36 is the lowest in history by a pitcher with at least 10 games started and 20 games in relief.  That's incredible.  Bryce Harper recovered from his rough series in Atlanta to go 3 for 5 with a single, double, home run and two RBIs.  Matt Vierling added his second home run of the season in the ninth. 

Featured Card:  I love that I'm running out of Suarez cards to feature and I'm hoping Topps took notice of his performance this season, giving him some cardboard appreciation in their 2022 releases.  This is his Topps Total card from 2019, and to date Suarez hasn't appeared on any baseball cards in 2021, with the exception of a recent Topps Now appearance which I don't yet have in hand.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

2021 Chachi #66 Kyle Dohy

#71
Kyle Kent Dohy
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  202
Opening Day Age:  24
Born:  September 17, 1996, Arcadia, CA
How Obtained:  Selected by Phillies in the 16th round of the June 2017 amateur player draft
Major League Teams:  N/A

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2017 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #7
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2021 Choice Reading Fightin Phils Update #8

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

8 - Dohy baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 10/1/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi #66

Kyle Dohy had his contract selected from the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on September 25th.  Prior to the start of the final series of the season against the Marlins, Dohy had been on the active roster for five games but had yet to make his big league debut.  He's appeared in eight different Phillies minor league team sets dating back to 2017, the year Dohy was drafted.

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Series Preview - Phillies at Marlins: October 1st to October 3rd

1986 Topps #420

2021 Chachi Fan Favorites #15

Friday 7:10, Saturday 6:10, Sunday 3:10
loanDepot park - Miami, FL

At the Ballpark:  On Saturday, there's postgame fireworks and on Sunday all fans will receive a 2022 Marlins schedule magnet, while the first 5,000 kids will receive a bat and ball set.  On Monday, the long offseason begins.

Phillies 81-78
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (7-5, 1.45)
TBD
Zack Wheeler (14-10, 2.78)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .305
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 99
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 34
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 82
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto - 13

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 14
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.78
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 247
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Marlins 65-94
Tied for 4th Place in the N.L. East, 21 1/2 games behind the Braves

Marlins Probables
Sandy Alcantara (9-14, 3.09)
Jesus Luzardo (3-5, 6.92)
Trevor Rogers (7-8, 2.64)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Miguel Rojas - .263
Runs:  Jazz Chisolm - 69
Home Runs:  Jesus Aguilar and Adam Duvall - 22
RBIs:  Jesus Aguilar - 93
Stolen Bases:  Jazz Chisolm - 23

Wins:  Sandy Alcantara - 9
ERA:  Sandy Alcantara - 3.09
Strikeouts:  Sandy Alcantara - 195
Saves:  Yimi Garcia - 15

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Game 159 - 2011 Chachi #69 NLDS Game 5

Braves 5, Phillies 3
Game 159 - Thursday Night, September 30th in Atlanta
Record - 81-78, 2nd Place, 5 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies fell somewhat quietly yet again, getting swept by the Braves and being eliminated from postseason contention, prolonging their playoff drought to 10 years.

What It Means:  Phillies fans, myself included, are wiped out.  I can't say for sure how much of this upcoming Marlins series I'll even watch.  There's so much work that needs to be done this offseason to make this team into more of a contender, and ten years of false starts and dashed hopes is way too long for a team that seemingly has money to spend.  I'm going to miss watching Bryce Harper, Jean Segura, Ranger Suarez, Zack Wheeler, Hector Neris and Matt Vierling play, but I need a break from the rest of them.

What Happened:  The Braves held a seemingly insurmountable lead after six innings, having scored five runs off Phillies starter Kyle Gibson, making his last start of the season.  Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run home run in the seventh and J.T. Realmuto hit a meaningless solo home run in the eighth.  Harper, who carried this team for almost all of the season, went 0 for 11 in the series with five strikeouts.

Featured Card:  In a few short days, we'll hit the 10-year anniversary of the last time the Phillies played a postseason game.  It was a painful loss in Game 5 of the NLDS on October 7, 2011, as Chris Carpenter out dueled Roy Halladay and Ryan Howard had to be helped off the field after rupturing his Achilles while running to first base for the game's final out.

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Game 158 - 2021 Bowman #40 Aaron Nola

Braves 7, Phillies 2
Game 158 - Wednesday Night, September 29th in Atlanta
Record - 81-77, 2nd Place, 4 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies continued their zombie-like march towards the offseason with another lifeless loss in Atlanta.

What It Means:  The Braves' magic number to clinch the division title is one.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola allowed three runs on seven hits over his final six innings of the 2021 season.  Relievers Jose Alvarado and Hector Neris were charged with four more runs in the seventh.  Max Fried and two Braves relievers held the Phillies to five hits.

Featured Card:  Nola had a fairly miserable season and he finishes with a 9-9 record and a 4.63 ERA over 32 starts.

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Game 157 - 2016 Topps Phillies #PP-17 Charlie Morton

Braves 2, Phillies 1
Game 157 - Tuesday Night, September 28th in Atlanta
Record - 81-76, 2nd Place, 3 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  In a game the Phillies absolutely had to win to keep their postseason hopes alive, they went down quietly, collecting three singles, in this 2-1 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:  The season is on life support.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler pitched well, but it didn't matter.  He allowed two third inning runs and the Phillies offense couldn't respond.  The Phillies had their chances, but they left seven runners on base and went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.  Their final chance to score came in the ninth when Bryce Harper walked and Matt Vierling reached on an error by left fielder Eddie Rosario.  Andrew McCutchen was intentionally walked to load the bases and Didi Gregorius brought Harper home with a sacrifice fly.  With two outs and runners on the corners, Freddy Galvis battled through an eight-pitch at-bat only to strike out swinging.

Featured Card:  Charlie Morton improved to 14-6 with his seven shutout innings against the Phillies, allowing three hits while striking out 10.

Transactions:  Connor Brogdon (rhp) was activated from the injured list and Alec Bohm (3b) was recalled.  Ramon Rosso (rhp) and Luke Williams (inf) were both optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Series Preview - Phillies at Braves: September 28th to September 30th

1986 Topps #95

1986 Topps #600

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:20
Truist Park - Atlanta, GA

At the Ballpark:  On Tuesday night, the first 15,000 fans will receive a Brian McCann bobblehead and on Thursday night, the first 15,000 fans will receive an Austin Riley bobblehead.

The Braves' magic number to clinch the division is five, so essentially the Phillies need to go on a six-game winning streak to give them a shot at the postseason.

Phillies 81-75
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (14-9, 2.79)
Aaron Nola (9-8, 4.64)
Kyle Gibson (4-5, 4.87)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .313
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 98
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 34
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 82
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto - 13

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 14
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.79
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 240
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

Braves 83-72
1st Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games ahead of the Phillies

Braves Probables
Charlie Morton (13-6, 3.53)
Max Fried (13-7, 3.12)
Ian Anderson (8-5, 3.60)

Braves Leaders
Average:  Austin Riley - .303
Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 117
Home Runs:  Austin Riley - 32
RBIs:  Ozzie Albies - 103
Stolen Bases:  Ozzie Albies - 18

Wins:  Max Fried and Charlie Morton - 13
ERA:  Max Fried - 3.12

Strikeouts:  Charlie Morton - 203
Saves:  Will Smith - 35

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2021 Chachi #67 Hans Crouse

#51
Hans Michael Crouse
Starting Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'4"  Weight:  180
Opening Day Age:  22
Born:  September 15, 1998, Dana Point, CA
How Obtained:  Acquired from the Texas Rangers with Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy for Josh Gessner, Kevin Gowdy and Spencer Howard, July 30, 2021
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2021

First Phillies Card:  N/A
First Phillies Minor League Card:  2021 Choice Reading Fightin Phils Update #6
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  N/A

Newest Card Added:  2021 Choice Reading Fightin Phils Update #6

Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

1 - Crouse baseball card in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 9/26/21.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2021 Chachi #10

2021 Chachi Friendly Encounters #4

Hans Crouse joined the Phillies organization from the Spencer Howard trade, and he had been one of the top pitching prospects in the Rangers' system.  He pitched well for Double-A Reading, going 2-2 with a 2.73 ERA over six starts and striking out 38 over 29 2/3 innings pitched.  He made one start for the Triple-A IronPigs and was touched for three runs in 4 1/3 innings.  Crouse was the surprise starting pitcher in the Phillies regular season home finale on Sunday afternoon.  Following the game, I believe my oldest son Doug was the recipient of the first autograph signed by Crouse as a Major League ballplayer as Doug had him sign a foul ball he had tracked down during the first inning.

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Game 156 - Fan Appreciation Day Doesn't Deliver Much Appreciation

Pirates 6, Phillies 0
Game 156 - Sunday Afternoon, September 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 81-75, 2nd Place, 2 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies went down quietly in their final regular season home game of the 2021 season.

What It Means:  It all comes down to the final six games.  The Phillies and Brave face off in Atlanta for three games beginning on Tuesday night with the Braves holding a 2 1/2 game lead in the division.  The Phillies then head to Miami for a final series while the Braves will take on the Mets at home.

What Happened:  Hans Crouse got the call as the team's surprise starter and he made his big league debut.  On the first pitch he threw, Pirates second baseman Cole Tucker drilled a home run that banged off the right field foul ball.  Crouse, who settled down after that, combined with Cristopher Sanchez and Cam Bedrosian to keep the Padres from scoring again through six innings.  Unfortunately, the Phillies couldn't get anything together either.  In the seventh, Jose Alvarado endured a nightmare inning with the following sequence:  walk, balk, ground out, intentional walk, wild pitch, double, intentional walk, fly out.  The Pirates would tack on three more runs after that.  The Phillies offense had six hits and left nine runners on base.

Featured Card/Field Report:  All four of us enjoyed (?) this game from the Diamond Club with the pregame meals of choice being Bull's BBQ (one more time) for Doug and me and Pass and Stowe for Jenna and Ben.  As he did in 2019, Bryce Harper came out onto the field before the first pitch and addressed the fans, thanking us for our dedication.  Once in our seats, Doug added the third foul ball of the season to his collection!  He alertly picked up a foul ball thrown by Crouse and launched behind us off the bat of Bryan Reynolds after it had caromed down from the section above us.

Doug and I briefly met up with our friend and fellow collector Steve, Ben got to say hello to the Phillie Phanatic for the first time in two years and at least the weather was perfect.  We lingered after the final pitch and Doug noticed the newest Phillies pitcher Crouse by the dugout meeting with his family.  Crouse signed Doug's foul ball and the day was deemed a success, despite the product on the field.  I have to imagine that's the first autograph Crouse signed as a big league ballplayer.  Best case scenario, we return to the ballpark the second week of October for the divisional series against the Brewers.  Worst case scenario, we're back on April 8th when the Phillies open the 2022 season against the Athletics.

Transaction:  Crouse (rhp) had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley and Matt Joyce (of) was designated for assignment.

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Game 155 - 2018 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPA-RS Ranger Suarez

Phillies 3, Pirates 0
Game 155 - Saturday Afternoon, September 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 81-74, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez pitched a gem, throwing his first career complete game shutout in this 3-0 win over the Pirates.

What It Means:  Suarez pitched a Maddux - a complete game shutout in less than 100 pitches - and became the first Phillies pitcher to do so since Kyle Kendrick in 2012.

What Happened:  Matt Vierling hit his first career home run in the third, followed by Bryce Harper hitting his 34th home run of the season a few batters later.  In the fifth, Brad Miller singled home Jean Segura to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead.  That was plenty of run support for Suarez.

Featured Card:  Suarez allowed four hits while striking out seven and walking none, throwing 97 pitches.  His baseball card appearances have been spotty over the past four years, and he should at least receive a Topps Now card today for his efforts.  I'd also hope to see him all over the 2022 Topps releases.

Field Report:  Doug and I made it two games in a row, watching Suarez's masterful performance from the Diamond Club.  With Doug's fall ball season in full swing, we arrived late to this game (in the second inning) and it seemed as if we spent more time waiting in line for crab fries and then trying to navigate our exit from the parking lot after the game, than we actually spent sitting in our seats watching Suarez deal.  This was the most crowded and most electric crowd I've seen at the ballpark in quite some time.

Transactions:  Kyle Dohy (lhp) had his contract purchased from Lehigh Valley and Archie Bradley (rhp) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain.  To make room for Dohy on the 40-man roster, Matt Moore (lhp) was moved to the 60-day IL.

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Game 154 - 2021 Topps Gypsy Queen #141 Didi Gregorius

Phillies 8, Pirates 6
Game 154 - Friday Night, September 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 80-74, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies once again battled back from a deficit to dramatically win another game while gaining a half game on the Braves.

What It Means:  The Phillies have won eight of their last 10 and the upcoming Braves series will actually mean something.

What Happened:  Phillies starter Kyle Gibson cruised through the first three innings, but faltered in the fourth, allowing four runs.  Ironically enough he had hit his first career home run in the bottom of the third, and I worried he'd be too amped up when he returned to the mound.  Trailing 4-1, the Phillies got within a run when Brad Miller hit a solo home run in the fourth and Bryce Harper delivered a RBI-double in the fifth.  They tied the game on a sixth inning wild pitch from Pirates reliever Nick Mears, and took the lead on another clutch pinch-hit from Ronald Torreyes.

Reliever Cam Bedrosian recorded the team's 34th blown save in the seventh, tying the major league record held by the 2004 Rockies.  Now down 6-5, with two runners on, two outs and no real options off the bench, the struggling Didi Gregorius stepped to the plate.

Featured Card:  Gregorius launched a three-run home run to right center field, giving the Phillies an 8-6 lead.  Hector Neris battled in the seventh and eighth to keep the Pirates off the board, and then Ian Kennedy locked down his ninth save.

Field Report:  Doug and I enjoyed the beginning of this game from our seats in Section 115.  We admittedly decided to leave early as Doug had an early morning baseball game on Saturday.  So we missed the late heroics, but we did get to see a marriage proposal a few rows in front of us in Section 116.

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Game 153 - 2019 Topps #537 Ronald Torreyes

Phillies 12, Pirates 6
Game 153 - Thursday Night, September 23rd in Philadelphia
Record - 79-74, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies were able to overcome an early 6-0 deficit, as the bats came alive in this 12-6 romp over the Pirates.

What It Means:  Per this Tweet from Stats by STATS, this was the third time in September the Phillies came back from being down six runs or more to win, which is the most by any team in any month in the modern era of baseball.  The Braves lost their game to the Diamondbacks, meaning the Phillies moved up a game in the standings.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola dug the team an early hole, allowing five second inning runs and giving up a sixth run in the third inning.  But the Phillies scored five runs of their own in the bottom of the third, with a solo home run from Didi Gregorius, followed by RBIs from Jean Segura, Andrew McCutchen and Brad Miller.  In the bottom of the sixth, the Phillies took the lead for good on a dramatic, pinch-hit three-run home run from Ronald Torreyes.  They piled on after that with J.T. Realmuto adding a two-run home run in the seventh and a two-run single in the eighth.  New Pirates reliever Enyel De Los Santos surrendered the single to Realmuto.

Featured Card:  I'm hopeful Torreyes gets a Phillies card in the Topps Update set and as of right now, his most recent baseball card can be found in the 2019 Topps set back when he was with the Twins.

Transaction:  Cristopher Sanchez (lhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Matt Moore (lhp) was placed on the injured list with a low back strain.

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Series Preview - Pirates at Phillies: September 23rd to September 26th

1986 Topps Traded #120T

1986 Topps #326

Thursday and Friday 7:05, Saturday 4:05, Sunday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Hard to believe Harry, but this is the final home series of the 2021 season unless the Phillies can somehow squeak their way into the play-off picture.  Sunday is Fan Appreciation Day and the team's website promises "prizes and surprises all game long," as well as a 2022 schedule magnet for all fans.

Pirates 57-94
5th Place in the N.L. Central, 33 1/2 games behind the Brewers

Pirates Probables
Connor Overton (0-0, 0.00)
TBD
Wil Crowe (4-7, 5.77)
Max Kranick (1-3, 7.28)

Pirates Leaders
Average:  Brian Reynolds - .295
Runs:  Brian Reynolds - 85
Home Runs:  Bryan Reynolds - 24
RBIs:  Bryan Reynolds - 88
Stolen Bases:  Ke'Bryan Hayes - 8

Wins:  Chris Stratton - 6
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  JT Brubaker - 129
Saves:  Chris Stratton - 6

Phillies 78-74
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 3 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (8-8, 4.48)
Kyle Gibson (4-5, 4.76)
Ranger Suarez (6-5, 1.60)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .314
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 95
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 33
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 80
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper and J.T. Realmuto - 13

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 14
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.79
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 240
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

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Game 152 - 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter #207 Uncle Larry

Phillies 4, Orioles 3
Game 152 - Wednesday Night, September 22nd in Philadelphia
Record - 78-74, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A few late-inning clutch hits delivered the win for the Phillies as they maintained their three-game deficit behind the Braves.

What It Means:  The Phillies took two out of three from the worst team in baseball and they'll open a four-game series against the Pirates tonight.  The Pirates, at 57-94, are the second worst team in the National League.

What Happened:  The game was scoreless until the sixth inning, which was extremely frustrating given the Orioles starting pitcher (Keegan Akin) had a 6.93 ERA coming into the game.  Zack Wheeler battled through six innings, allowing a run on four hits.  The Phillies took a brief 2-1 lead thanks to a two-run home run from Andrew McCutchen in the bottom of the sixth.  In the seventh, the Phillies took the lead for good when Jean Segura hit a sacrifice fly to score Matt Vierling and then J.T. Realmuto singled home Brad Miller.  Ian Kennedy made the ninth inning interesting with a pair of walks, before retiring the Orioles and recording his ninth save.

Featured Card:  Here's another card of McCutchen's alter ego, Uncle Larry, from the recent Topps Allen & Ginter release.

Transaction:  Travis Jankowski (of) was activated from the injured list and Damon Jones (lhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 151 - Phils Still Have a Heartbeat

2021 Topps 1986 Topps Chrome
Baseball Silver Pack Promo #86TC-19

Phillies 3, Orioles 2 (10 Innings)
Game 151 - Tuesday Night, September 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 77-74, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies barely squeaked by the Orioles, winning in the 10th inning on two-run triple from J.T. Realmuto.

What It Means:  So you're saying there's a chance?

What Happened:  Adonis Medina started for the Phillies, becoming the 16th different pitcher to make a start for the club, tying the franchise record for second most starting pitchers used in a season.  The 1946 Phillies, per this Matt Gelb Tweet, used 19 starting pitchers.  Medina pitched well, allowing a run on four his over 3 2/3 innings pitched.  The Phillies tied the game in the sixth when Andrew McCutchen doubled home Realmuto.  Despite the ultimate outcome, it was another frustrating night for the Phillies offense as they went 2 for 15 with runners in scoring position, stranding nine runners.

The Orioles took a 2-1 lead in the 10th, when Austin Hays doubled home ghost runner Kelvin Gutierrez.  But the Phillies came back in the bottom half of the inning.  With two outs and Ronald Torreyes at second, the Orioles intentionally walked Bryce Harper to get to Realmuto.  Realmuto tripled to right, scoring Torreyes to tie the game and Harper, with a fantastic slide, scored the winning run.

Featured Card:  Realmuto gets the card here for his game-winning heroics.  There's a lot going on here on this super shiny and ridiculously named Topps Chrome card.

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Game 150 - 2021 Choice Reading Fightin Phils Update #1 Bryson Stott

Orioles 2, Phillies 0
Game 150 - Monday Night, September 20th in Philadelphia
Record - 76-74, 2nd Place, 3 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies, in desperate need of a win, were shut out by the Orioles, the worst team in baseball.

What It Means:  Maybe I'm completely wrong here, and I hope I am, but the Phillies don't seem like a team that should be playing in the postseason.

What Happened:  Orioles starter John Means pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed four Phillies singles.  Ranger Suarez turned in another effective outing, allowing two runs over six innings pitched while striking out five.

Featured Card:  In a pregame ceremony, third baseman Bryson Stott and pitcher Jean Cabrera were honored as the organization's annual recipients of the Paul Owens Award, given to the best position player and pitcher in the team's minor league system.  Stott could be up with the Phillies as soon as next season and he's already received his fair share of baseball cards.  To date, I don't have any cards of Cabrera in my collection and the 19-year-old righty spent the season with the DSL Phillies.

Field Report:  Jenna and I attended this game, our first game together without kids, since 2019.  While we enjoyed each other's company, the game itself was a dud.  The ballpark was mostly quiet and empty.

Transaction:  Luke Williams (inf) was activated from the Covid injured list and Mickey Moniak (of) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.  To make room for Williams on the 40-man roster, Tyler Phillips (rhp) was designated for assignment.  (Phillips would be released on Tuesday.)

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Series Preview - Orioles at Phillies: September 20th to September 22nd

1986 Topps #548

1986 Topps #16

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 7:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  There's a rare September Dollar Dog Night tonight at the ballpark.  On Tuesday night, and from the Phillies website:  Temple Health and the Phillies are teaming up to help students - and adults - have a safe return to school by offering free "Back to School" COVID-19 vaccinations at the Suite Patio.  Guests must be at least 12 years of age to be eligible to receive the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.  Those who receive their vaccines at this event will receive a voucher for two free tickets to a 2022 Phillies game, a concession credit voucher for a free hot dog and soda, and a Phillies giveaway. 

Orioles 47-102
5th Place in the A.L. East, 44 1/2 games behind the Rays

Orioles Probables
John Means (5-7, 3.41)
Chris Ellis (0-0, 2.82)
Keegan Akin (2-10, 6.93)

Orioles Leaders
Average:  Cedric Mullins - .301
Runs:  Cedric Mullins - 88
Home Runs:  Ryan Mountcastle - 30
RBIs:  Ryan Mountcastle - 83
Stolen Bases:  Cedric Mullins - 30

Wins:  Matt Harvey - 6
ERA:  N/A
Strikeouts:  John Means - 118
Saves:  Cesar Valdez - 8

Phillies 76-73
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (6-4, 1.50)
TBD
Zack Wheeler (14-9, 2.83)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Bryce Harper - .313
Runs:  Bryce Harper - 93
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 33
RBIs:  Bryce Harper - 80
Stolen Bases:  Bryce Harper - 13

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 14
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 2.83
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 231
Saves:  Hector Neris - 12

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Game 149 - Phils Fall Short Against Mets

2020 Topps Future Stars Club
June 2020 Exclusive Set #1

Mets 3, Phillies 2
Game 149 - Sunday Night, September 19th in Flushing
Record - 76-73, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  A Jeff McNeil solo home run in the seventh was the difference in this game as the Phils lost the series finale to the Mets, 3-2.

What It Means:  The Phillies open a crucial seven-game homestand tonight against the Orioles (47-102) and then the Pirates (56-93).  They've put themselves in a position where they need to win the majority (if not all) of these games in order to stay in the playoff hunt.  A three game series with the first place Braves in Atlanta is on the horizon next week.

What Happened:  With a short bullpen, manager Joe Girardi pushed starter Kyle Gibson into the seventh inning and that's where he faltered.  McNeil homered to give the Phillies a 3-2 lead which ended up being the final score.  Gibson went 6 2/3 innings, allowing the three runs on seven hits.

The Phillies offense had its chances, leaving 10 runners on base.  J.T. Realmuto doubled home Bryce Harper in the first for the game's first run.  Harper hit a sacrifice fly to the warning track in the fifth for their second run.  In the ninth, with Freddy Galvis as the tying run at first, Harper flied out to left off Mets' closer Edwin Diaz to end the game.

Featured Card:  Harper can't continue to carry the team, and it would be great if someone else other than Harper (or Jean Segura for that matter) got hot at this point.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 148 - 2021 Topps Now #719 Jean Segura

Phillies 5, Mets 3
Game 148 - Saturday Night, September 18th in Flushing
Record - 76-72, 2nd Place, 1 game behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies kept their momentum going, as Jean Segura and Bryce Harper led the team to a 5-3 win over the Mets.

What It Means:  With the Braves losing again in San Francisco to Gabe Kapler's Giants, the Phillies are now a game out of first place.

What Happened:  Segura accounted for the first two runs of the game with solo home runs in the first and third.  The Phillies added three more runs in the seventh when Freddy Galvis doubled home Brad Miller, and then Harper doubled home Galvis and Odubel Herrera.

Aaron Nola earned the win, pitching 5 2/3 innings while allowing a run on four hits.  Ian Kennedy pitched a perfect ninth inning to seal the win and notch his eighth save with the Phils.

Featured Card:  Segura has been huge for the Phillies all season, and he's a big reason why they're now within striking distance of first place with 13 games to go.  Most of his 2021 baseball cards have come via Topps Now, a good indicator he's been the reason for quite a few Phillies wins.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 147 - 2021 Topps Allen & Ginter #264 Didi Gregorius

Phillies 4, Mets 3
Game 147 - Friday Night, September 17th in Flushing
Record - 75-72, 2nd Place, 2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies hung on to win in New York, inching closer to the Braves in the N.L. East standings.

What It Means:  With the Braves losing a late night game in San Francisco, the Phillies are now only two games behind them for the top spot in the division.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler didn't have his best stuff, but he battled through five innings, allowing a run on four hits while striking out six.  After Archie Bradley allowed two Mets runs in the eighth, Ian Kennedy was asked to convert a four-out save.  He got out of the eighth and pitched a perfect ninth to send the Phillies to victory.

The Phillies held a 3-1 lead through seven innings courtesy of sacrifice flies from Freddy Galvis and Matt Vierling and a solo home run from Brad Miller.  Didi Gregorius delivered a huge RBI double in the eighth to give the team a much-needed insurance run.

Featured Card:  Gregorius has had an awful season, both with the bat and the glove, so it was great to see him contribute to this win.

Transaction:  Damon Jones (lhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and JD Hammer (rhp) was optioned down.

2021 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2021 Season Summary Index / 2021 Chachi Set Checklist