Phillies at Cardinals: October 7th to October 9th

2022 Chachi Fan Favorites #22

2022 Chachi Fan Favorites #23

Friday 2:07, Saturday and Sunday (if necessary) 8:37
Busch Stadium - St. Louis, MO

At the Ballpark:  The last postseason game the Phillies played in St. Louis was NLDS Game 4, on October 5, 2011, which featured a squirrel and Roy Oswalt giving up five runs in six innings of work.  When the Phillies win two out of three in this Wild Card series, they'll travel to Atlanta to open the NLDS on Tuesday night.

Phillies 87-75
National League Wild Card, 3rd Seed

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (12-7, 2.82)
Aaron Nola (11-13, 3.25)
Ranger Suarez (10-7, 3.65)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .280
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 100
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 46
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 94
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto - 21

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 12
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 3.25

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 235
Saves:  Corey Knebel - 12

Cardinals 93-69
National League Central Champions

Cardinals Probables
Jose Quintana (3-2, 2.01)
Miles Mikolas (12-13, 3.29)
TBD

Cardinals Leaders
Average:  Paul Goldschmidt - .317
Runs:  Paul Goldschmidt - 106
Home Runs:  Paul Goldschmidt - 35
RBIs:  Paul Goldschmidt - 115
Stolen Bases:  Tommy Edman - 32

Wins:  Miles Mikolas - 12
ERA:  Miles Mikolas - 3.29

Strikeouts:  Miles Mikolas - 153
Saves:  Ryan Helsley - 19

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 162 - Regular Season Ends, Postseason Begins

2021 Choice Richmond
Flying Squirrels #21

Astros 3, Phillies 2
Game 162 - Wednesday Afternoon, October 5th in Houston
Record - 87-75, 3rd Place, 14 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies dropped their final regular season game of the 2022 season, flying to St. Louis following this loss to prolong their season for hopefully a few more weeks.

What It Means:  This concludes my 14th full year of chronicling the daily trials and tribulations of the Phillies team, an enjoyable hobby I first started in 1984 when I clipped box scores from The Atlantic City Press each morning and added them to my Phillies scrap book.  I'm not winning any journalism awards, I'm not breaking any news, and my audience is limited to the tens of you who might read these things everyday.  But I'm having fun, and as long as I continue having fun doing this, and as long as I'm able, I'll keep going.  Thanks for following along again in 2022!

What Happened:  This was a game neither playoff-bound team seemed particularly interested in playing.  Bailey Falter started for the Phillies and pitched a scoreless inning.  Michael Plassmeyer then came in for the Phillies as the designated innings-eater, and did just that.  He went six innings, allowing three runs on nine hits while striking out six.  The Phillies were kept off the scoreboard until the eighth when Brandon Marsh doubled home Dalton Guthrie, and then Rhys Hoskins added a sacrifice fly.

The first hit of that modest rally was from Nick Maton, who lined a single off his older brother Phil Maton, in the first time the two siblings had ever faced each other.

Featured Card:  Plassmeyer's baseball card appearances are rare, and according to the TCDB, he's only appeared on three minor league cards from his days as a Rays and Giants prospect.  (And his first card doesn't even actually feature him.)  The Phillies acquired Plassmeyer from the Giants in June for catcher Austin Wynns.

Transaction:  Plassmeyer (lhp) was recalled and Chris Devenski (rhp) was optioned to the IronPigs.

Memory Lane - Game 162

1. October 4, 2009 - Catcher Paul Hoover singled in the winning run in the 10th in a 7-6 win over the Marlins.
2. October 3, 2010 - The Phillies lost 8-7 to the Braves in their final tune-up before facing the Reds in the NLDS.
3. September 28, 2011 - The Phillies closed out the 2011 regular season with a 13-inning victory against the Braves, setting a franchise record with their 102nd regular season win.
4. October 3, 2012 - The Phillies closed out their 2012 season with a lethargic 5-1 loss to the N.L. East Champion Nationals.
5. September 29, 2013 - Zach Miner got the ball for the Phillies and lasted 2 1/3 innings in a 12-5 loss to the Braves.
6. September 28, 2014 - Cole Hamels pitched another fine game and suffered through another outing with minimal run support.
7. October 4, 2015 - Phillies avoid 100 losses and Ichiro makes his pitching debut in a 7-2 victory.
8. October 2, 2016 - Phillies bid an emotional farewell to franchise icon Ryan Howard.
9. October 1, 2017 - Phils clobber Mets in Pete Mackanin's final game as manager.
10. September 30, 2018 - Lame duck Phillies win season finale in Gabe Kapler's frustrating debut season.
11. September 29, 2019 - Phillies miss postseason for 8th year in a row, Brad Miller finishes the season red hot.
12. September 27, 2020 - Shortened 60-game season ends with Phillies swept out by the Rays.
13. October 3, 2021 - Hector Neris sets Phils' reliever strikeout record in the 10th straight season without postseason baseball.
14. October 5, 2022 - Michael Plassmeyer eats innings, Maton vs. Maton in final game before Wild Card series.

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 161 - Phils Drop Hangover Game

2019 Topps Heritage #722

Astros 10, Phillies 0
Game 161 - Tuesday Night, October 4th in Houston
Record - 87-74, 3rd Place, 14 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Clearly in a fog following the clinching win on Monday night, the Phillies were soundly defeated by the Astros (and nearly no-hit) in the 10-0 loss.

What It Means:  I'll allow it.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez, presumably the NLWCS Game 3 starter for the Phillies, was hit early and often, allowing six runs, seven hits and three home runs in three long innings.  Houston starter Justin Verlander was nasty, striking out 10 in five no-hit innings.  Two other relievers, Hunter Brown and Hector Neris, added three more hitless innings.  Will Smith entered the ninth with a chance for the combined no-hitter, but Garrett Stubbs promptly singled to center to end the bid.  Two more singles would follow, but Smith struck out the side to leave the bases loaded and mercifully end the game.

Featured Card:  Old friend Neris has had a successful first season for the pennant-winning Astros, appearing in 70 games and going 6-4 with a 3.72 ERA in 65 1/3 innings pitched.  It would have been nice to have had Neris back in the Phillies bullpen this season.

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 160 - PHILS CLINCH WILD CARD!!

Phillies 3, Astros 0
Game 160 - Monday Night, October 3rd in Houston
Record - 87-73, 3rd Place, 13 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Behind the fantastic pitching of Aaron Nola and two home runs from Kyle Schwarber, the Phillies defeated the Astros, 3-0 and clinched their first postseason berth since 2011.

What It Means:  The Phillies have gone through some incredibly lean years, managerial stints from Ryne Sandberg, Pete Mackanin, Gabe Kapler, Joe Girardi and now Rob Thomson, rebuilding years where watching the games on a nightly basis became a chore, and now they're back in the postseason.  The Brewers miraculously pulled out their game against the Diamondbacks, meaning it was solely in the Phillies' hands to reduce their magic number from one to zero.  Doug and I stayed up to watch the final out, the on-field celebration and the clubhouse shenanigans because the last time the Phillies were in the postseason, Doug was almost five and he has no recollection of what was an annual occurrence during his first five years.  He mentioned last night, "I've never seen this before," and I had to remind him he in fact had.  It was a great night, a happy night, and I'm excited to see how far this team can go.

What Happened:  Nola was perfect through 6 2/3 innings before Jordan Alvarez singled sharply to right, ending the perfect game and the no-hit bid.  Jose Alvarado entered shortly thereafter, pumping fastball after fastball to record the next four outs, striking out three in the process.  Zach Eflin, the second longest tenured Phillies player behind Nola, entered the ninth to attempt his first career save, and he needed just 14 pitches to end the game and end the playoff draught.

Schwarber had homered on the very first pitch of the game from Astros' starter Lance McCullers, his 45th of the year, and he'd add his 46th in the eighth inning.  In between those two shots, Bryson Stott lined a home run just over the right field wall.

After 11 years of not reaching the postseason, after all the losses (both by the Phillies and personally), all the changes, and getting through the pandemic, this win felt wonderful.

Featured Card:  I'm happy to create my first postseason clinch card in 11 years!  Just like I did back in the day, I'll create a new Chachi card for each playoff and World Series game the Phillies play.

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

2022 Chachi #67 Chris Devenski / 2022 Chachi #69 NLWCS Game 1

Phillies at Astros: October 3rd to October 5th

2022 Chachi 2000 Topps Missing Links #30

2000 Topps #129

Monday and Tuesday 8:10, Wednesday 4:10
Minute Maid Park - Houston, TX

At the Ballpark:  All fans receive a Dusty Baker ALCS replica ring on Monday night.  Tuesday night is a Dollar Dog Night at the ballpark and Wednesday afternoon is the Astros' Fan Appreciation Day.

Phillies 86-73
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 14 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (10-13, 3.36)
Ranger Suarez (10-6, 3.37)
Bailey Falter (6-4, 3.90)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .282
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 98
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 44
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 92
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto - 21

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 12
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 3.36

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 226
Saves:  Corey Knebel - 12

Astros 104-55
1st Place in the A.L. West, 16 1/2 games ahead of the Mariners

Astros Probables
Lance McCullers (4-1, 2.38)
Justin Verlander (17-4, 1.80)
Framer Valdez (16-6, 2.89)

Astros Leaders
Average:  Yordan Alvarez - .301
Runs:  Jose Altuve - 102
Home Runs:  Yordan Alvarez - 37
RBIs:  Kyle Tucker - 104
Stolen Bases:  Kyle Tucker - 25

Wins:  Justin Verlander - 17
ERA:  Justin Verlander - 1.80

Strikeouts:  Cristian Javier - 194
Saves:  Ryan Pressly - 32

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 159 - Phils' Magic Number Down to One!

2022 Bowman Scouts' Top 100 #BTP-85

Phillies 8, Nationals 1 (6 Innings)
Game 159 - Sunday Afternoon, October 2nd in Washington
Record - 86-73, 3rd Place, 14 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler and the Phillies offense took care of business in this rain-shortened 8-1 crucial win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  What a wonderful day!  My family spent the afternoon at our house as part of my early birthday celebration, and we watched as the Phillies took a commanding lead and went into their rain delay.  We then switched over to the Brewers-Marlins game, watching the conclusion of that 12-inning marathon.  When the Marlins finally sealed the win, realizing the Phillies' Magic Number was down to one was a memorable moment.  I'm hoping they take care of the final win Monday night in Houston.

Any Phillies win or any Brewers loss over the final three days of the regular season, and the Phillies' 11-year playoff draught is over.

What Happened:  Wheeler pitched five shutout innings, allowing only two hits and striking out seven.  Most of this game was played in a steady mist, with periods of moderate to heavy rain throughout.  Kyle Schwarber and Bryson Stott drove in three runs a piece.  Stott doubled home a pair of runs in the fourth to give the Phillies a 3-0 lead.  Schwarber hit a bases-clearing single in the fifth to extend the lead to 7-0.  As the rains continued, J.T. Realmuto hit his 22nd home run of the season, a solo shot in the sixth.  Following the sixth inning, the umpires finally called for the tarp to be placed on the field and the game was officially called a few hours later.

Featured Card:  Stott's double in the fourth allowed me to exhale for the first time, so I'll give him the featured card here.  He's had surprisingly few baseball card appearances in 2022, and I expect that will change in 2023.

Transaction:  Cristopher Sanchez (lhp) the 29th man for Saturday's double header, was optioned back to Lehigh Valley.

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 158 - Thor, Schwarbs Deliver Much-Needed Win

2022 Topps Living Set #539

Phillies 8, Nationals 2 (Game 2)
Game 158 - Saturday Night, October 1st in Washington
Record - 85-73, 3rd Place, 14 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber launched two of the Phillies' five home runs, and Noah Syndergaard delivered a clutch pitching performance in this 8-2 win over the Nationals.

What It Means:  After a dreadful afternoon, the Phillies needed to bounce back quickly and they did.  The Marlins helped too, as their late rally over the Brewers gave Milwaukee a loss and dropped the Phillies magic number to clinch a Wild Card spot down to 3.

What Happened:  Schwarber homered on the second pitch of the ballgame, his 43rd of the season.  Matt Vierling kept the momentum going with an RBI triple in the second.  In the third inning, Alec Bohm, Brandon Marsh and Vierling all homered to give the Phillies a comfortable 7-0 lead.  Schwarber then added his 44th home run in the fourth.

Syndergaard, who had been pitching out of the bullpen, won his fifth game with the Phillies, pitching into the sixth inning and allowing just a pair of hits.  Cristopher Sanchez got the three inning save, also saving a roughed up bullpen in the process.

Featured Card:  Schwarber's 44 home runs are the most by a Phillies outfielder in franchise history, passing the mark of 43 set by Chuck Klein in 1929.  Schwarber is tied with Ryan Howard for most strikeouts in a season with 199.  The record will be his alone with his next K.

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 157 - Gibson, Phils Embarrassed by Nationals

2018 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #18

Nationals 13, Phillies 4 (Game 1)
Game 157 - Saturday Afternoon, October 1st in Washington
Record - 84-73

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Gibson continued his disturbing September trend of crappy pitching and the Phillies offense could not keep up in this lopsided and painful 13-4 loss.

What It Means:  Flush it.  The loss in game one of the Saturday double header dropped the Phillies into a tie with the Brewers for the third Wild Card.

What Happened:  Needing to win every single game at this point, the Phillies let this one get away early.  Gibson staked the Nationals a 6-1 lead after two innings, and the Phillies made a valiant effort to claw back to within 6-4 after four innings.  Gibson left after allowing seven runs on eight hits, including a pair of home runs, in his six innings of work.  Nick Nelson and Chris Devenski couldn't stop the bleeding, allowing six more runs in their combined 1 2/3 innings.  Nick Maton had to enter the game to record the final out.  There were no errors recorded, but the Phillies defense was far from crisp.

In six September starts, Gibson is now 1-5 with a 9.73 ERA, and I have to imagine his season is done at this point.  That 9.73 mark is a result of 31 earned runs allowed in 28 2/3 innings pitched.

Featured Card:  Joey Meneses did a lot of the damage for the Nationals, going 3 for 4 with four RBIs, including a home run and a three-run triple off Gibson in the second.  Meneses made his big league debut on August 2nd with the Nationals, having spent the last decade in the minors and playing internationally.  In 2018, he played with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Phillies' Triple-A team, and I wrote the passage below back in September 2018 when I originally featured this card.

The Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs had their season end on Saturday night when the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders eliminated them from the next round of postseason play.  Outfielder/first baseman Joey Meneses was the International League MVP this season, hitting .311 with 23 home runs and 82 RBIs.  This was Meneses' first year in the Phillies organization after playing the first seven seasons of his professional career in the Braves organization.  It's puzzling to me why the Phillies won't clear a 40-man roster spot and bring up Meneses to perhaps jumpstart a fizzling offense.

I have to imagine Meneses still remembers the September snub by the Phillies, and he exacted some revenge in this game. 

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

2022 Chachi #67 Chris Devenski

#47
Christopher Michael Devenski
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'3"  Weight:  211
Opening Day Age:  31
Born:  November 13, 1990, Cerritos, CA
How Obtained:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, August 29, 2022
Contract Status:  3rd year arbitration eligible, free agency eligible in 2023
Major League Teams:  Houston Astros 2016-2020; Arizona Diamondbacks 2021-2022; Philadelphia Phillies 2015-

First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Card:  N/A
Newest Card Added:  N/A
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (3):  2016, 2019-2020

0 - Devenski baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 10/1/22.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2022 Chachi #67

2016 Topps Update #US270

2019 Topps #598

2020 Topps Update #U-223

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

2022 Chachi #66 Dalton Guthrie / 2022 Chachi #68 Phils Clinch Wild Card HL

Game 156 - Phillies Scratch Out Win Before the Rain

2022 Topps Now #668

Phillies 5, Nationals 1
Game 156 - Friday Afternoon, September 30th in Washington
Record - 84-72, 3rd Place, 13 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies snapped their ill-timed five-game losing streak with a few manufactured runs, clutch hitting from Rhys Hoskins and a gutsy pitching performance from Bailey Falter.

What It Means:  With the remnants of Hurricane Ian making its way up the coast, the Phillies and Nationals planned to play a double header on Friday.  Only one game was played before rain forced the postponement of the second game.

What Happened:  Falter pitched six shutout innings, allowing three hits and walking two while striking out six.  He delivered a huge start and turned the game over to Zach Eflin, Jose Alvarado and Seranthony Dominguez to secure the win.  Dominguez loaded in the bases in the ninth before thankfully inducing a game-ending ground out from pinch-hitter Cesar Hernandez.

Hoskins set the tone with a solo home run in the first, his 30th of the year.  Jean Segura and Hoskins would later add RBI singles.  J.T. Realmuto had a pair of hits and stole his 20th base of the season, joining Hall of Fame catcher Ivan Rodriguez as the only catchers in MLB history with a 20 home run/20 stolen base season.  Realmuto also threw out a pair of Nationals baserunners attempting steals.

Featured Card:  As impressive as Realmuto's day was, the Hoskins home run let everyone take a deep breath and enjoy a lead in a game for the first time in a long time.

Transaction:  Darick Hall (1b) was recalled (finally) from Lehigh Valley and Yairo Munoz (inf) was optioned.  Cristopher Sanchez (lhp) was added as the 29th man for the double header.

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 155 - Collapse Seems Imminent

2022 Topps Phillies #PHI-10

Cubs 2, Phillies 0
Game 155 - Thursday Afternoon, September 29th in Chicago
Record - 83-72, 3rd Place, 14 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A lifeless Phillies team was easily defeated by Cubs starting pitcher Javier Assad and two relievers in this 2-0 loss on a gloomy Thursday afternoon.

What It Means:  The Phillies have lost five in a row.  If not for the Marlins pulling out a late inning rally against the Brewers, courtesy of an Avisail Garcia grand slam, the Brewers and Phillies would be tied.  At the end of the night, the Brewers were just a half game behind the Phillies and the Phillies' magic number dropped to 6.

What Happened:  From the Phillies' perspective, absolutely nothing.  Ranger Suarez allowed a pair of runs in his six inning outing, striking out five.  The Phillies offense had six singles, leaving nine runners stranded.  This game put me, and many Phillies fans like me, in a foul mood.

Featured Card:  But as bad as this game was, the situation is much worse in Florida as Hurricane Ian made landfall and caused devastation throughout the state.  It's hard to get too upset over a baseball game when so many people had their lives upended over the course of a few days.

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 154 - Offense Goes 2 for 16 with RISP

2021 Topps Gypsy Queen #75

Cubs 4, Phillies 2
Game 154 - Wednesday Night, September 28th in Chicago
Record - 83-71, 3rd Place, 14 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  In one of the more frustrating losses of the year, Aaron Nola made one bad pitch and the Phillies offense went 2 for 16 with runners in scoring position in this 4-2 loss to the Cubs.

What It Means:  The Phillies can't seem to escape experiencing a September collapse.

What Happened:  Nola was cruising until allowing a three-run home run to Christopher Morel in the fifth.  The game was essentially over at that point.  Bryce Harper managed to drive in a pair of runs with a sacrifice fly and a ground out, but the rest of the offense failed miserably in the many opportunities available throughout this ballgame.  12 runners were left on base, as the Phillies line-up had 10 strikeouts and 11 hits, including 10 singles.

Featured Card:  With the Brewers within closing distance of the National League's third Wild Card, old friend JoJo Romero wasn't doing the Phillies any favors.  Romero, now pitching with the Cardinals, allowed three runs without retiring a batter in the decisive eighth inning against the Brewers.  The Brewers would defeat the Cardinals, 5-1, and creep closer to the Phillies in the standings.

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 153 - Phils Still Flat in Windy City

2017 Topps Heritage #608

Cubs 2, Phillies 1
Game 153 - Tuesday Night, September 27th in Chicago
Record - 83-70, 3rd Place, 13 games behind the Braves and Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies offense came out flat in the series opener in Chicago, collecting only five hits in this 2-1 loss to Marcus Stroman and the Cubs.

What It Means:  I'm late with these posts again due to work commitments, and as I'm getting caught up on Friday night we already know this series was a disaster.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler kept his team in the game, allowing a third inning solo home run to Christopher Morel and striking out five over six innings.  Connor Brogdon took the loss after he allowed Yan Gomes to double home Ian Happ with the eventual winning run in the bottom of the seventh.  The punchless Phillies scored their only run in the sixth when Bryce Harper doubled home Bryson Stott.  Stroman went seven strong innings, allowing the one run on four hits.

Featured Card:  Former All-Star Chris Devenski made his Phillies debut, pitching a perfect eighth inning.  Devenski appeared in 10 games for the Diamondbacks in July and August, compiling a 7.59 ERA over 10 2/3 innings.  The Phillies are hoping he recaptures some of the ability that made him an All-Star with the Astros in 2017.

Transaction:  Nick Castellanos (of) was activated from the injured list and Donny Sands (c) was optioned to the IronPigs.  Johan Camargo (inf) was sent outright to the IronPigs.

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

Phillies at Nationals: September 30th to October 2nd

2022 Chachi 2000 Topps Missing Links #22

2000 Topps #404

Friday 1:05 and 7:05, Saturday 1:05 and Sunday 1:35
Nationals Park - Washington, DC

At the Ballpark:  This series will determine if the Phillies reach the postseason for the first time since 2011 or if they'll spend another offseason trying to figure out what went wrong.  The Friday double header was necessitated by the owner's lockout during the first week of the regular season.  Fans attending the first game will receive a 2023 Nationals schedule magnet and the first 20,000 fans at the second game (so everybody) will receive a Nationals hoodie.  On Sunday, the first 25,000 fans will receive a Nationals beanie.

Phillies 83-72
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 14 1/2 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Bailey Falter (5-4, 4.21)
Noah Syndergaard (4-2, 4.59)
Kyle Gibson (10-7, 4.84)
Zack Wheeler (11-7, 2.92)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .288
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 95
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 42
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 87
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto - 18

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 11
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 3.36

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 226
Saves:  Corey Knebel - 12

Nationals 54-101
5th Place in the N.L. East, 43 1/2 games behind the Mets

Nationals Probables
Erick Fedde (6-11, 5.34)
TBD
Anibal Sanchez (3-6, 4.06)
Cory Abbott (0-4, 5.11)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Lane Thomas - .246
Runs:  Cesar Hernandez - 63
Home Runs:  Juan Soto - 21
RBIs:  Nelson Cruz - 64
Stolen Bases:  Victor Robles - 15

Wins:  Josiah Gray - 7
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  Josiah Gray - 154
Saves:  Tanner Rainey - 12

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

Phillies at Cubs: September 27th to September 29th

2022 Chachi 2000 Topps Missing Links #10

2000 Topps Traded #T119

Tuesday and Wednesday 7:40, Thursday 2:20
Wrigley Field - Chicago, IL

At the Ballpark:  There are no giveaways or promotions planned for this late September series in September.

Phillies 83-69
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 13 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (11-7, 2.98)
Aaron Nola (10-12, 3.28)
Bailey Falter (5-4, 4.21)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .291
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 93
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 42
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 87
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto - 18

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 11
ERA:  Aaron Nola - 3.28

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 218
Saves:  Corey Knebel - 12

Cubs 67-86
3rd Place in the N.L. Central, 21 1/2 games behind the Cardinals

Cubs Probables
Marcus Stroman (4-7, 3.80)
Hayden Wesneski (2-1, 2.45)
Javier Assad (1-2, 4.28)

Cubs Leaders
Average:  Nico Hoerner - .290
Runs:  Ian Happ - 69
Home Runs:  Patrick Wisdom - 25
RBIs:  Ian Happ - 70
Stolen Bases:  Nico Hoerner - 18

Wins:  Keegan Thompson - 10
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  Justin Steele - 126
Saves:  David Robertson - 14

2022 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2022 Season Summary Index / 2022 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 152 - Fans Left Feeling Unappreciated

Braves 8, Phillies 7 (11 Innings)
Game 152 - Sunday Afternoon, September 25th in Philadelphia
Record - 83-69, 3rd Place, 13 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies fell in 11 innings as the Braves simply outlasted them in this home regular season finale.

What It Means:  The Reds defeated the Brewers, dropping the Phillies' Magic Number to 8.

What Happened:  Kyle Schwarber, who addressed the crowd before the game, hit two home runs to raise his season tally to 42.  Rhys Hoskins stayed hot with a pair of doubles and two runs scored.  Brandon Marsh had three hits, but a misplayed fly ball in the first inning led to the Braves' first run.  The Phillies held a 7-6 lead in the bottom of the eighth, and with two outs and two strikes on the batter, David Robertson uncorked a wild pitch allowing the tying run to score.  The Phillies had runners in scoring position in both the ninth and tenth innings, but couldn't get them home.

Andrew Bellatti gave up a pair of runs in the 11th, and while the Phillies scored one run in the bottom half of their inning, it wasn't enough to stop the Braves.

Featured Cards/Field Report:  As has become an annual (non-pandemic season) tradition, we enjoyed this game as a family from the Diamond Club.  Doug almost immediately snagged a signature from Aaron Nola upon our arrival, as Nola was graciously signing from the corner of the Phillies' dugout.  Ben, Jenna and I found Milt Thompson and Mickey Morandini by the Ashburn Alley entrance, but we were too slow to get pictures with the Phillies' broadcast team stationed at the first and third base gates.  Interim manager Rob Thomson signed for a number of fans before the game too, with Doug adding his signature to the sweet spot of a game-used baseball.  And right before the start of the National Anthem, Doug made his way down to the seats along the right field foul line to secure his biggest autograph of the day from J.T. Realmuto.

The game itself was mostly exciting, but ultimately disappointing.  We waited through the entire two-plus hour rain delay to witness the team's demise in the 11th inning, and we were somewhat disappointed when no players took the field following the game as they've done in years' past.  We'll either be back to Citizens Bank Park in three weeks for the NLDS or in six months for the 2023 home opener.  Hopefully it's the former.

Transaction:  Before the game, Brad Hand (lhp) was placed on the injured list with left elbow tendinitis and Chris Devenski (rhp) had his contract selected from the IronPigs.  Johan Camargo (inf) was designated for assignment to make room for Devenski on the 40-man roster.

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Game 151 - Phils Falter to Wright, Braves

1986 Donruss #507

Braves 6, Phillies 3
Game 151 - Saturday Afternoon, September 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 83-68, 3rd Place, 12 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Wright held the Phillies hitless through five innings and notched his 20th win of the season in this 6-3 defeat.

What It Means:  The magic number remained at nine following this loss and the Brewers win in Cincinnati.

What Happened:  The Phillies line-up had only three hits, including Rhys Hoskins' double in the sixth to break up the no-hitter and Bryce Harper's two-run home run a batter later.  Phillies starter Bailey Falter was hit hard, allowing six runs on ten hits in just 3 2/3 innings.  The bullpen established some calm after Falter's exit, but there were too few clutch hits for the remainder of the game.

Featured Card:  We were there (see below) and the only pre-game autograph Doug was able to add was from former Braves and Phillies player Milt Thompson, who was hanging out in the Diamond Club.

Field Report:  Jenna, Doug, Doug's teammate Tyler and me attended this game, enjoying the fall-like weather from the Diamond Club.  Other than Harper's home run, there wasn't much to cheer about, although the crowd was the loudest I've heard it so far this season in the bottom of the seventh.  With two outs, two runners on and the score at 6-3, Hoskins lined an A.J. Minter pitch just feet to the left of the right field foul pole.  A few feet over and the score would have been tied at six.  After that let-down, Hoskins struck out to end the inning two pitches later.

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Game 150 - Nola, Hoskins Lead the Way to Easy Win

2022 Topps
1987 Topps Baseball #87TB-24

Phillies 9, Braves 1
Game 150 - Friday Night, September 23rd in Philadelphia
Record - 83-67, 3rd Place, 12 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The two longest tenured Phillies, Aaron Nola and Rhys Hoskins, led the Phillies over the Braves in this 9-1 victory.

What It Means:  The magic number to clinch a Wild Card spot is down to 9.  With the Phillies now a half game up over the Padres, they'd head to St. Louis for a three game series if the season were to end today.

What Happened:  Nola threw six shutout innings, striking out eight and allowing only four hits.  The offense provided him plenty of cushion, scoring four runs in the second and another four runs in the fourth.  Hoskins was in the middle of both big innings, hitting a two-run double in the second to make it 4-0, and then clubbing a two-run home run in the fourth to make it 6-0.

Featured Card:  Having made his debut with the Phillies in August 2017, and endured a few really lean years with the club, I'm going to be thrilled for Hoskins when the postseason draught ends.  This is his 1987 Topps inspired insert card from Series Two of the Topps flagship release.

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Game 148 - Vierling's 5th Hit Walks It Off!

2022 Topps Heritage #292

Phillies 4, Blue Jays 3 (10 Innings)
Game 148 - Wednesday Night, September 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 81-67, 3rd Place, 12 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies won in dramatic fashion, as Matt Vierling capped a 5 for 5 night with a walk-off RBI single to win the ballgame.

What It Means:  This was a huge win for the team, snapping a dreadful five-game losing streak and hopefully getting them back on course for the postseason.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler returned from the injured list, throwing four scoreless innings and allowing just a pair of hits.  Noah Syndergaard, relegated to the bullpen, piggybacked off Wheeler's start with two scoreless innings of his own.  Once again, it was Seranthony Dominguez who struggled out of the bullpen, as he allowed a three-run home run to Vladimir Guerrero in the top of the eighth.  The Phillies came back with three runs of their own in the bottom of the inning, including a solo home run from J.T. Realmuto and RBI singles from Dalton Guthrie and Kyle Schwarber.  

In the 10th inning, with pinch-runner Yairo Munoz as the ghost runner, Bryson Stott sacrificed Munoz to third.  Vierling then drove him home with a chopper to center field, starting the on-field celebration.

Featured Card:  I saw a couple of great Tweets from @BoopStats putting Vierling's big night in perspective.  First, he's only the fourth National League player with five hits out of the ninth spot in the line-up.  Second, he's the third Phillies player since 1901 with a five-hit game that included a walk-off RBI.  Vierling joins Del Ennis (1950) and Milt Thompson (1987) in that very exclusive club.

Transaction:  Wheeler (rhp) was activated from the injured list and Sam Coonrod (rhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley.

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Game 147 - Jays Jolt Phils in Convincing Loss

1993 Topps #235

Blue Jays 18, Phillies 11
Game 147 - Tuesday Night, September 20th in Philadelphia
Record - 80-67, 3rd Place, 13 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Blue Jays demolished Kyle Gibson and a few Phillies relievers in this brutal 18-11 loss.

What It Means:  At least the Phillies scored 11 runs?  Having witnessed none of this debacle, I can only imagine watching the actual game was painful.

What Happened:  On the positive side, Dalton Guthrie hit his first big league home run and Kyle Schwarber hit his 40th home run of the season, making him the first Phillies slugger in the 40 home run club since Ryan Howard connected for 45 home runs in 2009.  J.T. Realmuto went 5-for-5, including his 20th home run of the season.  Back-up catcher Garrett Stubbs made his fourth relief appearance of the season and was the only Phillies pitcher on the night not to give up any runs.

On the negative side, actual Phillies full-time pitchers gave up 18 runs on 21 hits.  Gibson was scorched for seven runs on 12 hits in  his five innings of work, giving him a September ERA of 9.68 in his four starts so far this month.

Featured Card:  Of course the last time the Phillies and Blue Jays scored 29 combined runs in a game was on October 20, 1993 in Game 4 of the 1993 World Series.  That game was actually way more painful than this game as Mitch Williams blew his first of two World Series saves, with the Blue Jayes winning, 15-14.

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