Game 138 - Guthrie's First Hits Lead to Win Over Nats

2022 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #16

Phillies 5, Nationals 3
Game 138 - Friday Night, September 9th in Philadelphia
Record - 76-62, 3rd Place, 11 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Dalton Guthrie collected his first big league hits and drove in a pair of runs in this 5-3 series opening win against the Nationals.

What It Means:  The Phillies have recaptured their winning ways, winning now three of their last four games.

What Happened:  Noah Syndergaard made his seventh start for the Phillies, eventually picking up the win with six solid innings of work.  He allowed three runs on eight hits.  Guthrie's first big league hit drove home Edmundo Sosa with the first run of the game.  The Phillies would go up 3-0 in the fourth following a Rhys Hoskins home run and a single to center from J.T. Realmuto.  Realmuto would homer in the sixth, with Guthrie driving home an insurance run with another RBI single in the seventh.

Featured Card:  Guthrie went 2 for 3 in this game with a pair of RBIs.  I have six of his cards in my collection so far, and the newest is this card from the 2022 IronPigs team set.

Field Report:  I had planned on attending this game with my family, but my airline had other plans and I was stuck in Orlando following a work trip for most of the day Friday.  Fortunately, my family carried on and enjoyed the game, sending me pictures and texting me highlights of their visit.  Doug had a great pregame autograph hunt, securing signatures on a ball from Nationals' players Nelson Cruz, Josiah Gray and Carl Edwards Jr.  Rhys Hoskins signed his new scorecard, somewhat atoning for his costly error the night before.

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

Game 137 - Hoskins' Costly Error Leads to Loss

1991 Leaf #350 

Marlins 6, Phillies 5
Game 137 - Thursday Night, September 8th in Philadelphia
Record - 75-62, 3rd Place, 11 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A costly Rhys Hoskins error and a shaky ninth inning from David Robertson led to this 6-5 loss to the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Marlins snapped a nine-game losing streak with this late win in Philly, and the Phillies missed out on completing the three-game sweep.

What Happened:  With the Phillies leading 5-4, Robertson entered the game in the ninth and gave up a lead-off double to Garrett Cooper.  Rhys Hoskins completely whiffed on a grounder to first from Joey Wendle, allowing Cooper to score as the tying run.  Brian Anderson then singled home Wendle to give the Marlins the lead and eventual win.  Earlier in the game, in happier times, Nick Maton homered in the third to get the Phillies on the board.  The Phillies would take the lead in the fifth on a two-run triple from Alec Bohm.

Featured Card:  On Thursday, Queen Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96 after a 70 year reign as the Queen of the United Kingdom.  There have been 50 players born in the United Kingdom to play in the major leagues, according to Baseball Reference, including former Phillies pitcher Danny Cox, born in Northampton in 1959.  Cox appeared in 32 games for the Phillies between 1991 and 1992.

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Game 136 - Sosa's Big Night Delivers Victory

2022 Topps #565

Phillies 4, Marlins 3
Game 136 - Wednesday Night, September 7th in Philadelphia
Record - 75-61, 3rd Place, 11 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Edmundo Sosa fell a triple short of the cycle and the Phillies bullpen held on to secure the win as the Phils downed the Marlins, 4-3.

What It Means:  The Phillies continued their recovery from the awful west coast trip with another win over the Marlins.

What Happened:  Bailey Falter picked up his fourth win, pitching into the sixth inning and allowing a pair of runs on seven hits.  Andrew Bellatti and Jose Alvarado continued their strong relief work with a combined 2 2/3 scoreless innings, including four strikeouts.  Connor Brogdon gave up a run in the ninth, but recorded the final three Marlins outs to notch his second save.  Sosa hit a two-run home run the third, his second in two nights, and added an RBI double in the seventh.  Jean Segura contributed a solo home run in the fourth.

Featured Card:  We might not ever see a Phillies baseball card for Sosa, but he's got a pair of Cardinals cards so far in 2022 - one from the Heritage set and this one from the Series Two flagship release.

Field Report:  Jenna and Doug attended this game in my stead as part of the annual ALS sponsor's night at the ballpark.

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

Game 135 - Segura Delivers Winning Walk-Off Hit

2022 Topps Gypsy Queen #89

Phillies 3, Marlins 2
Game 135 - Tuesday Night, September 6th in Philadelphia
Record - 74-61, 3rd Place, 10 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jean Segura lined a game-winning, walk-off single to right to give the Phillies a 3-2 win and snap a three-game losing streak.

What It Means:  A short work trip following the Labor Day weekend means I'm once again playing catch up with a few game summary posts.  At least this time I get to write about a bunch of Phillies wins.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola pitched into the seventh inning, striking out 10 and allowing a run on four hits.  The Phillies offense continued to sputter along, scoring a run in the first on Edmundo Sosa's first home run of the season and a run in the sixth when Sosa scored on an Alec Bohm sacrifice fly.  The Marlins tied the score at 2-2 on a sacrifice fly in the eighth.  Segura came through in the ninth after Bryce Harper doubled and J.T. Realmuto was intentionally walked.

Featured Card:  Segura has been a welcome re-addition to the line-up following his absence for two months while his broken finger healed.  In his 29 games back so far, up to this game, he was batting .306 with four doubles, a pair of home runs and eight RBIs.  This is his card from the Gypsy Queen set, released back in May shortly before he suffered his injury.

Transaction:  Luis Garcia (inf), designated for assignment on Sunday, was claimed by the Detroit Tigers off waivers.

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

Nationals at Phillies: September 9th to September 11th

2022 Chachi Fan Favorites #18

2022 Chachi 2000 Topps Missing Links #19

Friday 7:05, Saturday 6:05, Sunday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Friday night is the annual Nemours Children's Health Childhood Cancer Awareness Night.  On Saturday night, all kids 14 and under receive a Phillies fleece blanket.

Nationals 49-89
5th Place in the N.L. East, 38 games behind the Mets

Nationals Probables
Patrick Corbin (6-17, 6.28)
Erick Fedde (6-9, 5.08)
Anibal Sanchez (2-5, 4.56)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Josh Bell - .301
Runs:  Juan Soto - 62
Home Runs:  Juan Soto - 21
RBIs:  Nelson Cruz - 64
Stolen Bases:  Victor Robles - 14

Wins:  Josiah Gray - 7
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  Josiah Gray - 145
Saves:  Tanner Rainey - 12

Phillies 75-62
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 11 1/2 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Noah Syndergaard (3-1, 4.63)
Ranger Suarez (8-5, 3.52)
Aaron Nola (9-11, 3.35)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .294
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 82
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 36
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 78
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto - 17

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.07

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 200
Saves:  Corey Knebel - 12

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

2022 Chachi #63 Michael Plassmeyer

#49
Michael Plassmeyer
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Left  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  197
Opening Day Age:  25
Born:  November 5, 1996, St. Louis, MO
How Obtained:  Acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Austin Wynns, June 8, 2022
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

First Phillies Minor League Card:  N/A
First Phillies Card:  N/A
Newest Card Added:  N/A
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

0 - Plassmeyer baseball cards in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 9/2/22.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2022 Chachi #63

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2022 Chachi #62 Tyler Cyr / 2022 Chachi #64 Vinny Nittoli

2022 Chachi #65 Donny Sands

#39
Donny Sands
Catcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  190
Opening Day Age:  25
Born:  May 16, 1996, Tucson, AZ
How Obtained:  Acquired from the New York Yankees with Nick Nelson for T.J. Rumfeld and Joel Valdez, November 19, 2021
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

First Phillies Minor League Card:  2022 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #33
First Phillies Card:  N/A
Newest Card Added:  2022 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #33
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

1 - Sands baseball card in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 9/4/22.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2022 Chachi New Additions #4
2022 Chachi #65

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

2022 Chachi #64 Vinny Nittoli / 2022 Chachi #66 Dalton Guthrie

Introducing the 2023 Chachi Set Design

On Labor Day afternoon, Topps released the first images of its 2023 baseball card set on social media.  As has been my recent tradition, I'll wait until Topps makes their presentation of the next year's flagship set design before releasing the first images of the next year's Chachi custom Phillies card set.  I'm generous, not needing much attention, and I like for Topps to have their time in the spotlight for a little bit.

For those of you new to the Chachi set of cards, they're named after our late, great first dog Chachi, and not (directly) the character from Happy Days or the weird actor who played him.  Here's a page with links to details on the genesis of the set, as well as a launch pad to view all prior year base cards from Chachi sets dating back to 2005.  To date, I've used old Topps designs as the basis for my Chachi sets, and I'm getting closer to eventually breaking that pattern.  But not yet.

As I write this, we're six cards away from a complete 1965 Topps set, which will forever be known as my lockdown set as it helped keep me sane during the pandemic years.  We started collecting the set in December 2019, a few short months before the world was turned upside down, and I'd like to think we'll complete the set in either late 2022 or early 2023.  With this set and its iconic design taking up so much space in my brain in recent years, I thought I'd pay tribute to it by using it for the design of my 2023 Chachi cards.  This is the first Topps set from the 1960s I've tackled with a Chachi set, and you can expect to see all the usual inserts in 2023 - Fan Favorites, 1965 Topps Missing Links and Friendly Encounters.  What you won't see are many action shots.  I'm going to try to stay true to the original, using only cropped shots or posed photos.

I'm excited to spend 2023 and one more year with the 1965 Topps set, and I hope you are too.

Here's a look at what could come next in the Chachi set lineage, and I'm a little surprised I'm anxious to tackle another set from the 2000s.  The 2022 Chachi set has been a lot of fun so far, and I'm hoping to need to figure out how to design postseason cards in the style of the 2000 Topps set.

1969 - Not a great design, but I'm going to spending more time with this set in the coming years, so it's now a possibility.
1972 - The only flagship set from the 1970s I've not used yet.
1984, 1987, 1989 - Topps has spoiled these designs for me, due to overuse in recent years' insert sets.
2001, 2003, 2006, 2008 - Over the past few years, I've really come to appreciate the designs of the 2006 and 2008 sets.
Other Future Candidates - 1981 Donruss, 1981 Fleer, 1982 Donruss, 1983 Fleer, 1985 Fleer, 1987 Donruss

Memory Lane
2014 Chachi Preview #1 (8/8/13)
2015 Chachi Preview #1 (8/15/14)
2016 Chachi Preview #1 (8/11/15)
2017 Chachi Preview #1 (8/10/16)
2018 Chachi Preview #1 (8/7/17)
2019 Chachi Preview #1 (8/20/18)
2020 Chachi Preview #1 (8/2/19)
2021 Chachi Preview #1 (8/7/20)

2022 Chachi Preview #1 (8/13/21)

2023 Chachi Preview #1 (9/7/22)

Marlins at Phillies: September 6th to September 8th

2022 Chachi Fan Favorites #17

2022 Chachi 2000 Topps Missing Links #27

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 6:40
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  Thursday night is a Bark at the Park event at the ballpark with holders of special theme tickets permitted to bring their dogs to hopefully watch a Phillies win.

Marlins 55-78
4th Place in the N.L. East, 29 games behind the Mets

Marlins Probables
Jesus Luzardo (3-6, 3.44)
Trevor Rogers (4-10, 5.57)
Sandy Alcantara (12-7, 2.36)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Jesus Aguilar - .236
Runs:  Jazz Chisolm - 39
Home Runs:  Jesus Aguilar - 15
RBIs:  Jesus Aguilar - 49
Stolen Bases:  Jon Berti - 32

Wins:  Sandy Alcantara - 12
ERA:  Sandy Alcantara - 2.36

Strikeouts:  Sandy Alcantara - 170
Saves:  Tanner Scott - 19

Phillies 73-61
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 11 1/2 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (9-11, 3.43)
Bailey Falter (3-3, 4.08)
Kyle Gibson (9-6, 4.48)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .295
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 81
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 36
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 78
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto - 17

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.07

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 190
Saves:  Corey Knebel - 12

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

2022 Chachi #62 Tyler Cyr

#63
Tyler O'Neill Cyr
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  203
Opening Day Age:  28
Born:  May 5, 1993, Fremont, CA
How Obtained:  Signed by the Phillies as a minor league free agent, December 10, 2021
Major League Teams:  Philadelphia Phillies 2022

First Phillies Minor League Card:  2022 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #10
First Phillies Card:  N/A
Newest Card Added:  2022 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #10
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (0):  N/A

1 - Cyr baseball card in my collection per The Phillies Room Checklist as of 9/2/22.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2022 Chachi #62

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

2022 Chachi #61 Bradley Zimmer / 2022 Chachi #63 Michael Plassmeyer

Game 134 - Deptford Mall Baseball Card Show Precedes Another Loss

Giants 5, Phillies 3
Game 134 - Sunday Afternoon, September 4th in San Francisco
Record - 73-61, 3rd Place, 11 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies couldn't complete the comeback against the Giants, as David Robertson allowed a two-run walk-off home run to Wilmer Flores in this latest loss.

What It Means:  It's not going well, and I'll admit I'm starting to worry.  The Phillies hold a 2 1/2 game lead over the Brewers for the National League's third Wild Card spot.  They went 1-6 on a disastrous west coast trip against two teams with losing records.  A six-game homestand begins on Tuesday night against the Marlins and Nationals.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez joined the ranks of Phillies starting pitchers who have been ineffective lately, pitching just four innings and allowing three runs.  The Phillies dramatically tied up the game in the eighth inning when J.T. Realmuto connected for a three-run home run off Giants' reliever John Brebbia.  Robertson couldn't preserve the tie however, allowing Flores' home run and ending the game.

Featured Card:  Before this debacle began, Doug and I drove to the Deptford Mall for a mini baseball card show and Bobby Abreu signing.  We were among the first in line to secure our Abreu signatures, and then we spent about a half hour browsing the six or so tables set up in the mall.  I found one dealer with stacks of vintage commons for sale, adding cards to my not-yet-officially-collecting 1955 Bowman, 1959 Topps and 1969 Topps sets.  It was a good afternoon, diminished a few hours later by the Phillies' loss.

Transaction:  Nick Castellanos (of) was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain and Dalton Guthrie (of) had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley.  To make room for Guthrie on the 40-man roster, Luis Garcia (inf) was designated for assignment.

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

Game 133 - Phils Can't Solve Giants

2022 Topps Heritage #455

Giants 5, Phillies 4
Game 133 - Saturday Afternoon, September 3rd in San Francisco
Record - 73-60, 3rd Place, 11 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Giants outlasted the Phillies in this loss, with Brad Hand giving up the eventual winning run with a bases-loaded walk in the sixth inning.

What It Means:  👎

What Happened:  Not a lot of good things happened.  Noah Syndergaard had another short outing, lasting 4 1/3 innings and charged with four runs (three earned) on seven hits.  Hand had a disastrous sixth inning, allowing a hit and three walks.  Bryson Stott and Jean Segura both produced three-hit days, but the Phillies offense overall went 3 for 15 with runners in scoring position.  Stott hit his ninth home run in the fourth inning.

Featured Card:  Andrew Knapp, now catching for the Giants, went 1 for 2 in this game to raise his season average to .128.  He allowed Segura and Matt Vierling to steal bases, but gunned down Bryce Harper at second base in the third inning.

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Game 132 - September Starts Poorly

2022 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #33

Giants 13, Phillies 1
Game 132 - Late Friday Night, September 2nd in San Francisco
Record - 73-59, 3rd Place, 11 1/2 games behind the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Giants jumped all over Phillies starting pitcher Kyle Gibson, easily winning this series opening game, 13-1.

What It Means:  What is going on?  For the fourth time in five games, the Phillies appeared lifeless and confused.

What Happened:  Gibson looked awful, allowing seven runs on five hits and four walks while not escaping the second inning.  Sam Coonrod didn't fare much better, as he was charged with four more runs in his 2/3 of an inning.  The Phillies offense managed five hits with Giants' starting pitcher Alex Cobb throwing seven scoreless innings.  Back-up catcher Garrett Stubbs pitched the ninth for the Phillies, his third relief appearance of the season.

Featured Card:  Donny Sands, added to the roster before the game, made his big league debut in the seventh, pinch-hitting for J.T. Realmuto.  Sands went 0 for 2 with a strikeout and ground out.  He's spent seven seasons in the minor leagues, missing all of 2020 due to the pandemic, and the one bright spot from this game was that Sands can finally call himself a major leaguer.  This is his card from the 2022 IronPigs team set.

Transaction:  With rosters expanding to 28 players in September, the Phillies added Sands (c) and Vinny Nittoli (rhp) to the roster.

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

Game 131 - Phils Explode for 18 Runs, Everybody Hits (Woo-Hoo!)

2022 Topps Heritage #176

Phillies 18, Diamondbacks 2
Game 131 - Late Wednesday Night, August 31st in Phoenix
Record - 73-58, 3rd Place, 10 games behind the Mets

Post-Vacation Catch-Up II, Post 11 of 11

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies absolutely exploded, banging out 18 runs on 23 hits in this 18-2 thrashing of the Diamondbacks.

What It Means:  The Phillies demolishing of the Diamondbacks represented the first time since at least 1901 a team had nine players with at least two hits, one RBI and one run scored in the game.  The Phillies had eight players accomplish this feat on August 27, 1909.  After the thrashing at the hands of the Diamondbacks the prior two nights, this was a welcome change of pace.

What Happened:  A whole lot happened.  Every member of the starting line-up had at least two hits, with Rhys Hoskins, Alec Bohm, Bryce Harper and Brandon Marsh enjoying three-hit nights.  The Phillies collected six doubles, a triple and zero (!) home runs.  Bailey Falter was the recipient of the outburst, picking up his third win with 6 1/3 innings of one-run baseball while striking out six.

Featured Card:  Marsh is bound to get some Phillies baseball cards along the way, but we're still waiting for his first.  He's on a bunch of Angels cards in this year's Topps releases, including this card from the Topps Heritage set.  Marsh is batting .353 (6 for 17) in his four games since coming off the injured list.

Transaction:  The Phillies acquired Vinny Nittoli (rhp) from the Toronto Blue Jays for Karl Ellison (c).  Nittoli is a veteran of six minor league seasons, and he appeared in one game, pitching one inning, for the Mariners last season.  Ellison had played this season with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and High-A Jersey Shore, and he makes an appearance in this year's BlueClaws team set.

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

Game 130 - Nola, Phils Drop Another Brutal Game to D-Backs

1936 Diamond Stars #92

Diamondbacks 12, Phillies 3
Game 130 - Late Tuesday Night, August 30th in Phoenix
Record - 72-58, 3rd Place, 10 games behind the Mets

Post-Vacation Catch-Up II, Post 10 of 11

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola suffered through his worst start of the year and Diamondbacks' starting pitcher Zac Gallen baffled the Phillies line-up in this 12-3 loss.

What It Means:  For the second night in a row, the Phillies were seemingly overmatched by the Diamondbacks, a team with a losing record.  Gallen improved to 10-2, lowering his ERA to 2.53 with seven shutout innings.

What Happened:  Nola was hit hard, giving up eight runs on 10 hits, including a three-run home run to Jake McCarthy in the fifth.  McCarthy had earlier hit a two-run triple in the second.  The only offense from the Phillies came on Brandon Marsh's three-run home run in the eighth, his first as a Phillie.  Nick Maton pitched the ninth for the Phillies, allowing three runs.  It was Maton's first appearance on the mound this season, and the second relief appearance of his career.

Featured Card:  With no clear featured card subject evident from this awful game, here's a card that was waiting for me in the mail when we returned from our wonderful trip to Walt Disney World.  This card officially puts me over half-way point in my quest to collect 118 cards from the 1934-36 Diamond Stars set, and I'm tracking my progress over at my Diamond Stars blog.  I'll soon be jailbreaking Ethan Allen from his slabbed encasement so that I can add the card to my set's binder.

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Game 129 - D-Backs Stun Phils in Ugly Comeback

2003 Topps Traded #T98

Diamondbacks 13, Phillies 7
Game 129 - Late Monday Night, August 29th in Phoenix
Record - 72-57, 3rd Place, 10 games behind the Mets

Post-Vacation Catch-Up II, Post 9 of 11

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies blew a 7-0 lead with the Diamondbacks scoring six runs in each of the fourth and fifth innings in this painful, late-night loss.

What It Means:  Woof.

What Happened:  Like most Phillies fans, I went to bed seemingly secure in the knowledge the Phillies would win this contest against the fourth place Diamondbacks.  I was wrong.  Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez and Andrew Bellatti were the recipients of the damage, although a costly error from Jean Segura meant four of Suarez's six runs allowed were unearned.  Kyle Schwarber had a four-RBI night, which included his 36th home run.

Featured Card:  As a few people pointed out on Twitter, this game was reminiscent of the loss on August 26, 2003 against the Expos.  The Phillies had a 8-0 lead heading to the bottom of the fifth in that game, and lost 14-10.  Phillies pitchers beat up by the Expos were Vicente Padilla, Terry Adams, Dan Please, Mike Williams and Phillies Room Favorite Rheal Cormier.

Transaction:  The Blue Jays claimed Bradley Zimmer (of) off waivers, returning him to the team where he had started the season.  It seems as if Zimmer was an unofficial rental from the Blue Jays while Brandon Marsh recovered from his leg injuries.  Zimmer appeared in nine games for the Phillies, making five starts in center field, while batting .250 (4 for 16) with a few nice catches in the outfield.

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

Game 128 - Bucs Snap Win Streak with Shutout

2016 Topps Archives Fan
Favorites Autographs #FFA-CH

Pirates 5, Phillies 0
Game 128 - Sunday Afternoon, August 28th in Philadelphia
Record - 72-56, 3rd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Mets

Post-Vacation Catch-Up II, Post 8 of 11

One Sentence Summary:  Roansy Contreras and three Pirates relievers held the Phillies to four singles in this deflating 5-0 loss.

What It Means:  After riding high through a six-game winning streak, the Phillies looked flat in this game and they didn't appear to ever really be in it.

What Happened:  Noah Syndergaard couldn't repeat the success of his last start, allowing five runs on nine hits in 5 2/3 innings of work.  The bullpen kept the Pirates off the board after Syndergaard exited, but the Phillies offense couldn't get anything going.  The line-up went 0 for 4 with runners in scoring position, leaving seven runners on base.

Featured Card:  Before the game, former Phillies third baseman Charlie Hayes threw out the ceremonial first pitch to his son, Ke'Bryan Hayes, the current Pirates third baseman.  This is the one signed card of the elder Hayes in my collection, from the 2016 Topps Archives release.

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

Game 127 - Gibson, Realmuto Shut Down Bucs

2022 Topps #57

Phillies 6, Pirates 0
Game 127 - Saturday Night, August 27th in Philadelphia
Record - 72-55, 3rd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Mets

Post-Vacation Catch-Up II, Post 7 of 11

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies scored early and often to support starter Kyle Gibson's effort in this 6-0 win over the Pirates.

What It Means:  The Phillies are keeping pace with the Mets in the division and positioning themselves for one of the three Wild Card spots up for grabs in the National League.

What Happened:  J.T. Realmuto gave Gibson all the run-support he'd need with a bases clearing, three-run double in the first inning.  Rhys Hoskins and Alec Bohm would drive in two more runs in the second, and Nick Castellanos hit a solo home run, his 13th of the year, in the third.  Gibson was stellar, pitching seven scoreless innings while allowing six hits and striking out nine.  Sam Coonrod and Nick Nelson pitched the final two innings to preserve the shutout.

Featured Card:  Gibson's Phillies cards can be found this year in the Topps flagship and Topps Heritage sets, and this is his card from Topps Series One, released way back in February.

Transaction:  Brandon Marsh (of) was activated from the injured list and Bradley Zimmer (of) was designated for assignment.

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

Game 126 - Bryce Harper Returns

2022 Topps Sweet Shades #SS-14

Phillies 7, Pirates 4
Game 126 - Friday Night, August 26th in Philadelphia
Record - 71-55, 3rd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Mets

Post-Vacation Catch-Up II, Post 6 of 11

One Sentence Summary:  Bryce Harper returned to the Phillies after missing 52 games with a broken thumb, and his presence was immediately felt in this 7-4 series opening win over the Pirates.

What It Means:  It means hopefully the Phillies are on their way to ending their 11-year playoff drought.

What Happened:  Harper lined a two-run single to right in the first inning to start the scoring, with J.T. Realmuto and Nick Castellanos adding RBIs to quickly make it 4-0.  Rhys Hoskins, Realmuto again and Bryson Stott would drive in the additional Phillies runs.  Bailey Falter earned his second win with six strong innings, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out six.  Brad Hand got the ninth and recorded his fifth save.

Featured Card:  The ballpark looked electric from what we caught later in the highlights.  We had missed this game almost completely as we were enjoying the evening in Epcot and preparing for the Harmonious fireworks/laser show.  There are so many great Harper cards from the 2022 releases in my collection, but I'll go with this happy card for this post.  Sweet Shades is an insert set found within Topps Series Two.

Transaction:  Harper (of) was activated from the 60-day injured list and Falter (lhp) was recalled from  Lehigh Valley.  Yairo Munoz (inf) was optioned down and Simon Muzziotti (of) was placed on the 60-day injured list with a partial tear of his right patellar tendon.  Muzziotti, who appeared in nine games for the Phillies, batting .143, is done for the season.

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

Game 125 - Nola Tosses Complete Game Shutout

2022 Donruss #189

Phillies 4, Reds 0
Game 125 - Thursday Night, August 25th in Philadelphia
Record - 70-55, 3rd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Mets

Post-Vacation Catch-Up II, Post 5 of 11

One Sentence Summary:  The Phils cruised to four-game sweep of Reds behind Aaron Nola's complete game shutout.

What It Means:  Given the bad news learned about the starting pitching rotation before this game (see below), Nola's gem couldn't have come at a better time.  It was the third shutout and fifth complete game of his career.  The sweep of the Reds marked the first time since 1953 the Phillies have swept four four-game series in the same season, and they're now a season-high 15 games over .500.

What Happened:  Kyle Schwarber hit a moonshot home run to deep center field in the third inning, his 35th of the season.  Edmundo Sosa drove in the other three runs with a sacrifice fly in the fifth and a two-run single in the seventh.  Bradley Zimmer collected a pair of hits and scored a run.

Featured Card:  Nola struck out 11 batters and allowed five hits in his 101-pitch outing.  Here's perhaps Nola's worst card so far from 2022, and I'm not sure why I feel the need to add a logo-less Donruss Phillies team set to my collection every year.  I may need to put a stop to that in 2023.

Transaction:  In a less than ideal development, Zack Wheeler (rhp) was placed on the injured list with right forearm tendinitis.

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

Game 124 - Sanchez Spot Start Stymies Cincy

2022 Phillies Photo Cards #61

Phillies 7, Reds 5
Game 124 - Wednesday Night, August 24th in Philadelphia
Record - 69-55, 3rd Place, 9 1/2 games behind the Mets

Post-Vacation Catch-Up II, Post 4 of 11

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez gave the Phillies a huge spot start, pitching six solid innings in this 7-5 win over the Reds.

What It Means:  With the pitching staff in need of an overall break, Sanchez came up big, allowing a pair of solo home runs and striking out seven on the way to his second win.

What Happened:  The Phillies benefitted greatly from wildness from Reds' starter T.J. Zeuch, who walked two batters with the bases loaded in the third.  J.T. Realmuto had a four-hit day, including his 14th home run, while Rhys Hoskins drove in three runs.  David Robertson rebounded from his shaky outing against the Mets to record his fourth save with the Phillies.

Featured Card:  Sanchez received his first official Phillies card in the 2022 team-issued photo card set, first released in June.

Transaction:  Michael Plassmeyer (lhp) was optioned to Lehigh Valley and Sanchez (lhp) was recalled.  Tyler Cyr (rhp), whose Phillies career consisted of one inning pitched and a back-breaking home run to the Mets, was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics.  I've not posted this running list of in-season transactions in a while, so I'll use Cyr's departure as an excuse to update this.  (Spoiler alerts below as I'm writing this post a few weeks after this game.)

	Arrived During the 2022 Season	Date	Transaction
	Roman Quinn - of	4/9/22	Signed as a free agent formerly with the Miami Marlins.
	Michael Plassmeyer - lhp	6/8/22	Acquired from the San Francisco Giants for Austin Wynns.
	Oscar Mercado - of	6/27/22	Claimed off waivers from the Cleveland Guardians.
	Edmundo Sosa - ss	7/30/22	Acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals for JoJo Romero.
	Brandon Marsh - of	8/2/22	Acquired from the Los Angeles Angels for Logan O'Hoppe.
	David Robertson - rhp	8/2/22	Acquired from the Chicago Cubs for Ben Brown.
	Noah Syndergaard - rhp	8/2/22	Acquired from the Los Angeles Angels for Mickey Moniak and Jadiel Sanchez.
	Bradley Zimmer - of	8/18/22	Claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays.
	Vinny Nittoli - rhp	8/31/22	Acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays for Karl Ellison.
	Departed During the 2022 Season	Date	Transaction
	Ronald Torreyes - inf	4/26/22	Released.
	Roman Quinn - of	6/5/22	Granted free agency, signed with the Kansas City Royals, 6/9/22.
	James Norwood - rhp	6/18/22	Traded to the Boston Red Sox for cash considerations.
	Kyle Dohy - lhp	6/23/22	Released.
	Oscar Mercado - of	7/4/22	Claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Guardians.
	JoJo Romero - lhp	7/30/22	Traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for Edmundo Sosa.
	Mickey Moniak - of	8/2/22	Traded to the Los Angeles Angels with Jadiel Sanchez for Noah Syndergaard.
	Didi Gregorius - ss	8/4/22	Released.
	Odubel Herrera - of	8/6/22	Released.
	Jeurys Familia - rhp	8/6/22	Released, signed with the Boston Red Sox, 8/9/22.
	Cam Bedrosian - rhp	8/8/22	Released.
	Tyler Cyr - rhp	8/24/22	Claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics.
	Bradley Zimmer - of	8/29/22	Claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays.

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

Game 123 - Maton Walks It Off to Complete Comeback

2022 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #26

Phillies 7, Reds 6
Game 123 - Tuesday Night, August 23rd in Philadelphia
Record - 68-55, 3rd Place, 10 games behind the Mets

Post-Vacation Catch-Up II, Post 3 of 11

One Sentence Summary:  After the Phillies had given up the lead in the ninth, Bryson Stott tied the game and Nick Maton walked it off in this 7-6 victory over the Reds.

What It Means:  It wasn't pretty, but we'll take it.

What Happened:  The game was scoreless until the sixth inning, with starters Ranger Suarez and Nick Lodolo pitching effectively for both teams.  Suarez fell apart in the sixth, issuing two bases loaded walks, but the Phillies came back to take a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the inning, led by a two-run triple from J.T. Realmuto.  The Reds retook the lead in the ninth thanks to an Edmundo Sosa throwing error and a shaky outing from Brad Hand.  Now trailing 6-5, Jean Segura walked to start the bottom of the ninth.  Pinch-hitter Stott doubled him home to tie the game, and Maton walked it off with a single to right.

Featured Card:  Maton's sole baseball card to date* from 2022 can be found in the IronPigs team set.  His one-time IronPigs teammate, Michael Plassmeyer, made his big league debut in this game and was in line for the win (and the featured card) had the bullpen not blown it.  (*Maton has since appeared on a few Topps Now cards, including one for this game, but neither of those are in my collection yet.)

Transaction:  Looking to get some regular at-bats, Darick Hall (dh) was optioned to Lehigh Valley and Yairo Munoz (inf) was recalled.  In bigger news, Bryce Harper (of) began his rehab assignment with the IronPigs.

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

Game 122 - Thor Drops the Hammer on Reds

2022 Topps Now #638

Phillies 4, Reds 1
Game 122 - Monday Night, August 22nd in Philadelphia
Record - 67-55, 3rd Place, 11 games behind the Mets

Post-Vacation Catch-Up II, Post 2 of 11

One Sentence Summary:  Thor pitched his best game yet in a Phillies uniform and Nick Castellanos drove in a pair of runs in this 4-1 win over the Reds.

What It Means:  The Phillies quickly put the Sunday night debacle against the Mets behind them with this relatively relaxing win over the Reds.

What Happened:  Noah Syndergaard allowed a solo home and three hits overall in his seven strong frames, with the unlikely duo of Sam Coonrod and Andrew Bellatti pitching the final two scoreless innings.  Castellanos and Bryson Stott hit back-to-back home runs in the second inning, with Castellanos adding an RBI-double in the third.  Alec Bohm continued to swing a hot bat, collecting three more hits and raising his season average to .292.

Featured Card:  Not including his Chachi card, Syndergaard has appeared on one Phillies baseball card so far, although he's pictured in an Angels uniform.  This is his Topps Now card released following his trade from the Angels in early August.

Transaction:  Tyler Cyr (rhp) was designated for assignment and Michael Plassmeyer (lhp) had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley.

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

Game 121 - Mets Stun Phils, Bullpen in Marathon Loss

Mets 10, Phillies 9
Game 121 - Sunday Afternoon, August 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 66-55, 3rd Place, 12 game behind the Mets

Post-Vacation Catch-Up II, Post 1 of 11

One Sentence Summary:  David Robertson blew his first save in his return to the Phillies, as the Mets stunned with a pair of home runs in the ninth to give them a 10-8 win.

What It Means:  I had fully expected to enjoy this game and post a game summary prior to leaving for our late August vacation, but the Phillies and Mets had other plans.  The game started at 1:37, with Edwin Diaz notching his 28th save in the early evening, around 7pm.

What Happened:  Alec Bohm had himself quite the day at the plate, but it was all for naught.  Bohm hit a pair of home runs, going 3 for 5 on the day with six RBIs.  Connor Brogdon's struggles continued as he allowed the Mets to tie the game in the seventh when he surrendered a three-run home run to Mark Canha.  Jean Segura gave the Phillies an 8-7 lead in the bottom of the eighth with a solo home run, and Robertson came in to attempt the save.  The Mets quickly took the lead back on a Jeff McNeil double and Canha's second home run of the game.  Tyler Cyr made his big league debut and allowed a crucial insurance run to score when he gave up a home run to Brandon Nimmo.

Featured Card:  All this happened as we were packing for our trip, and making a pre-vacation pitstop at Carl's Cards & Collectibles in Havertown, Pennsylvania for a Sunday night Zack Wheeler autograph signing.  We were concerned Wheeler wouldn't be there by the 7:30 start time, but the long line started moving right at 7:30 and we secured two new Wheeler autographs.  After that, it was off to the airport to start our last vacation of the summer.

Transaction:  There was bad news for the bullpen before this game.  Seranthony Dominguez (rhp) was placed on the 15-day injured list with right triceps tendinitis.  Cyr (rhp) had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley and Corey Knebel (rhp) was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room for Cyr on the 40-man roster.  Knebel's season is done.

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Phillies at Giants: September 2nd to September 4th

2022 Chachi 2000 Topps Missing Links #25

2022 Chachi Fan Favorites #16

Friday 10:15, Saturday and Sunday 4:05
Oracle Park - San Francisco, CA

At the Ballpark:  Sunday is Star Wars day at Oracle Park with holders of a special theme ticket receiving an orange C-3PO Funko Pop.  OR, if you bought a VIP Experience theme ticket, you'd receive a black C-3PO Funko Pop.

Phillies 73-58
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 10 1/2 games behind the Mets

Phillies Probables
Kyle Gibson (9-5, 4.08)
Noah Syndergaard (3-1, 4.40)
Ranger Suarez (8-5, 3.42)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .292
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 81
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 36
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 78
Stolen Bases:  J.T. Realmuto - 17

Wins:  Zack Wheeler - 11
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 3.07

Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 190
Saves:  Corey Knebel - 12

Giants 61-68
4th Place in the N.L. West, 28 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Giants Probables
Alex Cobb (4-6, 3.81)
Jakob Junis (4-4, 4.04)
Carlos Rodon (12-7, 3.03)

Giants Leaders
Average:  Their Estrada - .260
Runs:  Wilmer Flores - 61
Home Runs:  Joc Pederson - 20
RBIs:  Wilmer Flores - 60
Stolen Bases:  Thairo Estrada - 16

Wins:  Carlos Rodon - 12
ERA:  Logan Webb - 2.89
Strikeouts:  Carlos Rodon - 191
Saves:  Camilo Doval - 18

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