2016 Topps #2 Jared Eickhoff

Phillies 5, Braves 0
Game 44 - Sunday Afternoon, May 22nd in Philadelphia
Record - 25-19, 3rd place, 2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jared Eickhoff threw seven shutout innings and the offense pounded out 13 hits in this 5-0 win over the Braves

What It Means:  The win salvaged the series and gave the Phillies their seventh shutout of the season, the tops in the Majors.  The Phillies had seven shutouts all of last season.  They'll fly to Detroit and open a three-game series against the Tigers on Monday night.

What Happened:  Eickhoff looked great, allowing five hits and striking out three in his outing. Odubel Herrera, Maikel Franco, Cameron Rupp and Freddy Galvis all had mulit-hit games.  Rupp hit his second home run, a solo shot, in the second inning to start the scoring for the Phils.

Featured Card:  This is Eickhoff's first card from a Topps flagship set.  Both my boys are convinced that they were good luck charms for Eickhoff in his start in this game, as Eickhoff had signed autographs for both of them on Friday night.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

1998 Pacific Online #569 Yorkis Perez

Braves 2, Phillies 0
Game 43 - Saturday Afternoon, May 21st in Philadelphia
Record - 24-19

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies were undone again by Williams Perez as they slogged through a rainy 2-0 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:  Yikes.  The Phils have looked fairly awful in two straight games against a horrendous Braves team.  They'll try to avoid the sweep on Sunday afternoon.

What Happened:  Here's the Phillies offense for the day:  David Lough singled in the third, Tyler Goeddel singled in the fifth, and Maikel Franco walked in the seventh.  That was it.

Adam Morgan deserved better, allowing two runs on four hits in his six innings of work.

Featured Card:  The last time Perez dominated the lethargic Phillies line-up, I featured the 1999 Fleer Tradition card of Yorkis Perez.  Here's another card of Yorkis, this time from the 1999 Pacific Online set.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

Ben & Doug's Amazing Autograph Adventure at the @Phillies Game

Pre-game preparations

Eickhoff signing for Doug & Ben

Braves 7, Phillies 1
Game 42 - Friday Night, May 20th in Philadelphia
Record - 24-18, 2nd place, 2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Bad defense and a quiet offense led to an easy 7-1 win for the Braves over the Phillies.

What It Means:  The Phils were so close to first place and now, thanks in part to the red hot Nationals, they're still in second place, two games back.

What Happened:  The Braves hit three two-run home runs (two from Freddie Freeman) and Maikel Franco committed two big errors.  The offense managed six hits and went 0 for 5 with runners in scoring position.

Aaron Nola pitched seven innings, allowing five runs (two earned) on seven hits.


Featured Cards/Field Report:  We decided to splurge last night and get four tickets in Section 115, five rows from the field, right behind first base and just off the corner of the Phillies dugout.  It was Bark in the Park night, so while 360 dogs paraded around the warning track, our boys Doug and Ben positioned themselves at the edge of the Phillies dugout with their new (more on that later) photo card sets and two Sharpies.

After about 25 minutes of waiting, the Phillies young players did not disappoint these two eager autograph seekers.  Jared Eickhoff was the first to acknowledge them, followed by Adam Morgan, Odubel Herrera, David Lough and Tommy Joseph.  Joseph was omitted from the second team-issued photo card set, so the boys had to get creative.  Doug had Joseph sign his hat (after receiving a "What's up, bro" from Joseph) and Ben had him sign his Phillie Phanatic card.


The boys capped their autograph seeking with a final autograph from Phillies broadcaster Gregg Murphy.  The game itself was lousy, but Jenna and both boys found themselves on Phanavision during one of the between innings breaks, which absolutely thrilled our youngest son Ben.  We got to see the Phanatic dance on the dugout and we wisely left the game right before Brett Oberholtzer served up Freeman's second home run.

It was a great night, and one I won't soon forget.  The players who signed for our boys gained lifelong fans, and what's best is that both our boys have already asked when we can all go back again.

Joseph signing Doug's hat

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2016 Chachi #28 Steve Henderson CO

#5

Steven Curtis Henderson

Hitting Coach

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  240
Born:  November 18, 1952, Houston, TX
Home:  Tampa, FL

Teams - As Player:  New York Mets 1977-1980; Chicago  Cubs 1981-1982; Seattle Mariners 1983-1984; Oakland Athletics 1985-1987; Houston Astros 1988

Teams - As Coach:  Houston Astros 1994-1996; Tampa Bay Rays 1998, 2006-2009; Phillies 2013-

1978 Topps #134

2013 Chachi #26

2013 Phillies Team Issue #5

7 Henderson Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle

First Card:  2013 Phillies Team Issue #5
First Phillies Card:  2013 Phillies Team Issue #5
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2013 Phillies Team Issue #5
Latest Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #5

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  1978 Topps #134

Complete Chachi Checklist
2013 Chachi #26 (with Charlie Manuel, Mick Billmeyer, Rod Nichols and Juan Samuel)
2014 Chachi #28
2015 Chachi #28
2016 Chachi #28

Card statistics through 5/20/16.

Series Preview - Braves at Phillies: May 20th to May 22nd

Friday 7:05, Saturday 3:05 and Braves 1:35
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

Braves 10-30, 5th place in the N.L. East, 14 1/2 games behind the Nationals
Phillies 24-17, 2nd place in the N.L. East, 1 game behind the Nationals

Braves Probables:  Matt Wisler (1-3, 3.14), Williams Perez (1-1, 4.78), TBD
Phillies Probables:  Aaron Nola (3-2, 2.89), Adam Morgan (1-1, 6.41), Jared Eickhoff (1-6, 4.44)

At the Ballpark:  It's Phillies Bark at the Park tonight, limited to first 300 dogs who also happen to be Phillies fans.  According to the Phillies website, this special event is already sold out which is a shame since I know our dog Chewbacca would have loved to have barked at the park.  He pretty much loves to bark anywhere actually.

On Saturday, all kids will get the latest in a series of Phillie Phanatic children's books.  On Sunday, all fans will receive a cool baby blue, retro Phillies visor.

Braves Leaders
Average:  Freddie Freeman - .267
Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 17
Home Runs:  Freddie Freeman - 6
RBIs:  Nick Markakis - 22
Stolen Bases:  Mallex Smith - 6

Wins:  Ten tied with - 1
ERA:  Julio Teheran - 2.73
Strikeouts:  Julio Teheran - 47
Saves:  Arodys Vizcaino - 4

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .333
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 25
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 8
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 23
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 6

Wins:  Vince Velasquez - 5
ERA:  Vince Velasquez - 2.42
Strikeouts:  Vince Velasquez - 59
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 16

1970 Topps #105

1970 Topps #186

1970 Topps Appreciation:  Tony Gonzalez and Rick Joseph were briefly teammates on the 1967 and 1968 Phillies teams.

Gonzalez spent the bulk of his 12-year career with the Phillies, serving as the team's primary center or left fielder for most years between 1960 and 1968.  In 1,118 games with the Phils, Gonzalez hit .295 with 77 home runs and 438 RBIs.  He was left unprotected in the 1968 expansion draft and chosen by the Padres as the overall 37th pick.

Gonzalez was the first ever center fielder for the Padres, batting third in their inaugural game in 1969. In July 1969, he was traded to the Braves serving as their starting center fielder until he was sold to the Angels in August 1970.  I'm impressed that Topps was able to get a good photo of Gonzalez actually wearing a Braves uniform for his 1970 Topps card.

1970 was to be Joseph's fourth and final season with the Phillies.  Playing mostly left field and first base, Joseph hit .227 (27 for 119) with 3 home runs and 10 RBIs.  He was traded to the White Sox following the 1970 season, but he'd never make it into a game with Chicago.

2016 Chachi #27 Larry Bowa CO

#10
Lawrence Robert Bowa
Bench Coach

Bats:  Switch  Throws:  Right  Height:  5'10"  Weight:  170
Born:  December 6, 1945, Sacramento, CA
Home:  Conshohocken, PA

Teams - As Player:  Phillies 1970-1981; Chicago Cubs 1982-1985; New York Mets 1985

Teams - As Coach:  Phillies 1988-1996; Anaheim Angels 1997-1999; Seattle Mariners 2000; New York Yankees 2006-2007; Los Angeles Dodgers 2008-2009; Phillies 2014-

Teams - As Manager:  San Diego Padres 1987-1988; Phillies 2001-2004

1970 Phillies Photocards

1970 Topps #539

2014 Chachi #27

94 Bowa Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle

First Card:  1970 Phillies Photocards #1
First Phillies Card:  1970 Phillies Photocards #1
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  1970 Topps #539 (with Dennis Doyle)
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  1970 Phillies Photocards #1
Latest Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #10

Complete Chachi Checklist
2014 Chachi #27
2015 Chachi #27
2016 Chachi #27

Card statistics through 5/19/16.

2016 Phillies Team Issue #2 Tyler Goeddel

Phillies 4, Marlins 2
Game 41 - Wednesday Afternoon, May 18th in Philadelphia
Record - 24-17, 2nd place, 1/2 game behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jeremy Hellickson, the bullpen (again) and Tyler Goeddel led the Phillies to a 4-2 Phillies win and the series win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  When this game ended, the Phillies found themselves in a tie for first place with the Nationals.  With 24 wins so far this season, only the Cubs (with 27) have more wins in the National League.  This is mind boggling.

What Happened:  Hellickson allowed two first innings runs in his six innings of work, settling in nicely after a shaky first.  David Hernandez, Hector Neris and Jeanmar Gomez (16th save) made the seventh, eighth and ninth innings look easy.

Andres Blanco (RBI double) and Cameron Rupp (two-run single) gave the Phillies the lead for good in the third.

Featured Card:  Goeddel hit his first career home run in the eighth inning, giving the bullpen a little more cushion.  The Rule 5 draft pick has been hot lately, raising his season average to .262 and playing stellar defense in left field.  This is his card from the team issued photo card set, and I would hope he finds himself in more baseball card sets as the season progresses.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2013 Bowman Inception Autograph Relics #AR-TJ Tommy Joseph

Phillies 3, Marlins 1
Game 40 - Tuesday Night, May 17th in Philadelphia
Record - 23-17, Tied for 2nd place, 1 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Tommy Joseph hit his first career home run and enjoyed a three-hit night in this 3-1 win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Phillies continue to win these low-scoring games with great pitching, solid defense and a few well-timed hits.

What Happened:  Joseph's home run in the second hit off the netting of the left field foul pole. Vince Velasquez lasted only five innings, but still managed to strike out 10 batters.  Overall, Phillies pitchers struck out 17 Marlins, one shy of the club record 18.  Hector Neris and Jeanmar Gomez did their thing again, with Gomez notching his 15th save of the season.

In milestone news, Carlos Ruiz caught his 1,000 game with the Phillies, joining Mike Lieberthal (1,139), Red Dooin (1,124) and Bob Boone (1,095) in the franchise's catcher millennium club.

Featured Card:  I'll show off one of my cooler Joseph cards in honor of his big night.  This card is from the super premium 2013 Bowman Inception set, and I'm fairly certain I didn't pay more than a few dollars for this card.

Field Report:  It wasn't a great night for baseball, but Jenna and I still had fun.  We had dinner at Harry the K's for the first time in a few years and then leisurely walked around the ballpark, checking out the sights and sounds.  We eventually sat in the second to last row of Section 132, thanks to a kind usher who actually looked happy to have more people in her section.

I took the picture below before the game, showing a baseball card featuring Phillies helmet where Joseph's giant Topps card should have been.  Hopefully, the Phillies and Topps are working to get Joseph his own giant line-up card soon.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2010 Phillies Team Issue 2 #23 Brian Schneider

Marlins 5, Phillies 3
Game 39 - Monday Night, May 16th in Philadelphia
Record - 22-17, Tied for 2nd place, 1 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  The Phils couldn't find a clutch hit in this 5-3 loss to the Marlins.

What It Means:  The offense stranded 10 runners and went 1 for 13 with runners in scoring position.

What Happened:  On a positive note, Tyler Goeddel continued his hot hitting with a three hit night and Tommy Joseph collected his first Major League hit.  Jared Eickhoff kept the Phillies in the ballgame with six innings pitched, allowing three runs on six hits.

Featured Card:  I'm drawing a complete blank for this game summary post, and there wasn't really that much exciting about this game from a Phillies fan's perspective.  Prior to the game, Carlos Ruiz posed with new Marlins catching coach Brian Schneider.  Schneider was Chooch's back-up catcher for three seasons between 2010 and 2012.  This is one of his team issued cards that I hadn't previously featured on this blog.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2016 Chachi #26 Pete Mackanin MG

#45
Peter Mackanin, Jr.
Manager

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  200
Born:  August 1, 1951, Chicago, IL
Home:  Scottsdale, AZ

Teams - As Player:  Texas Rangers 1973-1974; Montreal Expos 1975-1977; Phillies 1978-1979; Minnesota Twins 1980-1981

Teams - As Coach:  Montreal Expos 1997-2000; Pittsburgh Pirates 2003-2005; Phillies 2009-2012, 2014-2015

Teams - As Manager:  Pittsburgh Pirates 2005; Cincinnati Reds 2007; Phillies 2015-

1974 Topps #597

1978 Topps #399

1979 Burger King Phillies #17

2009 Chachi #28

15 Mackanin Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  1978 Topps #399
First Phillies Card:  1979 Burger King Phillies #17
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2009 Phillies Team Issue #45*
Latest Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #45

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  1974 Topps #597 (with Dave Chalk, John Gamble and Manny Trillo)

*Mackanin is in the 1979 Phillies Photocards set, but I don't have that card in my collection yet.

Complete Chachi Checklist
2009 Chachi #28 (with Milt Thompson and Davey Lopes)
2010 Chachi #27 (with Charlie Manuel, Rich Dubee, Mick Billmeyer and Sam Perlozzo)
2011 Chachi #27 (with Rich Dubee and Greg Gross)
2012 Chachi #27 (with Rich Dubee and Greg Gross)
2014 Chachi #31
2015 Chachi #31
2015 Chachi #46 - Interim manager
2015 Chachi #68 HL - Named manager through 2016
2016 Chachi #26

Card statistics through 5/17/16.

2016 Chachi #25 Dalier Hinojosa

#94
Dalier (Hernandez) Hinojosa
Relief Pitcher

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'1"  Weight:  230
Born:  February 10, 1986, Isla de la Juventud, Cuba
Home:  Miami, FL
Signed:  Signed by the Boston Red Sox as an amateur free agent, October 10, 2013
Teams:  Boston Red Sox 2015, Phillies 2015-
Acquired:  Selected off waivers from the Boston Red Sox, July 15, 2015

2015 Panini Immaculate Collection Blue #151

2015 Chachi #55

2016 Phillies Team Issue #94

2 Hinojosa Baseball Cards in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  2015 Panini Immaculate Collection Blue #151
First Phillies Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #94
First Topps Flagship Base Card:  N/A
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #94
Latest Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #94

Complete Chachi Checklist
2015 Chachi #55
2016 Chachi Preview #4
2016 Chachi #25

Card statistics through 5/16/16.

Series Preview - Marlins at Phillies: May 16th to May 18th

Monday and Tuesday 7:05, Wednesday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

Marlins 20-17, 4th place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games behind the Nationals
Phillies 22-16, 2nd place in the N.L. East, 1 game behind the Nationals

Marlins Probables:  Adam Conley (2-2, 3.72), Wei-Yin Chen (3-1, 4.40), Tom Koehler (2-3, 5.14)
Phillies Probables:  Jared Eickhoff (1-5, 4.43), Vince Velasquez (4-1, 2.70), Jeremy Hellickson (3-2, 4.12)

At the Ballpark:  It's another Dollar Dog Night tonight, and that's about it as far as giveaways or promotions for this series.

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Martin Prado - .374
Runs:  Christian Yelich - 23
Home Runs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 11
RBIs:  Giancarlo Stanton - 25
Stolen Bases:  Dee Gordon - 6

Wins:  Jose Fernandez - 5
ERA:  Jose Fernandez - 3.21
Strikeouts:  Jose Fernandez - 69
Saves:  A.J. Ramos - 11

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Odubel Herrera - .333
Runs:  Odubel Herrera - 24
Home Runs:  Ryan Howard - 8
RBIs:  Maikel Franco - 22
Stolen Bases:  Odubel Herrera - 6

Wins:  Vince Velasquez - 4
ERA:  Vince Velasquez - 2.70
Strikeouts:  Aaron Nola - 58
Saves:  Jeanmar Gomez - 14

1970 Topps #168

1970 Topps Appreciation:  I've got no other logical place to include Dave Watkins' 1970 Topps card, Cameron Rupp could have hurt his knee on the play at the plate on Saturday night and could be disabled list bound.

and that's the only reason he's showing up in this series preview post.  His inclusion here could be timely in case the Phillies need to add another catcher to the roster.

Watkins sole season with the Phillies was 1969, when he served as the back-up to Mike Ryan.  In 69 games, Watkins hit .176 with four home runs while also seeing time in left, right and third base.  For more on Watkins, his 1969 season and his mysterious disappearance from the game following that season, please head over to the fantastic 1970 Topps Baseball blog.

2016 Phillies Team Issue #34 Brett Oberholtzer

Reds 9, Phillies 4
Game 38 - Sunday Afternoon, May 15th in Philadelphia
Record - 22-16, 2nd place, 1 game behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  The Phils tried to battle back, but the early deficit created by Adam Morgan was too much to overcome as the Reds ultimately won, 9-4.

What It Means:  The Phillies won the series and they'll play three against the Marlins with the possibility of entering first place at some point this week.

What Happened:  Morgan just didn't have it for this game, allowing seven runs on eight hits and three walks and being chased after 3 2/3 innings.  Brett Oberholtzer pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings and collected his first Major League hit.

Maikel Franco had a three RBI day, but it wasn't quite enough.  The offense left 16 runners on base and went 3 for 18 with runners in scoring position.  David Lough barely missed a grand slam in the ninth inning as his ball went just foul.

Featured Card:  Oberholtzer has assumed the role of long-man out of the Phillies bullpen and he's been hit or miss so far this season.  His scoreless outing in this game lowered his ERA to 6.75.  This is his sole Phillies card to date, found within the team issued photo card set.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2016 Chachi #43 Cameron Rupp HL #ChachiNow

Phillies 4, Reds 3
Game 37 - Saturday Night, May 14th in Philadelphia
Record - 22-15, 2nd place, 1 game behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola pitched another great game, but it was Tyler Goeddel's throw from left and Cameron Rupp's play at the plate that preserved the 4-3 win for the Phillies.

What It Means:  The win means the Phillies have sole possession of the N.L. East, and they're one game behind the Nationals for the top spot in the division.  Don't try to understand this.  Just enjoy it.

What Happened:  With runners on second and third, only one out and trying to preserve a one-run lead, David Hernandez got Jordan Pacheco to fly out to Goeddel.  The rookie left fielder unleashed a perfect throw home, and Rupp somehow held on to the ball as Eugenio Suarez barreled into him. The third out was recorded and the Phils had yet another one-run win.

Nola tied his career high with nine strikeouts.  He allowed two runs (one earned) and five hits over seven innings.  With Hector Neris and Jeanmar Gomez needing the night off, Andrew Bailey and Hernandez filled in.  It wasn't a clean save for Hernandez, but thankfully Goeddel and Rupp bailed him out of trouble.

Odubel Herrera homered and drove in two runs.

Featured Card:  Rupp earned the third Chachi Highlight card of the year for his game saving catch and block of home plate.  And yes, I've started calling these Chachi Now cards in honor of the idea hatched by Topps with their Topps Now cards.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2016 Chachi #24 David Hernandez

#30
David Jose Hernandez
Right Field

Bats:  Right  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  215
Born:  May 13, 1985, Sacramento, CA
Home:  Elk Grove, CA
Drafted:  Selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the 16th round of the June 2005 draft
Teams:  Baltimore Orioles 2009-2010; Arizona Diamondbacks 2011-2013, 2015; Phillies 2016
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent formerly with the Arizona Diamondbacks, December 9, 2015

2009 Topps Update #UH4

2016 Phillies Team Issue #30

1 Hernandez Baseball Card in My Collection per Zistle
First Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #30
First Phillies Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #30
First Phillies Team Issued Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #30
Latest Card:  2016 Phillies Team Issue #30

First Topps Flagship Base Card:  2009 Topps Update #UH4

Complete Chachi Checklist
2016 Chachi New Additions #6
2016 Chachi #24

Card statistics through 5/14/16.

2016 Phillies Team Issue #58 Jeremy Hellickson

Phillies 3, Reds 2
Game 36 - Friday Night, May 13th in Philadelphia
Record - 21-15, 3rd place, 1 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jeremy Hellickson led the Phillies to a 3-2 win with seven strong innings and a squeeze bunt to score the go-ahead run in the fourth inning.

What It Means:  The one-run wins continue to pile up.

What Happened:  Hellickson struck out nine in his outing, and the two runs he allowed were both unearned due to a dropped fly ball by Tyler Goeddel in left.  Goeddel redeemed himself with a two-run triple in the fourth, and then scored the decisive run on Hellickson's bunt.  Jeanmar Gomez recorded his league leading 14th save.

Featured Cards:  Along with his cards in the Topps Heritage and Topps Phillies retail team set, this is Hellickson's only other Phillies card to date.

2015 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs #14

Transaction:  Prior to the game, first baseman Tommy Joseph had his contract selected from Lehigh Valley and Darin Ruf was optioned down. Ruf has struggled so far this season, hitting just .158 (9 for 57) with no home runs and just three RBIs.

Joseph, who is playing his first full season as a first baseman, was hitting .347 in 27 games with the IronPigs.  He's hit 6 home runs and driven in 17 runs.  It's been a long road for Joseph, who was acquired from the Giants in the 2012 Hunter Pence deal.  Once a top catching prospect, a series of concussions forced his move to first.  I can't wait to start rooting for him.

He struck out twice and walked in his Major League debut, and he'd come around to score the tying run in the fourth when Goeddel tripled.

Joseph has appeared within the Phillies minor league team sets and in several Bowman releases since joining the organization.  The card shown here is his most recent card from last season's first IronPigs team set.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2011 Multi-Ad Lakewood BlueClaws #26 Cameron Rupp

Phillies 7, Braves 4 (10)
Game 35 - Thursday Night, May 12th in Atlanta
Record - 20-15, 3rd place, 1 1/2 game behind the Mets and Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Cameron Rupp's three-run double in the tenth gave the surging Phillies a 7-4 win and the series victory.

What It Means:  The Phillies will try to keep the momentum going in a weekend home series with the Reds.  They've won their last two series after a rough four-game set in St. Louis.

What Happened:  The Braves tied up the game with a four-run seventh inning off Vince Velasquez. The Phils had mounted a four-run lead thanks in part to a two-run home run from Freddy Galvis in the fourth.

Rupp's big double scored Odubel Herrera, Andres Blanco and Galvis.  Jeanmar Gomez pitched a perfect bottom of the 10th to record his 13th save.

Featured Card:  Rupp only has two 2016 baseball cards to date, and I've already featured them both in previous game summary posts.  I went back into the archives for this 2011 minor league card, featuring him with the Low-A Lakewood BlueClaws.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

1999 Fleer Tradition #567 Yorkis Perez

Braves 5, Phillies 1
Game 34 - Wednesday Night, May 11th in Atlanta
Record - 19-15, 3rd place, 2 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies dropped a forgettable game in Atlanta, 5-1.

What It Means:  This one was a clunker from start to finish.  I expected a whole lot more games like this in 2016, and it's nice that there haven't been very many of these games for the Phillies so far this season.

What Happened:  The offense managed four hits, including a solo home run from Ryan Howard. They were completely baffled by Braves pitcher Williams Perez, who was making an emergency start after the scheduled starter (Jhoulys Chacin) was traded to the Angels.  Jared Eickhoff couldn't escape the fifth inning, going 4 1/3 innings and allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits.

Featured Card:  The Phillies have had six players with the surname of Williams in franchise history - Cy, George, Jerome, Mike, Mitch and Walt.  They've had four players with the surname of Perez - Juan, Tomas, Tony and Yorkis.  And now you know.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.

2016 Topps Phillies #PP-11 Adam Morgan

Phillies 3, Braves 2
Game 33 - Tuesday Night, May 10th in Atlanta
Record - 19-14, 3rd place, 1 1/2 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Adam Morgan and Maikel Franco led the way in a 3-2 win over the free-falling Braves.

What It Means:  The Braves and Phillies are heading in opposite directions at this point.  The Braves don't look like a fun team to watch and this loss gave them a 7-24 record so far this season.

What Happened:  Morgan earned his first win of the year after pitching seven strong innings and allowing a run on four hits.  Franco's solo home run in the eighth gave the Phillies a much-needed insurance run.

Featured Card:  Morgan has a card in the retail only Topps Phillies team set, and it's a good bet that his Series Two card (if he has one) looks a whole lot like this card.

Recently added to The Phillies Room - 2016 Season Summary page with game results and links to game summary posts.