Game 42 - Late Heroics from Stott Delivers Phils Over Mets

2024 Topps Big League #218

Phillies 5, Mets 4 (10 Innings)
Game 42 - Monday Night, May 13th in Flushing
Record - 29-13, 1st Place, 2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Bryson Stott came up big in the late innings as the Phillies came from behind in this 5-4 extra inning win.

What It Means:  My work schedule and a pesky spring cold means I'm a week behind again with game summary posts, but I'll use a somewhat relaxing weekend to catch back up.  It's not a huge chore to do these things several days after the fact when most of them are wins.

What Happened:  The Phillies were trailing 4-2 heading to the ninth as Mets' closer Edwin Diaz was trumpeted to the mound.  Stott greeted Diaz with a solo home run.  Diaz appeared somewhat rattled as Kody Clemens singled, Brandon Marsh walked and Whit Merrifield walked to load the bases.  With two outs, Diaz hit Alec Bohm, forcing the tying run home.  Orion Kerkering kept the Mets from scoring in the bottom of the ninth, sending the game to extras.  In the top of the 10th, a wild pitch sent ghost runner Bryce Harper to third and Harper would score on Stott's sacrifice fly.  Jose Alvarado pitched a perfect 10th for his eighth save.

Featured Card:  This is Stott's card from Topps Big League, released in March.  Stott received a short-printed foil card in the set.

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Nationals at Phillies - May 17th to May 19th

2012 Topps Archives #162

1984 Topps Traded #129T

Friday 6:40, Saturday 6:05, Sunday 1:35
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies are wearing their City Connect uniforms tonight and all fans are getting a Bryson Stott bobble head.  There's a pregame ceremony tomorrow night as part of the Salute to Service Night.  And on Sunday, all kids will get a Phanatic children's book.

Washington Nationals 20-22
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 9 1/2 games behind the Phillies

Nationals Probables
Jake Irvin (2-3, 3.55)
MacKenzie Gore (2-4, 3.38)
Trevor Williams (4-0, 1.94)

Nationals Leaders
Average:  Luis Garcia Jr. - .283
Runs:  CJ Abrams - 26
Home Runs:  CJ Abrams - 7
RBIs:  Joey Meneses - 21
Stolen Bases:  Jacob Young - 14

Wins:  Trevor Williams - 4
ERA:  Trevor Williams - 1.94
Strikeouts:  MacKenzie Gore - 51
Saves:  Kyle Finnegan - 13

Philadelphia Phillies 31-14
1st Place in the N.L. East, 2 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Zack Wheeler (4-3, 2.53)
Cristopher Sanchez (2-3, 3.43)
Aaron Nola (5-2, 3.10)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .343
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 33
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper - 10
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 36
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott - 12

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 8
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 1.37
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 65
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 8

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Mets at Phillies - May 15th to May 16th

1984 Topps #774

1984 Topps #432

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

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies' away and home series with the Mets continue as the Phillies look to make it four in a row against the Mets.

New York Mets 19-21
4th Place in the N.L. East, 9 games behind the Phillies

Mets Probables
Jose Quintana (1-4, 5.44)
Christian Scott (0-1, 2.84)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Starling Marte - .260
Runs:  Pete Alonso - 24
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 9
RBIs:  Brandon Nimmo - 27
Stolen Bases:  Starling Marte - 7

Wins:  Reed Garrett - 5
ERA:  Luis Severino - 3.00

Strikeouts:  Luis Severino - 41
Saves:  Edwin Diaz - 5

Philadelphia Phillies 29-13
1st Place in the N.L. East, 2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (7-0, 1.50)
Taijuan Walker (3-0, 4.82)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .343
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 32
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber - 9
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 35
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 10

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 7
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 1.50
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 65
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 8

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Phillies at Mets - May 13th to May 14th

1984 Topps #728

1984 Topps Traded #74T

Monday 7:10 and Tuesday 1:10
Citi Field - Flushing, NY

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies play four games this week against the rival Mets - two away and two back home.  There are no giveaways for the two-game series starting tonight in Queens.

Philadelphia Phillies 28-13
1st Place in the N.L. East, 2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (2-3, 3.22)
Aaron Nola (4-2, 3.67)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .343
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 30
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber - 9
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 32
Stolen Bases:  Bryson Stott and Trea Turner - 10

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 7
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 1.50
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 65
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 7

New York Mets 18-20
4th Place in the N.L. East, 8 games behind the Phillies

Mets Probables
Sean Manaea (2-1, 3.31)
Jose Butto (1-2, 3.00)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Starling Marte - .255
Runs:  Francisco Lindor - 23
Home Runs:  Pete Alonso - 9
RBIs:  Brandon Nimmo - 27
Stolen Bases:  Starling Marte - 7

Wins:  Reed Garrett - 5
ERA:  Luis Severino - 3.00

Strikeouts:  Luis Severino - 41
Saves:  Edwin Diaz - 5

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Game 41 - Phils Fall Short on Mother's Day

1934-36 Batter-Up (R318) #38

Marlins 7, Phillies 6 (10 Innings)
Game 41 - Sunday Afternoon, May 12th in Miami
Record - 28-13, 1st Place, 2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Swinging pink bats in honor of Mother's Day, the Phillies battled back late to tie the game, but couldn't capitalize on a 10th inning opportunity as the Marlins walked it off against Gregory Soto, 7-6.

What It Means:  The team should have been celebrating another series sweep, but instead they'll settle for another series win.  Four games against the Mets are coming up next.

What Happened:  Zack Wheeler was off, and he labored through four innings, giving up six hits and six runs while walking three.  The bullpen kept the Phillies in the game, with the Marlins scoring the winning run in the 10th on a fluke ground ball off Soto that bounced into the outfield, allowing the zombie runner to score.

Nick Castellanos stayed hot with a three-run home run in the first inning.  The Phillies tied it up in the sixth on a two-run triple from Edmundo Sosa followed by a sacrifice fly from Brandon Marsh.  They loaded the bases in the top of the 10th, but pinch-hitter Kody Clemens popped up to end the threat.

Featured Card:  I admittedly spent way too much time looking for a recent Phillies baseball card in my collection showing a player decked out in pink or swinging a pink bat.  I'm almost positive I have such a card (or a few such cards) in my collection, but I came up empty.  Searching "pink" in my Phillies Collection spreadsheet, this card came up - a 1934-36 Batter-Up card for Jimmie Wilson, a pink tinted variety.

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Game 40 - Walker, Stott Lead Phils in Latest Win

2024 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club

Phillies 8, Marlins 3
Game 40 - Saturday Afternoon, May 11th in Miami
Record - 28-12, 1st Place, 2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Taijuan Walker continued the string of strong starting pitching and Bryson Stott connected for a three-run triple in this 8-3 win over the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Phillies will again try for a series sweep this afternoon, likely with accents of pink on their uniforms and equipment to celebrate Mother's Day.  The Phillies are throwing off 2010-2011 vibes, and any losses at this point are borderline shocking.

What Happened:  Walker improved to 3-0, allowing a solo home run and striking out four over six innings.  Matt Strahm and Jeff Hoffman continued their dominance out of the bullpen with two scoreless innings.

With the Marlins holding a 1-0 lead heading to the sixth inning, the Phillies first tied the score when Whit Merrifield doubled and J.T. Realmuto singled him home.  Alec Bohm singled and Nick Castellanos walked before Stott's big triple, clearing the bases.  Stott, Cristian Pache and Johan Rojas all added RBI singles in the eighth, with Rojas' hit scoring a pair.

Featured Card:  Here's Stott's card available exclusively at the ballpark to Kids Club members.  Our sons have been diligently helping me compile the set, and I'm 10 away from the full 21-card set, unless update cards are added throughout the summer.

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Game 39 - Suarez Stays in Command as Phils Broil Fish

2024 Topps Now Road to Opening Day
Bonus #ODB4

Phillies 8, Marlins 2
Game 39 - Friday Night, May 10th in Miami
Record - 27-12, 1st Place, 2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez continued his fantastic 2024 season, and the Phillies offense continued to produce in this 8-2 series opening win in Miami.

What It Means:  The Marlins are not a very good team, and it's good to the see the Phillies make easy work of them.  In the past, the Phillies would seemingly stumble against second division teams, but this year's version tends to avoid taking the foot off the gas.

What Happened:  Suarez was again remarkable.  He improved to a league-leading 7-0, giving up three hits, a pair of walks and striking out nine as his ERA dropped to 1.50.  He's got to be a candidate for the All-Star Game at this point, and a very early contender for the Cy Young Award.

The Phillies were able to start the scoring and consistently pile on throughout the game.  Nick Castellanos hit his third home run of the season to lead off the second, and Johan Rojas hit his second home run of the season in the seventh.  The offense collected five doubles, with both J.T. Realmuto and Rojas collecting three hits a piece.

Featured Card:  Once again I bought a Topps Road to Opening Day Phillies team set, and with the purchase of the set collectors are eligible for special bonus cards throughout the season.  This is one of those bonus cards, produced for Suarez for his complete game shutout against the Rockies on April 16th.

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Phillies at Marlins - May 10th to May 12th

1984 Topps Traded #130T

2019 Topps 1984 Topps Baseball 35th Anniversary #T84-10

Friday 7:10, Saturday 4:10 and Sunday 1:40
loanDepot park - Miami, FL

At the Ballpark:  There are a bunch of theme tickets available for Friday's and Saturday's games.  On Sunday, the first 3,500 fans will receive a Marlins Mother's Day clutch purse.

Philadelphia Phillies 26-12
1st Place in the N.L. East, 2 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (6-0, 1.72)
Taijuan Walker (2-0, 6.39)
Zack Wheeler (4-3, 1.64)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .346
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 30
Home Runs:  Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber - 9
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 32
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 10

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 6
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 1.64
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 63
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 7

Miami Marlins 10-29
5th Place in the N.L. East, 16 1/2 games behind the Phillies

Marlins Probables
Trevor Rogers (0-5, 6.15)
TBD
Braxton Garrett (0-0, 0.00)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Luis Arraez - .299
Runs:  Luis Arraez and Bryan De La Cruz - 22
Home Runs:  Bryan De La Cruz - 8
RBIs:  Bryan De La Cruz - 21
Stolen Bases:  Jazz Chisolm - 8

Wins:  Three tied with - 2
ERA:  Ryan Weathers - 4.54

Strikeouts:  Ryan Weathers - 34
Saves:  Tanner Scott - 4

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Game 38 - There Was a Phillies Game?

1967 Dexter Press Philadelphia Phillies #11

Blue Jays 5, Phillies 3
Game 38 - Wednesday Afternoon, May 8th in Philadelphia
Record - 26-12, 1st Place, 2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies' seven-game winning streak came to an end, as the Blue Jays defeated Aaron Nola and a quiet Phillies offense by a score of 5-3.

What It Means:  I caught maybe an inning of this game on the radio as I drove to our oldest son's high school baseball game on Wednesday afternoon.  He's having a relatively successful season and we're proud of the work he's put in to get to where he is.  It's been a daily challenge though as we've navigated both real and perceived slights, extremely questionable coaching decisions and an overall lack of any kind of positivity or joy that should come from playing baseball.  

I'm coming to learn one of a parent's biggest challenges is attempting to cope with the feeling of helplessness that comes when you sense your kid isn't getting a fair opportunity to do something he loves to do.  There's a small degree of comfort knowing I'm not alone in this feeling, as the other baseball parents we talk to have e-mailed or confronted the team's coach to complain about his lack of communication, lack of caring and overall lack of productive coaching.  The most bonding the team has done revolves around the required skill of them having to avoid a clipboard or a helmet when it's thrown by this coach at least a few times a game.  That's not great.

Still, our son doesn't want any confrontations from us on his behalf and he's focused on putting in the work, even if it's not recognized this year (or next).  We've been asked by him not to complain.  Partly because he's smart enough to realize it ultimately won't help as he's got another year of high school to go and partly because he's opted to take the high road knowing his high school baseball coach is going to be a minor character in his life's story.  His memory banks are filled with coaches who have been a huge, positive impact on him and there's really no reason to remember the guy who occasionally grunts in his direction.  I've told him he's learning how not to coach when he eventually has the opportunity, and he's loading up on stories to one day tell his future players about what he endured and how he dealt with it.  He's wise beyond his years sometimes and I've reached that juncture in life where I'm having life lessons learned and reinforced by watching him.

What Happened:  Oh, there was a Phillies game?

Featured Card:  Tony Taylor approves of working hard but having fun while playing baseball.

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Game 37 - Harper Slams Phils to Victory

2024 Topps Big League
To the Moon #TM-3

Phillies 10, Blue Jays 1
Game 37 - Tuesday Night, May 7th in Philadelphia
Record - 26-11, 1st Place, 3 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez pitched a gem and Bryce Harper hit a thrilling grand slam as the Phillies cruised to a 10-1 win over the visiting Blue Jays.

What It Means:  This would be the seventh and final win in the Phillies overall win streak and their 11th and final win in their home win streak.  Their last loss at home had been on April 14th against the Pirates.

What Happened:  Sanchez worked cleanly through seven innings, allowing a run on six hits and striking out five.  Spencer Turnbull, new to the bullpen, pitched the final two scoreless innings.  Both Harper and Kody Clemens drove in four runs in this game.  Clemens hit a two-run home run in the second and connected for an RBI triple in the fourth.

Featured Card:  This is as good an opportunity as any to feature Harper's aptly named To the Moon insert card from this year's Topps Big League set.

Field Report:  Jenna and I attended this game, eventually making our way to Section 315.  I say eventually, because we've started enjoying a leisurely pregame meal at Pass and Stowe before settling into our seats.  It was a gorgeous night for baseball, made even better by the offensive explosion from the Phillies.

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Game 36 - Wheeler Dazzles in Win Over Giants

2024 Topps Big League

Phillies 6, Giants 1
Game 36 - Monday Afternoon, May 6th in Philadelphia
Record - 25-11, 1st Place, 3 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler struck out 11 and Bryce Harper hit a three-run home run as the Phillies defeated the Giants, 6-1.

What It Means:  It was the Phillies' sixth straight win, completing the four-game sweep of the Giants.  The Blue Jays come to town next for a quick two-game set.

What Happened:  Wheeler allowed one unearned run over seven innings, giving up four hits and a walk, as he improved his record to 4-3.  Matt Strahm and Orion Kerkering quietly put the Giants away over the final two innings of the game.

The Phillies scored their first run in the fourth inning when Whit Merrifield singled home Nick Castellanos.  Harper hit his blast in the fifth to give the Phillies a 4-0 lead.  Castellanos delivered an RBI double later that same inning and Kyle Schwarber topped the scoring with a solo home run in the eighth inning.

Featured Card:  This is Wheeler's card from the kids-oriented Topps Big League set.

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Blue Jays at Phillies - May 7th to May 8th

1984 Topps #9

1984 Topps #275

Tuesday 6:40 and Wednesday 1:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  It's a Hatfield Phillies Franks BOGO Night tonight.  Tomorrow afternoon, the season-long 20th Anniversary of Citizens Bank Park Celebration continues with tributes throughout the day to moments from the ballpark's history.

Toronto Blue Jays 16-19
5th Place in the A.L. East, 7 1/2 games behind the Orioles

Blue Jays Probables
Jose Berrios (4-2, 1.44)
Chris Bassitt (2-5, 5.45)

Blue Jays Leaders
Average:  Justin Turner - .283
Runs:  Daulton Varsho - 20
Home Runs:  Daulton Varsho - 6
RBIs:  Justin Turner and Daulton Varsho - 16
Stolen Bases:  George Springer - 5

Wins:  Jose Berrios - 4
ERA:  Jose Berrios - 1.44
Strikeouts:  Yusei Kikuchi - 43
Saves:  Jordan Romano - 4

Philadelphia Phillies 25-11
1st Place in the N.L. East, 3 games ahead of the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (1-3, 3.68)
Aaron Nola (4-1, 3.32)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .349
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 29
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 9
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 32
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 10

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 6
ERA:  Zack Wheeler - 1.64
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 63
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 7

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Game 35 - Harper's Blast Leads Phils Over Giants

2024 Topps Big League
Good Vibrations #GV-28

Phillies 5, Giants 4
Game 35 - Sunday Night, May 5th in Philadelphia
Record - 24-11, 1st Place, 2 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Bryce Harper's three-run home run supported Taijuan Walker's solid start as the Phils hung on to beat the Giants, 5-4.

What It Means:  The Phillies have won 16 of their last 19, something they haven't done since September 2010.

What Happened:  Walker was hit hard in the first inning, but only gave up a run.  The Phillies responded in the second when Alec Bohm reached on an error and came home on an infield hit by Edmundo Sosa.  Harper hit his blast, his seventh of the season, in the third inning with Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto on base.  Bryson Stott would later double home the Phillies' fifth run.  Bohm doubled in the seventh to extend his hitting streak to 18 games.

Walker picked up the win, allowing three runs on five hits while striking out seven in 6 1/3 innings.  Jose Alvarado gave up the first career home run to Jakson Reetz in the ninth, but settled down to clinch his seventh save.

Featured Card:  There was nothing but good vibrations at the ballpark this weekend, so this seemed like an appropriate card.

Field Report:  We watched the weather reports most of the day, hoping the forecasted rain would stay away, and for the most part it did.  The four of us watched from the Diamond Club as Harper connected for his big home run, and after having decided on Shake Shack for dinner.  Jenna donned her new pink Phillies bucket hat, the giveaway for this game.  Three more cards were added to the team-issued Kids Club set, giving us eight total and 13 to go.

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Game 34 - Phils Rake Through the Raindrops in Latest Win

2024 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids Club

Phillies 14, Giants 3
Game 34 - Saturday Night, May 4th in Philadelphia
Record - 23-11, 1st Place, 1 1/2 games ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  On a rainy, miserable night, Ranger Suarez had just enough and the Phillies offense raked through the raindrops in this 14-3 win over the Giants.

What It Means:  The Phillies have the best record in baseball and their lead over the Braves increased to a game and a half after the Braves fell to the Dodgers.

What Happened:  The Phillies held a 9-0 lead after the second inning, chasing Giants' starter Keaton Winn in the first inning.  The scoring started when Alec Bohm was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded.  Brandon Marsh, Bryson Stott and Johan Rojas all had RBI singles in the first.  Productive ground outs from Nick Castellanos and Edmundo Sosa plated two more runs in the second, with Stott coming through again with another RBI single.  

Sloppy Giants play led to four more runs in the sixth, and Whit Merrifield hit a solo home run in the seventh.  Bohm's hitting streak reached 17 games, the longest by a Phillies' third baseman since Mike Schmidt's 17-game hitting streak in 1979.  Bohm left the game as a precaution with a sore hip.

Suarez picked up his league-leading sixth win, scattering seven hits over six innings and striking out six.

Featured Card:  Phillies Room favorite Merrifield has one Phillies baseball card to date, available only at the ballpark to members of one of the Phillies' fan clubs.

Transaction:  As expected, Trea Turner (ss) was placed on the Injured List with a left hamstring strain and Kody Clemens (inf) was recalled to take his place.

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Game 33 - Turner's Dash Helps Win Game; Phils in First!

2024 Topps Heritage #181

Phillies 4, Giants 3
Game 33 - Friday Night, May 3rd in Philadelphia
Record - 22-11, 1st Place, 1/2 game ahead of the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Head's up base running from Trea Turner ultimately won the game but will cost Turner some playing time as the Phillies won the series opener over the Giants, 4-3.

What It Means:  In the fourth, Turner singled, stole second and came around to score from second after ball four to Bryce Harper got by catcher Tom Murphy.  Turner's dash from second on the passed ball scored the eventual winning run, but will cost him six weeks with a hamstring injury suffered on the play.

And for the first time since April 11, 2022, the Phillies are in sole possession of first place with a half game lead over the Braves.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola, perhaps struggling after an extra day of rest, labored through four innings, allowing a pair of runs in the first inning after issuing four walks.  The bullpen was solid though, and Jose Alvarado closed things out to earn his sixth save.  Alec Bohm had an RBI single in the third, followed quickly by a two-run single from Brandon Marsh.

Featured Card:  Here's hoping for a speedy recovery for Turner, and it's likely Edmundo Sosa sees extra action and Bryson Stott moves back over to shortstop occasionally in the short-term while Turner recovers.

Field Report:  Jenna, Ben and Jenna's parents took in this game from the Diamond Club, getting their first look at the City Connect jerseys in person.  They stopped by the Kids Club kiosk pregame, adding three more cards to our Kids Club/Club 215 baseball card set.  Five down, 16 to go.

Transaction:  On Thursday, it was announced Ricardo Pinto (rhp) had cleared waivers and was outrighted to Lehigh Valley.  Pinto refused the assignment and became a free agent.  Before this game, Yunior Marte (rhp) was placed on the 15-day IL with right shoulder inflammation and Jose Ruiz (rhp) had his contract selected.  Ruiz appeared in 34 games with the Diamondbacks last season and he's a veteran of seven seasons, spending most of his time with the White Sox.

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Giants at Phillies - May 3rd to May 6th

1984 Topps #603

2024 Chachi 1984 Topps Missing Links #9

Friday 6:40, Saturday 6:05, Sunday 7:10, Monday 4:05
Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA

At the Ballpark:  The Phillies will wear their City Connect uniforms again tonight, and it's also Teacher Appreciation Night at the ballpark.  On Saturday, all kids receive an Alec Bohm "I Love This Place" t-shirt, and Sunday night is Mother's Appreciation Night with all women receiving a pink Phillies bucket hat.

San Francisco Giants 15-17
Tied for 2nd Place in the N.L. West, 4 1/2 games behind the Dodgers

Giants Probables
Jordan Hicks (2-0, 1.59)
Keaton Winn (3-3, 3.18)
Logan Webb (3-2, 2.98)
TBA

Giants Leaders
Average:  Michael Conforto and Jung Hoo Lee - .250
Runs:  Matt Chapman and Michael Conforto - 16
Home Runs:  Michael Conforto and Jorge Soler - 5
RBIs:  Michael Conforto - 16
Stolen Bases:  Tyler Fitzgerald - 4

Wins:  Three tied with - 3
ERA:  Jordan Hicks - 1.59
Strikeouts:  Kyle Harrison - 38
Saves:  Camilo Doval - 6

Philadelphia Phillies 21-11
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 1/2 game behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (4-1, 3.20)
Ranger Suarez (5-0, 1.32)
Taijuan Walker (1-0, 8.53)
Cristopher Sanchez (1-3, 3.68)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .362
Runs:  Trea Turner - 26
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 8
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 30
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 9

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 5
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 1.32
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 52
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 5

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Game 32 - Phils Hold Off Angels to Gain Series Win

2024 Topps Heritage #144

Phillies 2, Angels 1
Game 32 - Wednesday Afternoon, May 1st in Anaheim
Record - 21-11, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Zack Wheeler and four relievers held the Angels to just one run and a two-run single from Kyle Schwarber in the second was all the Phillies needed in this 2-1 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies won the series, and they've won 13 of their last 16 games.  The Giants are in town next for a four-game series beginning Friday night.

What Happened:  Wheeler didn't have his best stuff, but he got the win after allowing just a solo home run to Ehire Adrianza in the second inning.  He allowed five hits overall while striking out six.  Gregory Soto walked a tightrope in the ninth, allowing a pair of runners to reach before getting the final out and earning his second save.

Featured Card:  I don't have many opportunities to feature cards of the relievers in these posts, so a lack of much action gives me an excuse to feature Soto's Topps Heritage card.  He's struggled at times this season, but he's one of three reliable closers in manager Rob Thomson's arsenal, along with Jose Alvarado and Jeff Hoffman.

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Game 31 - Casty, Rojas Connect for Clutch Homers in Big Win

2024 Topps Heritage #171

Phillies 7, Angels 5
Game 31 - Late Tuesday Night, April 30th in Anaheim
Record - 20-11, 2nd Place, 1/2 game behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies stunned the Angels with a 7-5 win following two ninth home runs from Nick Castellanos and Johan Rojas.

What It Means:  With the win, the Phillies became the first team in the majors to 20 victories.  They remain a half game behind the Braves as the Braves at 19-9 have played one less game.

What Happened:  Trailing 5-4 at the start of the ninth inning, and with closer Carlos Estevez on the mound, Castellanos connected for his second home run of the season to tie the game.  Bryson Stott reached on a ground rule double, and then Rojas hit his first home run of the season to give the Phillies a surprising and welcome lead.  Jeff Hoffman pitched a perfect bottom of the ninth to earn his second save of the season.

Kyle Schwarber had initially given the Phillies a three-run lead with a three-run home run in the second.  Spencer Turnbull pitched well again, striking out six in 5 1/3 innings.  A rough outing from Yunior Marte and a costly error by Trea Turner in the sixth allowed the Angels to score four runs and take a 5-3 lead.

Featured Card:  Rojas has started to come around offensively, and his first home run of the season could not have come at a better time.  Here's his card from the 1975 Topps-inspired Heritage set.

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Game 30 - Bullpen Can't Hold Off Halos in Loss

2020 Topps On-Demand Dynamic Duals #1

Angels 6, Phillies 5
Game 30 - Late Monday Night, April 29th in Anaheim
Record - 19-11, 2nd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Seranthony Dominguez's troubles continued as the Phillies lost late in Anaheim, allowing the Angels to come from behind for a 6-5 win.

What It Means:  For the first time in quite a while, a Phillies series went by without me catching more than an inning or two.  Work crap, a busy high school baseball schedule for our oldest son, and West Coast start times conspired to make my week largely Phillies-free.  But I'm glad they pulled out a series victory, and it will be nice to have them playing at regular times until a visit to San Francisco at the end of the month.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez had a shaky outing and was charged with four runs in his five innings of work.  Orion Kerkering inherited a pair of runners from Sanchez in the sixth, and they would both score.  With the score tied 4-4, Dominguez gave up back-to-back singles to open the seventh and then uncorked a wild pitch to give the Angels the lead.  On the same play, a second run scored on a Garrett Stubbs throwing error.

Alec Bohm drove in three runs.  He had a two-run single in the first, and a sacrifice fly in the ninth.

Featured Card:  Here's the one Trout card (so far) in my Phillies collection, a 2020 Topps On Demand card he shares with Bryce Harper.  I still feel Trout will play for the Phillies at some point before his big league career is over, and I wish him all the best as he recovers from the recent knee surgery sidelining him for a few weeks.

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Phillies at Angels - April 29th to May 1st

1984 Topps #535

1984 Topps #520

Monday and Tuesday 9:38, Wednesday 4:07
Angel Stadium - Anaheim, CA

At the Ballpark:  On Tuesday, the Angels will be giving away a Logan O'Hoppe bobblehead.  The trade that sent O'Hoppe from the Phillies to the Angels on August 2, 2022 in exchange for Brandon Marsh is one of those rare baseball deals that seems to be working out for both teams.

Philadelphia Phillies 19-10
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (1-3, 2.96)
Spencer Turnbull (2-0, 1.33)
Zack Wheeler (2-3, 1.93)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Alec Bohm - .365
Runs:  Trea Turner - 23
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 7
RBIs:  Alec Bohm - 26
Stolen Bases:  Johan Rojas and Trea Turner - 7

Wins:  Ranger Suarez - 5
ERA:  Ranger Suarez - 1.32
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 46
Saves:  Jose Alvarado - 5

Los Angeles Angels 10-18
4th Place in the A.L. West, 5 games behind the Mariners

Angels Probables
Griffin Canning (1-3, 7.50)
Tyler Anderson (2-3, 1.78)
Patrick Sandoval (1-4, 6.33)

Angels Leaders
Average:  Logan O'Hoppe - .293
Runs:  Taylor Ward - 17
Home Runs:  Mike Trout - 10
RBIs:  Taylor Ward - 23
Stolen Bases:  Luis Rengifo - 7

Wins:  Reid Detmers - 3
ERA:  Tyler Anderson - 1.78

Strikeouts:  Reid Detmers - 37
Saves:  Carlos Estevez - 4

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