Game 152 - Marchan Shocks Dodgers with Ninth Inning Homer

Philadelphia Phillies	9
Los Angeles Dodgers	6

2021 Topps Chrome Platinum
Anniversary #76

Late Tuesday Night, September 16th

Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
91-61, 1st Place, 12 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies scored nine runs after being no-hit by Shohei Ohtani through five innings in this this thrilling 9-6 win over the Dodgers.

What It Means:  The Phillies won the season series over the Dodgers, which gives them the tiebreaker if needed for home field advantage, if the teams finish with identical records.

What Happened:  Absolutely nothing happened for the Phillies' offense until Ohtani was removed from the pitching mound, as the Dodgers held a 4-0 lead through five innings.  The Phillies plated six runs in the sixth to take a 6-4 lead, doing most of the damage against reliever Justin Wrobleski.  Rafael Marchan, Harrison Bader and Kyle Schwarber all singled to load the bases with one out.  Bryce Harper connected for a two-run double, scoring a pair.  Brandon Marsh then hit a three-run home run to give the Phillies a 5-4 lead.  After Wrobleski was relieved by Edgardo Henriquez, Max Kepler hit a solo home run to give the Phillies a two-run lead.

In the bottom of the eighth, Ohtani hit his 50th home run of the year to welcome David Robertson to the game.  The Dodgers would tie the game before Robertson was able to get out of the inning.  With two outs in the top of the ninth, Weston Wilson doubled, Bryson Stott was intentionally walked and Rafael Marchan hit a three-run home run to give the Phillies an improbable 9-6 lead.  Jhoan Duran set the Dodgers down in order in the bottom of the ninth and the night again belonged to the Phils.

Featured Card:  The Rafael Marchan Game!  I admittedly went to bed early, having watched all of Monday night's game.  But I awoke to gleefully read about Marchan's heroics and what could be his career highlight game with the team.  I added this card last week, giving me 14 Marchan cards so far in my Phillies Collection.

Transaction:  Edmundo Sosa (inf) was placed on the injured list with a mild right groin strains and Rafael Lantigua (inf) had his contract purchased from Lehigh Valley.  Brewer Hicklen (of) was designated for assignment to make room for Lantigua on the 40-man roster.

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Game 151 - PHILS REPEAT AS N.L. EAST CHAMPS!

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Los Angeles Dodgers	5

10 Innings

Late Monday Night, September 15th

Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
90-61, 1st Place, 12 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  In a roller coaster of a game, the Phillies finally prevailed in 10 innings, giving the club their second straight National League East pennant.

What It Means:  It's the first back-to-back pennant clinching for the Phillies since the glory years of 2007-11, when they won five division titles in a row.  With the division clinched, they'll now turn their attention to earning a first round bye in the playoffs.

What Happened:  Ranger Suarez didn't have his best stuff, and the Phillies found themselves in a 3-1 deficit heading to the seventh inning.  Kyle Schwarber had hit his 53rd home run of the season in the first, with Dodgers' pitcher Emmet Sheehan shutting down the line-up, and allowing no hits until Otto Kemp doubled to lead off the seventh.  Bryson Stott brought Kemp home with an RBI single, and Weston Wilson gave the Phillies a 4-3 lead with a two-run home run.  Orion Kerkering couldn't keep that lead, giving up a laser of a home run to Mookie Betts in the bottom of the seventh to tie the game at 4-4.

Bryce Harper countered with a clutch, solo home run of his own in the top of the eighth.  With one out in the bottom of the ninth, Jhoan Duran surrendered his first home run in a Phillies uniform.  Andy Pages tied the game at 5-5 and put the champagne on hold for a little longer.  J.T. Realmuto brought home ghost runner Harrison Bader in the top of the 10th, after Bader had stolen third base.  David Robertson was handed the bottom of the 10th, and he'd retire Max Muncy for the final out of the game after loading the bases and making things way too interesting.

Featured Card:  I'm cognizant these things don't happen too often, and when they do, I've been sure to take them in and enjoy the moment.  The Phillies are postseason bound for the fourth season in a row, and we'll now wait to see if they're facing off against the Dodgers or the Mets in (hopefully) the NLDS.

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2025 Chachi #55 Walker Buehler / 2025 Chachi #57

Philadelphia Phillies at Los Angeles Dodgers - N.L. Powerhouse Match-Up

2025 Chachi 2005 Topps Missing Links #2

2005 Topps #114

Monday, September 15th - 10:10
Tuesday, September 16th - 10:10
Wednesday, September 17th - 10:10

Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
On Monday night, all fans will receive a replica Freddie Freeman World Series ring.

Philadelphia Phillies 89-61
1st Place in the N.L. East, 12 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Ranger Suarez (12-6, 2.77)
Cristopher Sanchez (13-5, 2.57)
Jesus Luzardo (14-6, 4.03)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .305
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 104
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 52
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 127
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 36

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 14
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.57
Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 200
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 14

Los Angeles Dodgers 84-65
1st Place in the N.L. West, 2 1/2 games ahead of the Padres

Dodgers Probables
Emmet Sheehan (6-3, 3.32)
Shohei Ohtani (1-1, 3.75)
Blake Snell (4-4, 2.79)

Dodgers Leaders
Average:  Freddie Freeman - .296
Runs:  Shohei Ohtani - 135
Home Runs:  Shohei Ohtani - 49
RBIs:  Shohei Ohtani - 93
Stolen Bases:  Shohei Ohtani - 18

Wins:  Anthony Blade - 2
ERA:  Blake Snell - 2.00
Strikeouts:  Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 14
Saves:  Tanner Scott - 2

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Game 150 - Royals Thwart Home Clinching Plans

Kansas City Royals	10
Philadelphia Phillies	3

1981 Topps #403

Sunday Afternoon, September 14th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
89-61, 1st Place, 12 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola got hit hard (again) and the Phillies will need to wait to celebrate a division clincher with this 10-3 loss to the Royals, combined with a Mets win over the Rangers.

What It Means:  Bummer.  The clincher is coming, but now I'll need to lose sleep to enjoy it as the Phillies began a late-night stint in Los Angeles and Phoenix, beginning on Monday night.

What Happened:  Nola gave up six runs on six hits in six innings of work, putting the game too far out of reach for the Phillies to mount a late comeback.  The big blow was a three-run home run from Salvador Perez in the top of the sixth, giving the Royals a 6-2 lead.  The Phillies had taken a quick, 2-0 lead in the first on Kyle Schwarber's 52nd home run of the year, followed quickly by J.T. Realmuto's 12th home run of the year.  Royals' starter Noah Cameron settled down after that, pitching six scoreless innings before his exit.  In the bottom of the eighth, Bryson Stott hit a solo home run.  The Phillies offense had five hits overall and didn't come to the plate once with runners in scoring position.

Featured Card:  I'll go ahead and post my favorite Royals baseball card.

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Game 149 - Magic Number Drops to One!

Kansas City Royals	6
Philadelphia Phillies	8

2025 Topps #233

Saturday Night, September 13th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
89-60, 1st Place, 13 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies once again battled back to win a ballgame, with all members of the team contributing in an 8-6 win over the Royals.

What It Means:  The Phillies continue to win and the Mets continue to lose.  Amazingly enough, the magic number to clinch the division pennant is down to one.

What Happened:  As has been a pattern recently for Phillies' starting pitchers, Taijuan Walker was in trouble early, allowing three runs in the first inning, but then he settled in after that.  Walker went five innings, allowing four runs on seven hits.  Jhoan Duran took over in the ninth, throwing a perfect inning and securing the win.

The Phillies started their comeback in the first with two runs of their own when Brandon Marsh laced a two-run double to deep center.  Realmuto got the Phils to within a run with a sacrifice fly in the third.  Kyle Schwarber tied the game up in the fifth with his 51st home run of the season and pinch-hitter Nick Castellanos gave the Phillies the lead later in the inning with a sacrifice fly.  Otto Kemp's double to left would give the Phillies a 6-4 lead.  A few insurance runs were added in the seventh (Schwarber RBI single) and eighth (Marsh solo home run) which were more than enough for Duran to protect the lead.

Featured Card:  Marsh continued his hot streak, starting the scoring in the first and capping the scoring with his home run in the eighth.  Since August 1st, he's batting .339 with 11 doubles, a triple, five home runs and 15 RBIs.

Field Report:  Jenna and I attended this game with friends, enjoying a beautiful night for baseball and another Phillies win.  This was also the night I made my debut on the Phillies' look-alike cam, getting paired with a young(er) George Lucas.  I'll take it.

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Game 148 - Offense Stays Hot in Support of Buehler's Debut

Kansas City Royals	2
Philadelphia Phillies	8

2025 Topps x Bob Ross:
The Joy of Baseball #16

Friday Night, September 12th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
88-70, 1st Place, 12 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Walker Buehler had a solid first start with the Phillies, with Bryce Harper and Bryson Stott both contributing two-run home runs in this 8-2 series opening win over the Royals.

What It Means:  The Mets lost to the Rangers, and the Phillies magic number to clinch the division pennant is down to three.

What Happened:  Buehler battled through a long first inning, allowing one run, before settling in for four scoreless innings after that.  The Phillies quickly tied the game on Rafael Marchan's sacrifice fly in the bottom of the second.  They'd take a 3-1 lead on Harper's two-run blast in the third, his 26th of the season.  Brandon Marsh then tripled and came home on Otto Kemp's RBI single to make it 4-1.  Three doubles in a row from Marchan, Harrison Bader and Kyle Schwarber to start the fourth led to two more runs.  And Stott capped the scoring with a two-run home run in the seventh.

Featured Card:  It's fitting this card arrived in the mail on Friday afternoon.  The Joy of Baseball, indeed.

Transaction:  Buehler (rhp) had his contact selected and Jose Alvarado (lhp) was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left forearm strain.  Alvarado's Phillies career may sadly be over.  To make room on the 40-man roster for Buehler, Matt Manning (rhp) was designated for assignment.

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Kansas City Royals at Philadelphia Phillies - Magic Number is 5

2005 Topps #581

2025 Chachi 2005 Topps Missing Links #15

Friday, September 12th - 6:45
Saturday, September 13th - 6:05
Sunday, September 14th - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
Tonight at the ballpark is Philadelphia Negro Leagues tribute night.  On Saturday, all kids 14 and under will receive a yellow Phillies bucket hat, as part of the Nemours Children's Health Childhood Cancer Awareness Night.  And on Sunday, all kids will receive a Phillies lunch tote.

Kansas City Royals 74-73
3rd Place in the A.L. Central, 10 games behind the Tigers

Royals Probables
Michael Lorenzen (5-10, 4.63)
Ryan Bergert (1-2, 4.17)
Noah Cameron (7-7, 3.00)

Royals Leaders
Average:  Bobby Witt, Jr. - .293
Runs:  Bobby Witt, Jr. - 91
Home Runs:  Vinnie Pasquantino - 30
RBIs:  Vinnie Pasquantino - 102
Stolen Bases:  Bobby Witt, Jr. - 35

Wins:  Michael Wacha - 9
ERA:  Michael Wacha - 3.45

Strikeouts:  Seth Lugo - 125
Saves:  Carlos Estevez - 39

Philadelphia Phillies 87-60
1st Place in the N.L. East, 11 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Walker Buehler (0-0, 0.00)
Taijuan Walker (4-8, 4.03)
Aaron Nola (4-8, 6.24)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .305
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 100
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 50
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 123
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 36

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 14
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.57
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 200
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 13

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Game 147 - Luzardo Settles Down to Tame Mets; Phils Sweep

New York Mets	4
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2025 Choice Lehigh Valley
IronPigs (Series 2) #9

Thursday Night, September 11th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
87-60, 1st Place, 11 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo allowed four first inning runs and then retired the next 22 Mets batters, as the Phillies came from behind in this 6-4, series sweeping victory.

What It Means:  After an impressive four-game sweep of the second place Mets, the Phillies welcome their 1980 World Series opponents, the Royals, to Citizens Bank Park for a weekend series.  After that, they'll play a crucial, late-night series against the Dodgers with major play-off implications.

What Happened:  Luzardo clearly made a huge adjustment after his shaky first inning, baffling the Mets' line-up the rest of the night.  Jhoan Duran struck out the side in the ninth to seal the win and send the Mets to the brink of possibly missing the postseason.  The Phillies' offense started chipping away at the deficit when Otto Kemp connected for a two-run home run in the fourth.  In the fifth, Weston Wilson led off with a single and was doubled home by Bryce Harper.  Nick Castellanos lashed a hustle double to start the sixth, and scored on Kemp's double, misplayed by center fielder Jeff McNeil, tying the score.  The red-hot Harrison Bader, who had two more hits in this game, singled home Kemp to give the Phillies the lead.  A hard-hit infield single by Harper to first scored the Phillies' sixth and final run.

Featured Card:  Luzardo was phenomenal, but I'll give the card to Kemp here.  This is his card from the second set released by the IronPigs this summer.

Field Report:  Jenna and I were lucky enough to attend this game as part of sponsor's night for the important work being done by ALS United Mid-Atlantic.  After a great dinner in the executive dining room, we enjoyed the game from our seats in Section 223, right in front of the broadcast booth.  What a great night for baseball!

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Game 146 - Outfielders Kepler, Marsh, Bader Pace Phils Over Mets

New York Mets	3
Philadelphia Phillies	11

2021 Topps Heritage #120

Wednesday Night, September 10th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
86-60, 1st Place, 10 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Max Kepler drove in five runs and Cristopher Sanchez made it look easy against the Mets' line-up in this convincing 11-3 win.

What It Means:  The magic number to clinch a division title is seven.  The last and only time the Phillies had a 10-game lead in the division on September 10th was in 2011.  Amazingly, the Phillies will try to complete a four-game sweep tonight.

What Happened:  Kepler, Harrison Bader and Brandon Marsh combined to go 8 for 14 in this game with five runs scored and seven RBIs.  The outfield platoon recently put in place by manager Rob Thomson definitely seems to be working, although veteran Nick Castellanos has been the odd man out lately given the hot streaks from Kepler and Marsh.  Bader and Marsh both doubled in this game with Kepler hitting a solo home run in the eighth.  Bryce Harper also homered, his 25th of the season.

Sanchez could have gone longer in this game, but with an 8-1 lead after six, Thomson turned to his bullpen.  Sanchez improved to 13-5, allowing a run on six hits while striking out six.

Featured Card:  The lack of Phillies baseball cards for Kepler means I have to dig back into the archives again, and this is his 1972 Topps inspired card from the 2021 Topps Heritage set.

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Game 145 - 50th Schwarbomb Supports Suarez's Strong Start

New York Mets	3
Philadelphia Phillies	9

2025 Topps Now #682

Tuesday Night, September 9th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
85-60, 1st Place, 9 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez allowed one hit in six innings of work and Kyle Schwarber hit a three-run home in the bottom of the seventh on the way to this 9-3 win over the Mets.

What It Means:  The magic number to clinch a division title is nine.

What Happened:  The Phillies jumped on Mets' starter Sean Manaea early, going up 4-0 after two innings.  Nick Castellanos starting things off with a two-run double in the first.  Otto Kemp and Harrison Bader hit back-to-back solo home runs in the second.  Schwarber gave the Phillies a commanding 7-1 lead with his blast in the seventh.  Bryson Stott and Bader piled on with two more RBI-singles in the eighth.  Stott and Bader both had three hits in this game.  Suarez improved to 12-6 on the season, striking out a a career-high 12 and allowing just a fifth inning single to Brandon Nimmo.

Featured Card:  In any other game, Suarez would have been the easy pick for the featured card, but Schwarber's 50th home run of the season made him just the second Phillies player in franchise history to eclipse that mark in a single season.  Ryan Howard hit 58 home runs in 2006.  Topps Now provided us with the card shown here to mark the highlight.  This is the 11th (!) appearance of Schwarber in this year's Topps Now offering.

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Game 144 - Nola Shines in Combined Shutout Against Mets

New York Mets	0
Philadelphia Phillies	1

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Monday Night, September 8th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
84-60, 1st Place, 8 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Aaron Nola reminded Phillies fans he can still pitch in big games, authoring six shutout innings in this 1-0 victory over the second place Mets.

What It Means:  Coming in to the series, the Mets needed to win three out of four to make any headwind in the division race.  Thanks to Nola's gutsy performance, they'll now need to win the next three to gain ground.

What Happened:  Nola faced off against Mets' rookie Nolan McLean, and given Nola's recent performances, there wasn't a whole lot of optimism as the game began.  But he settled in, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out seven in his 94-pitch outing.  He shut down the heart of the Mets' line-up in order in the top of the sixth - Juan Soto, Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo - to end his impressive night.  The big three at the back-end of the Phillies' bullpen - David Robertson, Matt Strahm and Jhoan Duran - did their jobs, preserving the shutout and clinching the win.

The Phillies scored the only run of the game in the second.  Max Kepler singled to lead off the inning and went to third on Harrison Bader's single.  Nick Castellanos singled home Kepler to give the Phillies a 1-0 lead, and the final score of the game.  Bader had a three hit night.

Featured Card:  After posting Nola's cards following games in which he was atrocious, I love posting this card following last night's game.  Hopefully he's figured something out.

Transaction:  In a flurry of pregame moves, Trea Turner (ss) and Alec Bohm (3b) were both placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hamstring strain and left shoulder inflammation, respectively.  Otto Kemp (3b) was recalled and Donovan Walton (inf) had his contract purchased from Lehigh Valley.  Walton had been playing in the Mets system when the Phillies purchased his contract on July 1st.  To make room for Walton on the 40-man roster, Daniel Robert (rhp) was moved to the 60-day injured list.

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New York Mets at Philadelphia Phillies - Play-Off Push Continues

2005 Topps #575

2005 Topps #11

Monday, September 8th - 6:45
Tuesday, September 9th - 6:45
Wednesday, September 10th - 6:45
Thursday, September 11th - 7:15

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
This is a huge series, so no giveaways are really needed to draw fans.  But there are some theme nights being held - Tuesday is both Strike Out the Stigma and Hello Kitty Night, Wednesday is the annual Goya Latino Community Celebration and Thursday is First Responders Night.

New York Mets 76-67
2nd Place in the N.L. East, 7 games behind the Phillies

Mets Probables
Nolan McLean (4-0, 1.37)
Sean Manaea (1-2, 5.60)
Clay Holmes (11-7, 3.61)
David Peterson (9-5, 3.72)

Mets Leaders
Average:  Francisco Lindor - .268
Runs:  Juan Soto - 109
Home Runs:  Juan Soto - 38
RBIs:  Pete Alonso - 113
Stolen Bases:  Juan Soto - 29

Wins:  Clay Holmes - 11
ERA:  Clay Holmes - 3.61

Strikeouts:  David Peterson - 140
Saves:  Edwin Diaz - 26

Philadelphia Phillies 83-60
1st Place in the N.L. East, 7 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Aaron Nola (3-8, 6.78)
Ranger Suarez (11-6, 2.89)
Cristopher Sanchez (12-5, 2.60)
Jesus Luzardo (13-6, 4.01)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .305
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 98
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 49
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 120
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 36

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 13
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.60
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 195
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 11

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Game 143 - Walker Digs Early Hole in Loss to Marlins

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Miami Marlins	5

2025 Bowman #65

Saturday Afternoon, September 7th

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
83-60, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies chipped away at an early 4-0 deficit, but came away a run short in this 5-4 loss in Miami.

What It Means:  Having won two out of three, they'll come home for a crucial four-game series with the Mets beginning on Monday night.

What Happened:  Taijuan Walker was in trouble early, throwing a ton of pitches in the first inning and allowing the Marlins to stake a 4-0 lead.  He settled down after that, pitching five scoreless innings.  The Phillies' offense chipped away as best they could, but the Marlins' bullpen prevailed.  Nick Castellanos drove in a run with an RBI-triple in the second inning.  Two more runs scored in the sixth on a Trea Turner solo home run and an RBI-single from the red-hot Brandon Marsh.  Kyle Schwarber drove in the team's fourth and final run with a single to right in the ninth.  With runners at the corners and two outs, Bryce Harper grounded to second to end the game.

Featured Card:  The loss was the second worse news from this game.  In the top of the seventh, Trea Turner injured his hamstring running out a grounder to first, immediately leaving the game.  He'll likely miss time, and Phillies fans are collectively holding our breath that it's not more than a few weeks.

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Game 142 - Luzardo, Harper Lead Phils Over Fish

Philadelphia Phillies	4
Miami Marlins	2

2025 Topps Heritage 1976 Player Icons
Holographic #76PI-2

Saturday Afternoon, September 6th

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
83-59, 1st Place, 7 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Jesus Luzardo notched his team-leading 13th win and Bryce Harper hit a key, two-run home run in this 4-2 defeat of the Marlins.

What It Means:  The Phillies will go for the series sweep on Sunday afternoon with Taijuan Walker on the mound.

What Happened:  Luzardo improved to 13-6, pitching six innings and allowing a pair of runs on five hits while striking out eight.  The late inning trio of David Robertson, Matt Strahm and Jhoan Duran handled it the rest of the way, with Duran earning his 11th save with the Phillies.  Harper provided the Phillies with a quick 2-0 lead when he launched a first inning home run.  Two more runs scored in the fourth on a Harrison Bader RBI single and a Bryson Stott sacrifice fly.

Featured Card:  I'm always happy to share another Harper card, and following the game he dedicated the home run to his first manager with the Nationals, Davey Johnson.  Johnson, who played for the Phillies in 1977 and 1978, passed away on Friday at the age of 82.

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Game 141 - Kepler, Stott Back Sanchez's Stellar Start

Philadelphia Phillies	9
Miami Marlins	3

2018 Topps Heritage #73

Friday Night, September 5th

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
82-59, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies pounded out nine runs on 16 hits and Cristopher Sanchez was stellar for seven innings in this 9-3 series opening win.

What It Means:  They've won five of their last seven while maintaining a six-game lead over the Mets in the division.

What Happened:  Sanchez improved to 12-5, allowing a run on six hits while striking out five.  Tanner Banks had a rare shaky outing, allowing a two-run home run to Brian Navarreto in the bottom of the eighth.  Tim Mayza pitched a scoreless ninth.

The Phillies took a quick lead in the first when Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper all singled to start the game.  Harper's single brought Turner home.  Max Kepler hit his 15th home run in the second.  Three more runs scored in the fourth when Brandon Marsh hit a two-run home run and Harrison Bader followed that with a solo home run of his own.  And the scoring continued with four more runs in the seventh.  Kepler added an RBI-single and Bryson Stott hit a three-run home run, his 10th of the season.

Featured Card:  Stott drove in the most runs, but Kepler paced the offense with a few key hits.  Collectors are still waiting on Kepler's first mainstream Phillies baseball card, and here's his 1969 Topps inspired card from the 2018 Topps Heritage set.

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Game 140 - Suarez Pitches Phils to Series Win Over Brewers

Philadelphia Phillies	2
Milwaukee Brewers	0

2024 Topps Heritage
Image Variation #685

Thursday Night, September 4th

American Family Field - Milwaukee, WI
81-59, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Ranger Suarez was on in this 2-0 combined shutout win over the Brewers.

What It Means:  This was a great series win against the only team in the National League with a better record than the Phillies.  If the season ended today, the Brewers and Phillies would both have byes in the first round of the playoffs.

What Happened:  Suarez improved to 11-6, allowing six hits and walking a pair in his six shutout innings.  He struck out four.  David Robertson, Matt Strahm and Jhoan Duran shut down the Brewers over the final three innings.  Scoreless through six innings, Alec Bohm tripled with one out in the seventh and scored on Trea Turner's line single to left.  An insurance run was added in the top of the ninth when Bryson Stott doubled home Harrison Bader, who had doubled to start the inning.

Featured Card:  It's got to be Suarez, presumably the team's number two starter heading into the postseason, behind Cristopher Sanchez.  I recently added this image variation card from last year's Topps Heritage set.

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Game 139 - Nola Roughed Up Again in Loss to Brewers

Philadelphia Phillies	3
Milwaukee Brewers	6

2025 Topps #454

Wednesday Night, September 3rd

American Family Field - Milwaukee, WI
80-59, 1st Place, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies couldn't recover from the five first inning runs allowed by Aaron Nola, ultimately falling to the Brewers by a 6-3 score.

What It Means:  Sadly, Nola could be working his way off the Phillies postseason roster.  He did battle back to pitch five full innings, but he allowed six runs in those innings on six hits, and his season ERA is now an unsightly 6.78.

What Happened:  Brewers' starting pitcher Jose Quintana pitched well through 6 1/3 innings, allowing an RBI single to Trea Turner in the fifth and a two-run home run to Weston Wilson in the seventh.  Turner raised his average to a league-leading .302 with two more hits in this game.

Featured Card:  I really wish I had had more opportunities to post Nola cards this season following his good starts.

Transaction:  Max Lazar (rhp) was recalled from Lehigh Valley and Daniel Robert (rhp) was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain.

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Game 138 - Phils Battle Crew to Thrilling 10-8 Win

Philadelphia Phillies	10
Milwaukee Brewers	8

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Photocards

Monday Afternoon, September 1st

American Family Field - Milwaukee, WI
80-58, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  In one of the best games of the Phillies' season so far, Brandon Marsh and Harrison Bader starred offensively as the Phillies came from behind to defeat the Brewers, 10-8.

What It Means:  September has always been a weird time for me.  The end of the summer brings about melancholy feelings, and I've spent my life either not quite looking forward to going back to school, or definitely not looking forward to being incredibly busy with my chosen profession.  I watched almost every inning of these next few Phillies games, but was too tired following the games, or had too much on my plate the following morning, to spend 10-15 minutes on these game summary posts.  A rainy Sunday and a complete and total rest day is just what I needed to spend some time doing this, a mostly inconsequential pastime that still brings me joy.

What Happened:  The Phillies trailed 5-1 heading into the fifth inning, with starter Taijuan Walker giving up all five runs in a short, four-inning outing.  Trea Turner started the comeback in the top of the fifth with a two-run triple.  Harrison Bader lashed a two-run double in the sixth, with Max Kepler adding a sacrifice fly to tie the score.  Bader gave the Phillies a 7-6 lead in the eighth with another RBI-double, and Stott doubled Bader home to give the Phillies a temporary 8-6 lead.  David Robertson gave two more runs back in the bottom of the eighth, once again tying the score.  The Phillies took the lead for good in the ninth, following back-to-back RBI singles from Marsh and Bader.  Closer Jhoan Duran pitched a perfect ninth for the save.

Featured Card:  Marsh gets the slight edge here, with apologies to Bader.  Marsh was 4 for 5 with the game-winning hit, while Bader was 3 for 5 with three RBIs.

Transaction:  With rosters expanding to 28 players for September, the Phillies added Garrett Stubbs (c) and Tim Mayza (lhp).  Stubbs pinch-ran for Kyle Schwarber in the ninth, scoring the winning run on Marsh's single.

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Philadelphia Phillies at Miami Marlins - Fried Fish on the Menu

2005 Topps #582

2005 Topps #609

Friday, September 5th - 7:10
Saturday, September 6th - 4:10
Sunday, September 7th - 1:40

loanDepot park - Miami, FL
On Sunday, the first 8,000 fans will receive a Marlins City Connect soccer jersey.

Philadelphia Phillies 81-59
1st Place in the N.L. East, 6 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (11-5, 2.66)
Jesus Luzardo (12-6, 4.05)
Taijuan Walker (4-7, 3.92)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .301
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 96
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 49
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 119
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 36

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 12
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.66
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 195
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 10

Miami Marlins 65-75
3rd Place in the N.L. East, 16 games behind the Phillies

Marlins Probables
Valente Bellozo (1-3, 3.91)
Sandy Alcantara (8-11, 5.66)
Adam Mazur (0-2, 5.74)

Marlins Leaders
Average:  Kyle Stowers - .288
Runs:  Xavier Edwards - 69
Home Runs:  Kyle Sowers - 25
RBIs:  Kyle Sowers - 73
Stolen Bases:  Xavier Edwards - 24

Wins:  Sanday Alcantara - 8
ERA:  Sanday Alcantara - 5.66

Strikeouts:  Edward Cabrera - 140
Saves:  Calvin Faucher - 13

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Philadelphia Phillies at Milwaukee Brewers - Stretch Run Begins

2025 Chachi Series Preview #5

2005 Topps #448

Monday, September 1st - 4:10
Tuesday, September 2nd - 7:40
Wednesday, September 3rd - 4:10

American Family Field - Milwaukee, WI
The Brewers host a Labor Day dollar dog day this afternoon, and Wednesday afternoon is a Bark at the Park event.

Philadelphia Phillies 79-58
1st Place in the N.L. East, 6 games ahead of the Mets

Phillies Probables
Taijuan Walker (4-7, 3.63)
Aaron Nola (3-7, 6.47)
Cristopher Sanchez (11-5, 2.66)

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .300
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 96
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 49
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 119
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 35

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 12
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.66
Strikeouts:  Zack Wheeler - 195
Saves:  Jhoan Duran and Jordan Romano - 8

Milwaukee Brewers 85-53
1st Place in the N.L. Central, 6 1/2 games ahead of the Cubs

Brewers Probables
Jacob Misiorowski (4-2, 4.33)
Jose Quintana (10-5, 3.69)
Freddy Peralta (16-5, 2.58)

Brewers Leaders
Average:  Sal Frelick - .296
Runs:  Brice Turang - 85
Home Runs:  Christian Yelich - 27
RBIs:  Christian Yelich - 92
Stolen Bases:  Brice Turang - 22

Wins:  Freddy Peralta - 16
ERA:  Freddy Peralta - 2.58

Strikeouts:  Freddy Peralta - 168
Saves:  Trevor Megill - 30

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Game 137 - Offense Sputters, Pen Can't Hold Off Braves

Atlanta Braves	3
Philadelphia Phillies	1

2025 Topps Heritage #416

Sunday Night, August 31st

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
79-58, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A solid performance from Jesus Luzardo was wasted and the Braves capitalized on a few shaky bullpen performances in this 3-1 loss.

What It Means:  The Phillies took three out of four from the Braves.  They'll start September with a huge series against the Brewers beginning Labor Day afternoon.

What Happened:  Luzardo pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing a pair of hits while striking out seven.  Orion Kerkering allowed the Braves to tie the game when he couldn't retire a batter in the eighth.  Jose Alvarado surrendered a two-run home run to Drake Baldwin in the top of the ninth.  The only offense mustered by the Phillies was a solo home run from Brandon Marsh in the fourth.  Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm were a combined 0 for 10.

Featured Card / Transaction:  A day before the deadline for postseason eligibility, the Phillies added two pitchers who could play key roles in September/October.  Tim Mayza (lhp) was claimed off waivers from the Pirates, and he could replace Alvarado on the roster in October given Alvarado is ineligible for the postseason.  Walker Buehler (rhp) was signed as a minor-league free agent.  Buehler, a two-time All-Star with the Dodgers, was released by the Red Sox on August 29th.  In 23 games with the Red Sox, Buehler was 7-7 with a 5.45 ERA in 112 1/3 innings pitched.  After a start this coming weekend with the IronPigs, he'll join a six-man rotation as the Phillies continue to contend with Zack Wheeler's absence.

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Game 136 - Clutch Single from Turner Walks It Off

Atlanta Braves	2
Philadelphia Phillies	3

10 Innings

2023 Topps Brooklyn
Collection #41

Saturday Night, August 30th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
79-57, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Trea Turner came through with a clutch, two-run single in the bottom of the 10th, sending the Phillies to their third straight win over the Braves.

What It Means:  They'll go for a series sweep tonight before heading to Milwaukee for a key series with huge playoff implications.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez and Chris Sale baffled batters for most of the game.  Sanchez allowed a run on seven hits in seven innings, striking out eight.  Sale allowed a solo home run to Weston Wilson in the third, and allowed only two other hits while striking out nine.  Knotted at 1-1, Matt Strahm gave up an RBI single to Nacho Alvarez Jr. in the top of the 10th, scoring the ghost-runner, Jake Fraley.  In the bottom of the 10th, with ghost-runner Alce Bohm on second, Nick Castellanos was hit by a pitch and Bryson Stott singled to load the bases.  With two outs and two strikes on him, Turner found a hole in the infield, singling to right and scoring both Bohm and Castellanos.  It was the team's fourth walk-off win of the season.

Featured Card:  Not only did he have the winning hit, but Turner provided some fantastic plays at shortstop throughout this game.  I recently added this great-looking card of his to my collection from the club-exclusive 2023 Topps Brooklyn Collection.  Featuring a retro Topps design, the card is about as thick as four regular cards.

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