Game 45 - Phils Storm Back for Win in Pittsburgh!

Philadelphia Phillies	11
Pittsburgh Pirates	9

10 Innings

2025 Topps Update
Stars of MLB #SMLB-82

Friday Night, May 15th

PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
22-23, Tied for 2nd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  After falling behind 6-0 after three innings, the Phillies stormed back to tie the game in the ninth and win the game in the 10th, with a thrilling 11-9 victory.

What It Means:  TV broadcaster Tom McCarthy wasn't being hyperbolic when he called this the "victory of the year" following the win.  After the dismal start to the season, the Phillies are now 13-4 under interim manager Don Mattingly.

What Happened:  Aaron Nola suffered a disastrous third inning, giving up a pair of home runs and digging the 6-0 deficit.  The Phillies chipped away in the fourth (Bryson Stott sacrifice fly) and fifth (Kyle Schwarber two-run home run), with the score standing at 8-3 Pirates after six innings.  Schwarber hit a two-run home run in the seventh for his 20th home run of the season, making it an 8-5 game.  

Gregory Soto came on for the Pirates in the ninth to try to secure the save, and his inning went like this: Edmundo Sosa reached on an error by shortstop Konnor Griffin, wild pitch, pinch-hitter Adolis Garcia walked, Trea Turner singled to load the bases, Schwarber walked with the bases loaded.  Bryce Harper hit what appeared to be a grand slam, but it just missed clearing the wall.  Still, Harper's blast, his fourth hit of the game, scored two more runs to tie the score.

In the top of the 10th, Brandon Marsh doubled home ghost runner Alec Bohm, and Rafael Marchan came through with a two-run single to give the Phillies a 11-9 lead and eventually, an impressive win.

Featured Card:  The card could have gone to Harper or Marsh, or even Marchan, but Schwarber is a home run machine right now, and I'll give him the card despite the atrocious base running he displayed in the ninth.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall (Coming Soon) / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 44 - Luzardo, Schwarber Star in Win Over Sox

Philadelphia Phillies	3
Boston Red Sox	1

2026 Philadelphia Phillies
Kids  Club / Club 215

Thursday Night, May 14th

Fenway Park - Boston, MA
21-23, Tied for 2nd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  On a rainy night in Boston, Jesus Luzardo threw six shutout innings and Kyle Schwarber hit a two-run home run in the eighth, sending the Phillies to a 3-1 win.

What It Means:  The Phillies won the series, but it's a little concerning they only scored six runs in all three games.  A weekend tilt in Pittsburgh is next on the slate.

What Happened:  Luzardo and Ranger Suarez matched scoreless innings through the first five frames.  Suarez would depart after 5 1/3, having struck out eight and allowing four hits.  Luzardo went six innings, also allowing four hits and striking out four.  With no score, and Boston reliever Tyler Samaniego on the mound, Trea Turner singled to lead off the eighth.  Schwarber hit a laser of a home run to right field, his 18th of the season, giving the Phillies a 2-0 lead.  An insurance run was scored later in the inning on a Bryson Stott infield hit to third.  Jose Alvarado gave up a run in the eighth.  Jhoan Duran struck out the side in the ninth to record his seventh save.

Featured Card:  Here's Schwarber's card from this year's team-issued Kids Club / Club 215 set.

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Game 41 - Schwarbombs Away on Mother's Day

Colorado Rockies	0
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2026 Topps #197

Sunday Afternoon, May 10th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
19-22, Tied for 2nd Place, 9 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber homered twice and Christopher Sanchez threw seven shutout innings in this 6-0 Mother's Day win over the Rockies.

What It Means:  The Phillies head out on the road for three games in Boston, followed by three games in Pittsburgh.

What Happened:  It shouldn't be lost among the accolades for Sanchez and Schwarber that Brandon Marsh went 4 for 4 to raise his average to .353, making him the leading hitter in baseball.  Sanchez allowed six hits, walking none and striking out seven in his dominant outing.  Schwarber and Bryce Harper hit back-to-back home runs in the first, which was all the scoring the Phillies would need for the win.  Schwarber would homer again in the second inning.

Featured Card:  Homers from Schwarber and Harper in the first give me a good excuse to feature this Combo Player Card from Series One of the this year's Topps flagship set.

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Game 16 - Schwarbombs x 2 Leads to Big Win Over Cubs

Chicago Cubs	7
Philadelphia Phillies	13

2026 Topps 1991 Topps Baseball
35th Anniversary #T91-5

Monday Night, April 13th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
8-8, 3rd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber blasted a pair of home runs in this much-needed slugfest of a win, 13-7 over the Cubs.

What It Means:  This was to be the be the last exciting/good baseball the Phillies would play for at least the next three games.

What Happened:  Everybody who hadn't been hitting in the Phillies line-up collected at least one hit in this game, with the exception of Justin Crawford, who had been hitting well.  The rookie went 0 for 5 with a pair of strikeouts.  Schwarber hit home runs #5 and #6.  Brandon Marsh was 3 for 4 with a double and two RBIs.  J.T. Realmuto was 3 for 5 with three RBIs, and even Alec Bohm had a hit and a pair of RBIs.  Cristopher Sanchez was the beneficiary of the run support, allowing two runs on a two-run home run to Dansby Swanson in the fourth and striking out eight.  This game should have been more of a laugher, but Seth Johnson gave up five runs (three earned) in a lengthy eighth inning.

Featured Card:  I'm happy to keep featuring Schwarber cards, as long as he keeps hitting home runs.  This is his 1991 Topps-inspired card, with an unnecessarily long name, from an insert set found within packs of 2026 Topps Series One.

Transaction:  Jonathan Bowlan (rhp) was placed on the 15-day injured list with a right groin strain and Johnson (rhp) was recalled to take his place in the bullpen.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall (Coming Soon) / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 14 - Schwarber, Harper Homer in Win Over Snakes

Arizona Diamondbacks	3
Philadelphia Phillies	4

2026 Topps Heritage #159

Saturday Afternoon, April 11th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
7-7, 3rd Place, 1 1/2 games behind the Braves

One Sentence Summary:  Home runs from Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper along with a strong pitching performance from Taijuan Walker and the bullpen led to this 4-3 win.

What It Means:  This was to be the only win for the weekend against the Diamondbacks.

What Happened:  Walker's first inning was atrocious, as the Diamondbacks held a 2-0 lead not more than five minutes following first pitch.  Ketel Marie led off with a solo home run, Corbin Carroll walked and Adrian Del Castillo would single Carroll home.  As has been the case recently, the Phillies did all their scoring in one inning.  In the bottom of the third, Alec Bohm reached on an error and Justin Crawford singled before Schwarber connected for his fourth home run of the year.  Harper followed that with a home run of his own into the bullpen.  That was it for the Phillies' offense, but thankfully Walker calmed down and other than a shaky inning from Brad Keller, the bullpen did its job.  Jhoan Duran recorded his fifth save of the season.

Featured Card:  Here's Schwarber's card from the 1977 Topps-inspired Topps Heritage set.

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall (Coming Soon) / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Texas Rangers at Philadelphia Phillies: 2026 Home Opener - Play Ball!

2006 Topps #485

2006 Topps #33

Thursday, March 26th - 4:15
Saturday, March 28th - 4:05
Saturday, March 29th - 1:35

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
All fans receive a 2025 National League East Champions pennant on Thursday.  Fans 15 and over will receive a McDonald's Opening Night t-shirt on Saturday night and all fans will receive a 2026 schedule magnet on Sunday.

Texas Rangers 81-81
3rd Place in the A.L. West, 9 games behind the Mariners

Rangers Probables
Nathan Eovaldi (11-3, 1.73)
Jacob deGrom (12-8, 2.97)
MacKenzie Gore (5-15, 4.17)

Rangers Spring Leaders
Average:  Josh Smith - .340
Runs:  Cameron Cauley - 12
Home Runs:  Wyatt Langford - 5
RBIs:  Wyatt Langford and Josh Smith - 15
Stolen Bases:  Alejandro Osuna - 4

Wins:  Jack Leiter - 3
ERA:  Nathan Eovaldi - 3.26

Strikeouts:  Peyton Gray and Jack Leiter - 18
Saves:  Peyton Gray - 2

Philadelphia Phillies 96-66
2025 N.L. East Champions

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (13-5, 2.50)
Aaron Nola (5-10, 6.01)
Jesus Luzardo (15-7, 3.92)

Phillies Spring Leaders
Average:  Justin Crawford - .250
Runs:  Otto Kemp - 11
Home Runs:  Otto Kemp - 4
RBIs:  Otto Kemp - 15
Stolen Bases:  Justin Crawford and Johan Rojas - 3

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 3
ERA:  N/A

Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 19
Saves:  Four tied with - 1

2026 Virtual Phillies Wall (Coming Soon) / 2026 Season Summary Index / 2026 Chachi Set Checklist

Spring Training Game 2 - Spring Brings First Schwarbomb

Pittsburgh Pirates	4
Philadelphia Phillies	3

2025 Topps Archives #167

Spring Training Game 2

Sunday Afternoon, February 22nd

BayCare Ballpark - Clearwater, FL

Record - 0-2

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber homered in his first spring at-bat, but a sixth inning grand slam from the Pirates' Esmerlyn Valdez off reliever Jack Dallas sunk the Phils.

What It Means:  With the Blizzard of '26 bearing down on us, it was great to tune in to the first spring home game of the year.  The game itself was pretty boring, but the Phillies are playing baseball again, and that's good enough for me.

What Happened:  Schwarber launched his home run seemingly onto the highway behind BayCare Ballpark.  Carson DeMartini hit a solo home run in the sixth.  It was a bullpen game for the Phillies, with nine relievers slated to go an inning each.  Jonathan Hernandez couldn't get out of his inning, loading the bases for Dallas, a minor league call-up for the day.  Lefty Kyle Backhus looked strong in his audition for the final lefty reliever spot in the bullpen.

Featured Card:  Schwarber will be leaving the club shortly to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic.  Here's his 1996 Topps inspired card from the 2025 Topps Archives set, released a week before Christmas.

Camp Head Count:  69

2025 Chachi #4 Kyle Schwarber

Bats:  Left  Throws:  Right  Height:  6'2"  Weight:  185
Opening Day 2025 Age:  32

Born:  March 5, 1993, Middletown, OH
Acquired:  Signed as a free agent with the Phillies, March 20, 2022

Contract Status:  Signed through 2030
Major League Teams:  Chicago Cubs 2015-20; Washington Nationals 2021; Boston Red Sox 2021; Philadelphia Phillies 2022-2025

Postseason Appearances:  Chicago Cubs 2015-18, 2020; Boston Red Sox 2021; Philadelphia Phillies 2022-25

2025 Topps Now #434

On December 9th, Kyle Schwarber signed a five-year, $150 million deal with the Phillies, assuring he'll continue to hit Schwarbombs out of Citizens Bank Park through the 2030 season.  The payoff was earned with his career year in 2025, also earning Schwarber runner-up status in the league MVP voting.  Appearing in all 162 games, the slugger batted .240 with career highs in home runs (56) and RBIs (132), both marks leading the league.  Schwarber was named All-Star Game MVP, winning the contest for the National League in a tie-breaking, first of its kind home run derby to decide the game.  On August 28th, he joined the record books with a four home runs in one game performance, becoming just the fourth Phillies player to accomplish the feat.

Other Notable Baseball Cards
First Mainstream Card:  2014 Bowman Draft #DP2
Topps Flagship Set Appearances (10):  2016-25
Favorite 2025 Card:  2025 Topps Now #434
Total Cards in My Phillies Collection:  133 as of 12/27/25, 38 added in 2025

TCDB Stats: 8,520 total as of 12/27/25, my 152 cards overall are ranked 23rd, 1st is cdsforme with 601

Complete Chachi Checklist

2022 Chachi New Additions #12 
2022 Chachi #1

2022 Chachi #53 - Home Run Derby

2022 Chachi #55 - All-Star

2022 Chachi #72 - NLDS Game 2

2022 Chachi #84 - World Series Game 2

2022 Chachi Friendly Encounters #14

2023 Chachi Previews #4

2023 Chachi #2

2023 Chachi #67 - NLCS Game 1

2023 Chachi #71 - NLCS Game 5

2023 Chachi Series Previews #2

2024 Chachi #1

2024 Chachi #65 - Most Lead-Off Homers HL

2024 Chachi #70 - NLDS Game 4

2025 Chachi #4

2025 Chachi #44 - All-Star

2025 Chachi #45 - All-Star Game MVP

2025 Chachi #51 - Four Home Run Game HL

2025 Chachi #58 - 8 Home Runs HL

2025 Chachi #62 - NLDS Game 3

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

2025 Chachi #3 Alec Bohm 

/ 

2025 Chachi #5 J.T. Realmuto

The Phillies Room: December Notes / Schwarber Signs!

2025 Philadelphia Phillies Kids Club / Club 215

2025 Topps Now #845

2025 Chachi Special Edition #5

2020 Bowman Draft #BD-112

2024 Bowman Chrome Prospect Autographs #CPA-YCU

November 24 - Mercado Returns:  The Phillies brought back Michael Mercado (rhp), non-tendered three days earlier, on a minor league contract.

December 9 - Topper Extended:  With rumors swirling Kyle Schwarber was about to re-sign with the Phillies, the team announced manager Rob Thomson's contract had been extended through the 2027 season.  Also happening in the background are ongoing talks with Don Mattingly to join Thomson's staff in 2026 as the Phillies' new bench coach.

December 9 - SCHWARB:  On my way to a work function on Tuesday morning, I received a one-word text from our oldest son Doug: "SCHWARB."  I had to wait until I wasn't driving to better understand the context, but I was excited to read the reports that Schwarber (dh) would be coming back to the Phillies on a five-year deal.  It was made official later that night, with the Phillies bringing back the popular slugger and clubhouse leader on a five-year deal, worth $150 million.  I'm thrilled with this, and I'm also quick to point out to those few balking at the dollars involved that it's not my money, and even if Schwarber is productive for three of the next five years, it's worth it.

December 10 - Rule 5 Draft / Trade with Rays:  As the Winter Meetings came to a close, there were a flurry of activities around the annual rule 5 draft.  The Phillies added a pitcher but lost a former top prospect.  Griff McGarry (rhp) was selected by the Washington Nationals and the Phillies picked up Zach McCambley (rhp) from the Miami Marlins.  In 47 relief appearances last year between Double and Triple-A, McCambley was 2-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 62 innings pitched.

In the minor league portion of the draft, the Phillies lost Carson Taylor (1b) to the Mariners, but picked up Even Gates (rhp) from the Giants, and Austin Murr (of) from the Tigers.

In a separate deal, the Phillies acquired Yoniel Curet (rhp) from the Tampa Bay Rays for minor league prospect Tommy McCollum (rhp).  Curet was a combined 3-3 with a 3.90 ERA in 16 appearances, including 14 starts, at three minor league levels in 2025.  The Phillies 40-man roster now stands at 35 players.

December 11 - Doug Turns 19:  Speaking of our oldest son, he spent his 19th birthday with friends and a surprise visit from his girlfriend on the campus of Villanova University.  He continues to make us extremely proud, and we can't wait to have him home for almost a month over the winter break.  I'll probably stop making these annual custom cards for him at some point, but this photo from his final home high school baseball game was too good not to turn into a baseball card.  I posted back in May with some thoughts on his Senior Night, one of the true highlights of the year.

NLDS Game 3 - Phils Battle Back, Offense Shows Life in Win

Philadelphia Phillies	8
Los Angeles Dodgers	2

Late Wednesday Night, October 8th

Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
Dodgers lead series, 2-1

One Sentence Summary:  Crooked numbers from the Phillies offense in the fourth and eighth innings, paired with gutsy outings from Aaron Nola and Ranger Suarez, led to this season-saving 8-2 win over the Dodgers.

What It Means:  There's hope.  Cristopher Sanchez takes the mound for Game 4 for the next must-win game tonight.

What Happened:  Facing elimination from the postseason and in danger of being swept, the Phillies sent Aaron Nola to the mound as their unlikely Game 3 opener with the task of navigating successfully through the Dodgers' line-up just once.  Nola did that, pitching two scoreless innings, before yielding to Ranger Suarez.  Suarez was greeted by a Tommy Edman home run on the first pitch he threw in the bottom of the third, and he then settled in to shut down the Dodgers through the seventh inning.  Combined, Nola and Suarez pitched seven innings, allowing a run on six hits while striking out seven.

Down 1-0 and with no sign of life from the Phillies' bats, Kyle Schwarber shifted the narrative immediately with an absolute moon shot of a home run off Dodgers' starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto to start the fourth.  Schwarber's bomb could hopefully serve as a momentum shift for the entire series, as the Phillies would go on to score twice more that inning and threaten to score more in the fifth, sixth and seventh innings.  Following Schwarber's big home run, Bryce Harper singled to left and he'd come around to score on Alec Bohm's single, coupled with a throwing error from center fielder Andy Pages.  Bohm went to third on the error and came home on a Brandon Marsh sacrifice fly, giving the Phillies a tenuous 3-1 lead.

Phillies fans collectively exhaled in the eighth when the offense piled on five more runs off future Hall of Famer Clayton Kershaw.  J.T. Realmuto led off with a home run, and a few batters later Trea Turner singled home a pair of runs to make it 6-1, Phillies.  Schwarber capped the scoring and sealed the win with his second home run of the game.

Featured Card:  These cards are way more fun to create following a win.

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

2025 Chachi #61 NLDS Game 2 / 2025 Chachi #63 NLDS Game 4

Los Angeles Dodgers at Philadelphia Phillies - 2025 NLDS

2025 Chachi Series Preview #7

2025 Chachi Series Preview #8

Saturday, October 4th - 6:38
Monday, October 6th - 6:08

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
The Dodgers defeated the Reds, 2-0, in the Wild Card Series to advance to the NLDS.  This is the fifth time the Phillies and Dodgers have faced off in the postseason.  The Dodgers won the 1977 and 1978 NLCS, but the Phillies have won the last three NLCS match-ups, in 1983, 2008 and 2009.  

Los Angeles Dodgers 93-69
National League West Champions

Dodgers Probables
Shohei Ohtani (1-1, 2.87)
TBD

Dodgers Leaders
Average:  Freddie Freeman - .295
Runs:  Shohei Ohtani - 146
Home Runs:  Shohei Ohtani - 55
RBIs:  Shohei Ohtani - 102
Stolen Bases:  Shohei Ohtani - 20

Wins:  Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 12
ERA:  Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 2.49

Strikeouts:  Yoshinobu Yamamoto - 201
Saves:  Tanner Scott - 23

Philadelphia Phillies 96-66
National League East Champions

Phillies Probables
Cristopher Sanchez (13-5, 2.50)
TBD

Phillies Leaders
Average:  Trea Turner - .304
Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 111
Home Runs:  Kyle Schwarber - 56
RBIs:  Kyle Schwarber - 132
Stolen Bases:  Trea Turner - 36

Wins:  Jesus Luzardo - 15
ERA:  Cristopher Sanchez - 2.50
Strikeouts:  Jesus Luzardo - 216
Saves:  Jhoan Duran - 16

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 162 - Phils Walk It Off; Turner Wins Batting Title

Minnesota Twins	1
Philadelphia Phillies	2

10 Innings

Sunday Afternoon, September 28th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
96-66, 1st Place, 13 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  A quiet day offensively for the Phillies nevertheless ended with a walk-off win over the Twins as the 2025 regular season came to a close.

What It Means:  We were there, and while waiting for the Phillies to try and get a few hits, we watched the out of town scoreboards as the Brewers defeated the Reds, and the Marlins took care of the Mets.  The Mets will completely miss the postseason, with the Reds heading to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers in the Wild Card Series.  The Phillies will play the winner of that series in Philadelphia beginning on Saturday.

What Happened:  Cristopher Sanchez threw 5 2/3 scoreless innings, and could have gone longer, but he'll now rest up for NLDS Game 1.  Lou Trivino entered from the bullpen and the Twins had a 1-0 lead before Sanchez was finished getting congratulatory handshakes in the dugout.  Max Kepler hit a solo home run against his former team in the bottom of the eighth to tie it.  Tanner Banks and Orion Kerkering pitched two scoreless innings of relief, with Kerkering striking out the side in the 10th.

With ghost-pinch-runner Harrison Bader on second to start the bottom of the 10th, Weston Wilson bunted him to third and Nick Castellanos brought him home with a sacrifice fly to right field, winning the last game of the season.

Featured Card:  Kyle Schwarber won the league's home run title (56) and RBI title (132) with Trea Turner winning the team's first batting title since 1958 with a .304 mark.  Richie Ashburn won the title that year, beating out Willie Mays on the final day of the season.  Schwarber's feats are impressive, but I wanted to create a Highlight card for Turner's crown, given the time that has passed since the last Phillies player led the league.

Field Report:  After an obligatory stop at the team store to use a 25% coupon received earlier in the season, we had one last regular season meal at Bull's BBQ and then settled into our Diamond Club (it'll always be the Diamond Club to me) seats in Section C.  Not a lot happened after that until the 10th inning, but I was thrilled to have all four of us together for the game.

Transaction:  Turner (ss) was activated from the injured list and Max Lazar (rhp) was optioned to Clearwater to stay hot for the postseason.

Memory Lane - Game 162

1. October 4, 2009 - Catcher Paul Hoover singled in the winning run in the 10th in a 7-6 win over the Marlins.
2. October 3, 2010 - The Phillies lost 8-7 to the Braves in their final tune-up before facing the Reds in the NLDS.
3. September 28, 2011 - The Phillies closed out the 2011 regular season with a 13-inning victory against the Braves, setting a franchise record with their 102nd regular season win.
4. October 3, 2012 - The Phillies closed out their 2012 season with a lethargic 5-1 loss to the N.L. East Champion Nationals.
5. September 29, 2013 - Zach Miner got the ball for the Phillies and lasted 2 1/3 innings in a 12-5 loss to the Braves.
6. September 28, 2014 - Cole Hamels pitched another fine game and suffered through another outing with minimal run support.
7. October 4, 2015 - Phillies avoid 100 losses and Ichiro makes his pitching debut in a 7-2 victory.
8. October 2, 2016 - Phillies bid an emotional farewell to franchise icon Ryan Howard.
9. October 1, 2017 - Phils clobber Mets in Pete Mackanin's final game as manager.
10. September 30, 2018 - Lame duck Phillies win season finale in Gabe Kapler's frustrating debut season.
11. September 29, 2019 - Phillies miss postseason for 8th year in a row, Brad Miller finishes the season red hot.
12. September 27, 2020 - Shortened 60-game season ends with Phillies swept out by the Rays.
13. October 3, 2021 - Hector Neris sets Phils' reliever strikeout record in the 10th straight season without postseason baseball.
14. October 5, 2022 - Michael Plassmeyer eats innings, Maton vs. Maton in final game before Wild Card Series.
15. October 1, 2023 - Nick Nelson, Phils beat Mets; Await Marlins in Wild Card Series.
16. September 29, 2024 - Nola defeats Marlins, division-winning Phils waiting to find out NLDS opponent.
17. September 28, 2025 - Division winning Phils defeat Twins in extra innings, Turner wins batting title; Dodgers or Reds next in NLDS.

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

2025 Chachi #58 Edmundo Sosa HL / 2025 Chachi #60 NLDS Game 1

Game 158 - Phils Set Franchise Record with 8 Home Runs; Sosa Hits 3!

Miami Marlins	1
Philadelphia Phillies	11

Wednesday Night, September 24th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
93-65, 1st Place, 12 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies set a franchise record by hitting eight home runs in a game, led by Edmundo Sosa's amazing three home run performance in this 11-1 trouncing of the Marlins.

What It Means:  Good vibes all around.  Records were set and the Phillies officially clinched a first round bye in the postseason.  They'll host the Dodgers, Mets or Reds in Game 1 of the NLDS on October 4th.

What Happened:  Jesus Luzardo was the beneficiary of the run support, picking up his team-leading 15th win while striking out ten.  He now has 216 strikeouts for the season, tied for the league lead, and a personal career best.  The record setting home runs started in the third when Kyle Schwarber hit a solo shot, his 55th of the season.  In the fourth, Edmundo Sosa hit the first of his trio, followed a few batters later by Bryson Stott's 13th home run of the year, to give the Phillies a 3-1 lead.  

Sosa hit his second of the game in the fifth.  In the seventh, the Phillies put the game out of reach when Schwarber and Bohm went back-to-back.  Nick Castellanos reached on an error, and then Otto Kemp and Sosa went back-to-back.  Marlins' reliever Valente Bellozo was on the mound for all four seventh inning home runs.  Schwarber's 56 home runs are two behind Ryan Howard for the most by a Phillies player in a single season.  Sosa became the first Phillies shortstop with three home runs in a  game.

Featured Card:  A highlight card was definitely needed, and I'm disappointed Topps didn't use this photo for a Topps Now card.

Transaction:  Sosa (inf) was activated from the injured list and Donovan Walton (inf) was designated for assignment.  I think Sosa is healthy!

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

2025 Chachi #57 Rafael Lantigua / 2025 Chachi #59 Trea Turner HL

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.

2025 Virtual Phillies Wall / 2025 Season Summary Index / 2025 Chachi Set Checklist

Game 134 - Schwarber Hits Record-Tying Four Home Runs!

Atlanta Braves	4
Philadelphia Phillies	19

Thursday Night, August 28th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
77-57, 1st Place, 5 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  It was a record-tying night at the Bank with Kyle Schwarber hitting four homes runs and the Phillies tying the record for home runs in a game with seven in this 19-4 beatdown of the Braves.

What It Means:  That's more like it!

What Happened:  The Phillies trailed early in this game when Aaron Nola allowed three first inning runs.  They'd respond with five runs of their own in the bottom of the first and not look back.  Schwarber became the fourth player in Phillies franchise history, and the 21st player overall in major league history, with four home runs in a game.  He hit a solo home run off Braves' starter Cal Quantrill in the first, two, two-run shots in the fourth and fifth off reliever Austin Cox, and a final, three-run home run in the seventh off Wander Suero.  With a chance to make history with his fifth home run in the eighth, he popped up off infielder-turned-pitcher Vidal Brujan.

Joining the home run parade were J.T. Realmuto (2-run shot in the first), Max Kepler (another 2-run blast in the first) and Bryce Harper (solo home run in the third).  The Phillies collected 20 hits, with Harrison Bader's four-hit night getting lost in the glare of Schwarber's historic game.  Ironically, Bader fell a home run short of the cycle.

Featured Card:  There's a Topps Now card for Schwarber's feat, and it uses the same photo I had picked following the game for my Chachi card.  I also wanted to create cards for the first three Phillies to hit four home runs in a game.  Before Schwarber's big night, Ed Delahanty did in 1896, Chuck Klein did it in 1936 and Mike Schmidt had done it the most recently, in 1976.  All three are in the Hall of Fame, and maybe Schwarber joins them there one day?

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2025 Chachi #50 Lou Trivino / 2025 Chachi #52 Tim Mayza

Game 127 - Phils' Bat Stay Hot, Sweep Out Mariners

Seattle Mariners	2
Philadelphia Phillies	11

2025 Topps Now #584

Wednesday Afternoon, August 20th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
74-53, 1st Place, 6 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  The Phillies completed the three-game sweep of the Mariners in convincing fashion, collecting 20 hits and 11 runs in this lopsided victory.

What It Means:  Following an off-day on Thursday, the Phillies come home for a quick three-game weekend series with the Nationals.

We moved our oldest son into his college dorm on Wednesday morning.  He's not too far away, but it was still a roller coaster of a day and we'd have even more "memorable" moments on Thursday.  We listened to the end of this game on the way home, happy the Phillies were giving us a non-stressful win and secure in the knowledge Doug was where he was meant to be.  The sky is the limit for that kid.

What Happened:  The piling on didn't come until late in the game, as the Phillies scored eight times in the final two innings.  Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the first, Trea Turner tripled and Kyle Schwarber brought him home with a sacrifice fly.  They'd take the lead for good on an RBI-double from Bryson Stott in the second.  Max Kepler (13) and Schwarber (45) both homered.  Kepler and Stott both had three-hit days, with Stott batting .500 (6 for 12, two doubles, home run) in the series.

Jesus Luzardo struck out 12 over six innings, improving to 12-6.  Jose Alvarado pitched a perfect eighth inning in his return from being suspended for the use of a banned substance.

Featured Card:  For the third day in a row, the Phillies received a Topps Now card.  This one featured the Phillies' hottest hitters, Turner and Schwarber.  Turner is on fire, and in his last seven games, he's batting .618 (21 for 34) with four extra-base hits.  He owns a 10-game hitting streak.

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Game 126 - Sanchez K's 12, Realmuto's 8th Inning Homer Seals Win

Seattle Mariners	4
Philadelphia Phillies	6

2025 Topps Now #580

Tuesday Night, August 19th

Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia, PA
73-53, 1st Place, 5 1/2 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Cristopher Sanchez continued his masterful season with a 12-strikeout performance and J.T. Realmuto broke a 4-4 tie with an eighth inning, two-run home run in this 6-4 win over the Mariners.

What It Means:  The Phillies would go for a series sweep on Wednesday afternoon.

What Happened:  Sanchez unfortunately got a no-decision, but he pitched 6 1/3 strong innings, allowing a pair of runs on six hits.  Orion Kerkering had a rare rough outing, allowing the Mariners to tie the game in the seventh.  David Robertson pitched a scoreless eighth, and Jhoan Duran pitched a perfect ninth for his sixth save with the Phillies.

Kyle Schwarber hit a solo home run in the first, his National League leading 44th of the season.  Bryson Stott, who is hopefully heating up, hit a solo home run in the fourth to give the Phillies a 4-1 lead.  Realmuto's eventual game-winning home run came with Bryce Harper on base and nobody out in the eighth.

Featured Card:  Apparently Schwarber set a franchise record by hitting a home run in his 15th straight series.  I wasn't aware of that until the Topps Now card popped up the following morning.

Transaction:  Jose Alvarado (lhp) was activated from the restricted list and Nolan Hoffman (rhp) was optioned back to Lehigh Valley.  To make room for Alvarado on the 40-man roster, Josh Walker (lhp) was designated for assignment.

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Game 122 - Schwarber, Harper Slug Phils to Victory

Philadelphia Phillies	6
Washington Nationals	2

2025 Topps Chrome #31

Friday Night, August 15th

Nationals Park - Washington, DC
70-52, 1st Place, 6 games ahead of the Mets

One Sentence Summary:  Kyle Schwarber broke a 2-2 tie in the seventh with a three-run home run, his 43rd of the season, as the Phillies went on to defeat the Nationals, 6-2.

What It Means:  I honestly turned the game off following the departure of Jhoan Duran in the ninth.  Duran was nailed in the ankle on a comebacker from Paul DeJong, and left the field while riding in the Nationals' bullpen cart.  Fortunately, X-rays came back negative and what looked like absolute doomsday for the Phillies' World Series hopes could turn out to be just a bad bruise.

What Happened:  The Phillies took a quick 2-0 lead in the first on a two-run double from Bryce Harper.  They should have had more, but Edmundo Sosa and Otto Kemp both struck out with the bases loaded.  The Nationals scored twice off Phillies' starter Zack Wheeler.  Wheeler got a no decision in this game, pitching only five innings before the bullpen took over.  Nationals' starter MacKenzie Gore shut down the Phillies in the second through sixth innings.  With runners on first and second and one out in the seventh, Schwarber took reliever Konnor Pilkington deep, with Bryce Harper providing more cushion with a solo home run as the sluggers went back-to-back.

David Robertson jumped in for the injured Duran in the ninth, sealing the win.

Featured Card:  Why not another Schwarber card?  This is the newest of his in my collection, from the Topps Chrome set released on July 23rd.

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