This is beautiful to see:

The Philadelphia Phillies are tied for first place in the National League East. What a time to be alive.

It was a historic weekend for the team in multiple ways. It began Friday with the 17-5 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates that took four hours and 30 minutes to complete. That was tied for the longest nine-inning game in National League history, and was the longest nine-inning game in Phillies history.

Jake Arrieta looked to return to his old form on Saturday, giving up two runs on six hits and eight strikeouts. But the Phils’ offense didn’t strike until the top of the seventh, when Nick Williams, Scott Kingery, and Jorge Alfaro drove in back-to-back-to-back two out RBIs to give the team a 3-2 lead, one they would hold on to for the rest of the game. That helped give Arrieta his first win since May.

But the team did take a step back Sunday with Drew Anderson making his big league debut. He gave up four runs on eight hits with four strikeouts in five innings, while the offense was limited to only a Nick Williams solo shot in a 4-1 loss. Anderson was later optioned back to Triple-A.

The Phillies return to action today and tonight for a traditional twi-night doubleheader against the Mets. First pitch is set for 4:10 PM on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Zach Eflin will take the mound for game one, followed by newly minted All-Star Aaron Nola. At the end of the day, the Phils could either be a game behind the idle Braves in the NL East, still tied for the division lead, or a full game up on Atlanta.

With Vince Velasquez still on the DL with a return very close, look for another Triple-A guy in Enyel De Los Santos to make his debut Tuesday against the Mets. On the other hand, Jerad Eickhoff suffered another setback.

As for the trade deadline, Manny Machado might be going elsewhere for now. But the Phils are interested in utility man Whit Merrifield from the Royals.

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The Roundup:

Check out a brand new edition of the Crossing Broadcast to start your Monday.

The Sixers’ Summer League schedule began on Friday with Furkan Korkmaz taking center stage with a 40 point night. He also went 8-of-14 from beyond the arc in a 95-89 loss to the Celtics. He then struggled big time on Saturday night, finishing just 1-9 and 0-7 from three.

But it’s not the Sixers without a first round pick suffering some sort of injury! Landry Shamet continued the tradition (granted it’s just Summer League for now):

The second game of the weekend was a worse outcome for the Sixers with a 96-79 loss to the Lakers. But Zhaire Smith showed signs of improvement from his first game, scoring 16 points with three steals and three assists. His athleticism was on display with plenty of dunks:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywAq377ruS0

There’s one final game left in group play with the Sixers taking on the Wizards at 5:30 PM on NBC Sports Philadelphia + and NBA TV. Go enjoy some Asika Booker and Norvel Pelle while they last!

As for the current team, looks like the “star hunting” might be on hold, for now. But 2019 brings some possible options for stars to pursue.

Unless you consider Carmelo Anthony a star?

I’d pass.

Goaltender Alex Lyon signed a two-year deal with the Flyers on Saturday. He was one of two players that filed for salary arbitration on Friday. Taylor Leier is the other player left.

Lyon also has a brand new goalie mask:

The Union lost again, 2-0 at home to Atlanta. Kevin says they need a new striker. 

In the FIFA World Cup, France, Belgium, England, and Croatia all advanced to the semifinals. France and Belgium will play tomorrow at 2 PM, while England and Croatia will play Wednesday at 2 PM.

In other sports news, here’s the complete list of MLB All-Stars and the Final Vote nominees.

Nobody knows what will happen to Kawhi Leonard or where he might go.

Ronaldo to Juventus?

In the news, two people were shot while riding bikes in Grays Ferry.

Eight of the 12 Thai boys have been rescued from a cave.

Starbucks is getting rid of plastic straws.