Phillies fall to Padres 5-4 on July 2, 2025, despite Kyle Schwarber's 25th HR. Read how rookie Mick Abel's electric 7-strikeout start stole the show.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was one of those nights at Citizens Bank Park. The kind where the air crackles with tension, every pitch matters, and you can feel a win just within your grasp. Unfortunately, it slipped away in the 10th inning, as the Phillies dropped a 5-4 heartbreaker to the San Diego Padres, stranding the tying run just 90 feet from home. While the loss stings, especially in a series finale, it's impossible to ignore the brilliant silver lining: the continued emergence of rookie Mick Abel as a force on the mound.
Mick gave us a chance to win. He's showing poise beyond his years.
This game had all the makings of a classic mid-summer battle. Kyle Schwarber did what he does best, launching his 25th 'Schwarbomb' of the season to keep the offense humming. Trea Turner looked every bit the superstar, scorching the ball for a 3-for-5 day with a double and two runs scored. Bryce Harper chipped in with two crucial RBIs. But the game ultimately turned in the 10th, when Jose Alvarado couldn't hold the line, surrendering the go-ahead run. A valiant effort in the bottom half fell just short, a tough pill to swallow for the 50-36 Fightin's.
Let's talk about the biggest positive from Wednesday: Mick Abel. The rookie right-hander was simply electric. Over six strong innings, he fanned seven Padres, allowing just two runs and looking completely unfazed on the big stage. His season ERA now sits at a sparkling 3.47. While he didn't get the win, he absolutely earned the respect of everyone watching. He kept the Phillies in the game from the jump, showcasing a maturity that has become his calling card.
Abel's success isn't an isolated event; it's a sign of a healthy organization. The good news kept rolling in this week with the announcement that top prospects Andrew Painter and Eduardo Tait have been selected for the MLB All-Star Futures Game. While Painter won't pitch as the team carefully manages his return from Tommy John surgery, his selection is a testament to his elite talent. Meanwhile, catcher Eduardo Tait, who is crushing it in Single-A with 10 homers and 42 RBI, will get to showcase his skills on a national stage. The future pipeline is flowing.
Look, nobody likes losing, especially in extra innings at home. But let's keep some perspective. The Phillies are still in first place in the NL East, Trea Turner is hitting, Kyle Schwarber is mashing, and a rookie pitcher is looking like a future anchor of the rotation. This loss is a bump in the road, not a sign of trouble. As the All-Star break approaches, the Phils need to shake this one off, finish the first half strong, and get ready for the stretch run. The talent is here, both now and for the future.
