The Phillies beat the Padres 5-1 on July 3 to win the series, thanks to a gem from Cristopher Sánchez and a Max Kepler home run after splitting the doubleheader.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a tale of two games at Petco Park on Wednesday, but the Phillies made sure the final story was a happy one. After a frustrating loss in the opener, the offense came alive in the nightcap, launching two massive home runs and backing a masterful performance from Cristopher Sánchez to secure a 5-1 victory and a crucial series win against the San Diego Padres.
Cristopher Sánchez has now delivered six consecutive starts allowing two or fewer runs, cementing his status as a rock in the rotation.
The doubleheader was a perfect microcosm of a baseball season: frustrating lows followed by exhilarating highs. The opener was a tough pill to swallow, as rookie Mick Abel couldn't find his command, walking five and getting tagged for five runs in just 1 2/3 innings. Despite a 26th homer from Kyle Schwarber and a late rally, the Phils fell 6-4. But the team showed its resilience in Game 2. Cristopher Sánchez was simply dominant, cruising through seven innings while allowing just one run on five hits. The offense gave him all the support he'd need, with Max Kepler's two-run blast in the fourth breaking the game open.
The power was on full display in the second game. Max Kepler got things started with his 10th home run of the season, a two-run shot that gave the Phillies a lead they would never relinquish. An inning later, Brandon Marsh provided the exclamation point, absolutely crushing a knuckle curve from Dylan Cease and sending it 418 feet to deep center field. The solo shot, which left the bat at 105 mph, underscored the kind of game-changing power Marsh brings to the lineup. Not to be outdone, Alec Bohm added an RBI triple and Nick Castellanos singled in another run, showcasing a balanced and potent attack.
The action wasn't limited to the field. The front office was busy making moves to bolster the club's depth. For the doubleheader, RHP Seth Johnson was recalled from Lehigh Valley as the 27th man, a reward for his strong performance in Triple-A. More significantly, the team acquired second baseman Donovan Walton from the division-rival Mets for cash considerations on July 1. It's a savvy, low-cost move that provides valuable infield depth as the team navigates the grind of summer and gears up for the All-Star break and a second-half push.
With four wins in their last six games and a series victory over a tough Padres team in the books, the Phillies carry momentum back home. They'll look to keep it rolling as they open a series against the Cincinnati Reds, with the formidable Jesús Luzardo slated to take the mound. The bats are hot, the ace of the back-end of the rotation is dealing, and the front office is making smart moves—it's a good time in South Philly.
