The Padres beat the Phillies 4-2 on July 12, 2025, as their historic All-Star bullpen trio of Morejon, Adam, and Suarez dominated to secure the win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night for the history books at Petco Park. Just hours after the Padres became the first MLB team ever to have three relievers named to an All-Star team in the same season, that very bullpen put on a masterclass, shutting down the potent Philadelphia Phillies to secure a crucial 4-2 victory. The celebration for new All-Star Adrian Morejon, joining Jason Adam and Robert Suarez, was punctuated by a dominant performance on the mound that showed exactly why they earned the honor.
For the first time in MLB history, a team will send three relief pitchers to the All-Star Game.
The biggest news of the day came before the first pitch, as lefty Adrian Morejon was officially added to the National League All-Star roster. He joins fellow relievers Jason Adam and Robert Suarez, a trio that has been the backbone of the team's success. Then, as if on cue, they proved their worth on the field. After the Phillies took an early 2-0 lead, the Padres' bullpen slammed the door, tossing 4 1/3 scoreless innings. The climax came in the eighth when Jason Adam inherited a bases-loaded, one-out jam and escaped without a scratch. Morejon followed with a perfect frame, and Robert Suarez calmly locked down his MLB-leading 28th save in the ninth. It was a perfect demonstration of the 'pen's power.
While the bullpen stole the headlines, the offense provided the necessary firepower. After Nick Castellanos put the Phillies ahead with a two-run homer in the second, the Padres' bats answered right back. Jose Iglesias laced an RBI double and Fernando Tatis Jr. delivered a clutch RBI single to tie the game. But the biggest blow came from the captain. In the bottom of the eighth, Manny Machado launched a solo home run, providing a critical insurance run and sending the Petco Park faithful into a frenzy. Machado continues to lead the team in average (.292), home runs (17), and RBIs (55).
The victory improves the Padres' record to 51-43, solidifying their spot in a tight NL West race and keeping them firmly in the playoff hunt, with their postseason odds now sitting at 48.4%. The win extends their current streak to two games. The team also made a move to bolster its pitching depth earlier in the day, activating right-hander Ryan Bergert from the injured list. To make room, reliever Eduarniel Núñez was optioned to Triple-A El Paso. Having a fresh arm like Bergert ready for the second half is a welcome boost for a team with high aspirations.
With a historic bullpen leading the charge and the offense finding timely hits, the Padres are firing on all cylinders. This win against a fellow contender is a massive confidence booster. As they head into the rest of the weekend series against the Phillies and look toward the All-Star break, the Friars have proven they have the star power and the depth to make a serious second-half run. The mission is clear: secure that playoff spot.
