Schwarber goes yard, but Padres jump all over Mick Abel early to beat the Phillies 6-4 in first game of doubleheader

Nick Pivetta returned to Citizens Bank Park and did exactly what he never really did while he was here….shove. The former Phillies right-hander silenced his old team over seven innings of one-run ball as the Padres took Game 1 of Wednesday’s doubleheader, 6-4.

It was a frustrating start for the Phillies, who found themselves in a 5-0 hole before most fans had settled in with their first soft pretzel. Mick Abel unraveled early, walking five batters, four of whom came around to score. He lasted just 1.2 innings before getting the hook.

The biggest blow came from Manny Machado, who cleared the bases with a three-run double in the second to break things open.

Kyle Schwarber launched his 26th homer of the season to right field in the sixth but it was too little, too late.

The Phillies scratched across three more runs in the seventh and ninth innings, but Robert Suarez struck out Schwarber with the tying run at the plate to seal the deal and notch his 24th save.

Edmundo makin' things happen pic.twitter.com/7wCySWkd9J

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) July 2, 2025

Nick Pivetta’s Revenge Tour

Nick Pivetta is now 9-2 in what’s shaping up to be the best season of his career. He scattered five hits and struck out six in seven strong innings and probably would’ve gone even deeper if not for the rainout the night before pushing his start back a day.

It was a fitting response after getting bumped from his Canada Day outing. The 32-year-old Canadian is thriving with San Diego and has already matched his highest win total since entering the league with the Phillies back in 2017.

Sloppy Early, Too Late Late

The Phillies made it interesting in the later innings. Trea Turner knocked a two-out single in the ninth and Brandon Marsh narrowly avoided being ruled out on a head-first slide into third but Schwarber couldn’t keep the rally going. His strikeout ended the game, and the Phils were left to regroup for the nightcap.

Mick Abel’s outing is the bigger concern.

After a promising debut in May, he’s been erratic in recent starts, and the command issues on display today made it tough to even assess his stuff. The five walks—including three straight with the bases loaded—put the Phillies in a deep early hole.

Phillies Game Notes:

• Phillies pitchers issued seven walks.
• Padres scored three runs on bases-loaded walks.
• Pivetta: 7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 6 K, 1 BB
• Suarez: 24th save in 27 chances

Back at it at 5:30 pm tonight

The Phillies hand the ball to Cristopher Sánchez (6-2, 2.79 ERA) in Game 2, hoping to split the day. San Diego counters with Dylan Cease (3-7, 4.53 ERA). They’ll need a sharper start and fewer free passes if they want to salvage the split.

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