Padres' Nick Pivetta Wins Ninth Game in NL Wild-Card Race

San Diego Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta delivered a strong performance in the first game of a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing one run on seven hits over six to seven innings while striking out six and walking none, helping the Padres secure a 6-4 victory. Pivetta, who started his career with the Phillies and has never won more than 10 games in a season before, is off to the best start of his nine-year career with a 9-2 record, a 3.25 ERA, and 107 strikeouts over 97 innings. Manny Machado contributed significantly with a three-run double in a five-run second inning that set the tone for the Padres' offense. Kyle Schwarber hit a solo homer off Pivetta in the sixth inning, marking the only run against him. The Phillies rallied late but fell short, and Robert Suarez earned his 24th save of the season. Pivetta will look to continue his strong form in his next start against the Arizona Diamondbacks.