Padres, Phillies Split Doubleheader in Philadelphia

The San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies split a doubleheader on July 2, with Manny Machado earning a starting spot at third base for the National League All-Star Game after leading the Padres in several offensive categories. Machado drove in three runs in the 6-4 Padres win in Game 1, while Nick Pivetta pitched seven strong innings. In Game 2, the Phillies won 5-1 behind excellent pitching from Christopher Sanchez, who allowed just one run over seven innings, and power hitting from Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh, who each homered. The Phillies’ offense showed improvement in power hitting, having multiple home runs in the game for only the seventh time since June, a positive sign given their low home run ranking this season. Both teams will now prepare for upcoming series, with the Padres returning home to face the Texas Rangers after an off day. Tuesday’s originally scheduled game was postponed due to weather and rescheduled as part of the doubleheader.