The Phillies didn’t just salvage a split. They made a statement.
After letting the opener of Wednesday’s doubleheader slip away, the nightcap belonged to the home team. Max Kepler launched a two-run homer, Brandon Marsh followed with a solo shot, and Cristopher Sánchez quietly reminded everyone he’s become one of the steadiest arms in the National League. The Phillies beat the Padres, 5-1, to win the series and keep the West Coast visitors from leaving town too comfortably.
The win didn’t just even the day — it ensured the Phillies took two of three from another club with October aspirations. And yes, these two teams will meet again in San Diego just before the All-Star break. But for now, the Phillies have the edge.
Kepler, who had struggled at the plate for the better part of the last month, turned on a Dylan Cease fastball in the fourth inning and deposited it in the seats for his 10th homer of the year. That gave the Phillies a 2-1 lead they wouldn’t relinquish. An inning later, Marsh ambushed Cease again — this time with a solo homer, his third of the season, to make it 3-1.
Cease (3-8) was outpitched by Sánchez, who put another stellar outing on his resume to potentially make the NL All-Star roster.
All Sánchez did was go seven innings, allow one run on five hits, and strike out five. It marked his sixth straight start allowing two earned runs or fewer — and the 10th time this season he’s gone at least six innings with the same stingy results. Quiet excellence, wrapped in tempo and command.
Alec Bohm added an RBI triple. Nick Castellanos chipped in with an RBI single. It wasn’t a fireworks show — but it didn’t need to be.
The only run Sánchez surrendered came in the fourth inning on an RBI single by Jackson Merrill. The San Diego offense, which scored six runs in the early game, looked flat by comparison in the finale.
The Phillies will enjoy an off day on Thursday before welcoming Cincinnati for a three-game set over the Holiday weekend.
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