Nick Pivetta leads Padres win after a solid outing helped San Diego secure a 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies during the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader, with Manny Machado delivering a decisive three-run double at Citizens Bank Park. Pivetta, a Victoria native and former Phillie, allowed just one run over seven innings, notching six strikeouts and guiding the Padres to maintain their NL wild-card contention.
Pivetta’s Performance Anchors San Diego’s Victory
In his strongest start to a season across his nine-year MLB career, Pivetta improved to a 9-2 record. After spending his initial MLB years with the Philadelphia Phillies, Pivetta’s turnaround has been evident in San Diego, coming off a challenging 6-12 season with Boston. His effective pitching on Wednesday night limited Philadelphia’s offense, with Kyle Schwarber’s solo homer in the sixth inning accounting for the only run surrendered while Pivetta was on the mound. Seven innings marked a significant contribution to the Padres’ efforts and reinforced his standing among Canadian big-leaguers, as his 195 career starts now rank seventh all-time for a Canadian pitcher.
Machado and Padres Capitalize Against Phillies Rookie
Much of the game’s decisive action occurred in the second inning, as Manny Machado broke the contest open with a three-run double—the 21st of his season—following consecutive walks by Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill from rookie starter Mick Abel. Abel, making his latest big-league appearance after an impressive debut in May, struggled with command on the mound, walking five batters in just under two innings, with four of those walks resulting in runs for the Padres. Abel exited after allowing five runs through 1 2/3 innings, leaving the Phillies in an early deficit.
San Diego added another run in the fourth via a bases-loaded walk by Luis Arraez, boosting their lead to 6-1 before Schwarber’s homer narrowed the gap. Despite Philadelphia’s attempts to rally later in the game, Pivetta’s strong start kept the Padres ahead.
Late-Game Drama and Closing Efforts
The Phillies attempted a comeback in the final innings, putting up two runs in the seventh and another in the ninth. Trea Turner sparked late hopes for Philadelphia with a two-out single to center. Brandon Marsh’s aggressive slide into third was initially ruled an out but was overturned, resulting in runners at the corners. However, with the tying run at the plate, Robert Suarez struck out Schwarber to end the threat and secure his 24th save in 27 opportunities, ensuring the Padres’ victory.
Significance for Playoff Race and Next Steps
This important win, led by Pivetta, strengthens the Padres’ situation in a crowded National League wild-card race, showcasing the positive impact of changes to their pitching staff. The game’s rescheduling—caused by rain postponing Pivetta’s Canada Day start—did little to shake his focus or the team’s momentum. With this result, San Diego aims to continue capitalizing on hot arms and timely hitting as the season progresses.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Nick Pivetta an ace?
A. Passan called Pivetta one of the five “breakout aces” early in the season.
He compared Pivetta to other standout pitchers doing well throughout the league.
Q. Does Nick Pivetta have a qualifying offer?
A. Pivetta has decided not to take the qualifying offer from the Red Sox.
If he had agreed to the offer, he would have played another season in Boston for $21.05 million.
Out of the 13 Major League Baseball players who received a qualifying offer, only Nick Martinez from the Reds accepted his offer.
Q. Is Nick Pivetta a good pitcher?
A. Pivetta is 32 years old and has been playing in Major League Baseball for nine seasons. This season is his first with the Padres.
Before joining the Padres, he pitched 1,029 innings with 178 starts, a 4.76 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, a 26% strikeout rate, and an 8.6% walk rate.
In the 2023-2024 seasons, he threw 288.1 innings. During that time, he posted a 4.09 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 30% strikeout rate, and 7.3% walk rate.
Q. How much will Nick Pivetta make in 2025?
A. The details of the agreement were not officially shared. However, sources say Pivetta will get a $3 million signing bonus and a $1 million salary in 2025.
He will then receive salaries of $19 million in 2026, $14 million in 2027, and $18 million in 2028. The contract allows him to leave after the 2026 and 2027 seasons if he chooses.