Kepler, Marsh Homers Lead Phillies Past Padres 5-1 to Split Doubleheader

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025

Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh each homered and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the San Diego Padres 5-1 on Wednesday night to earn a doubleheader split.

Kepler hit his 10th homer of the season — a two-run shot off San Diego starter Dylan Cease (3-8) in the fourth inning — to put the Phillies ahead 2-1.

Marsh hit a solo home run off Cease an inning later, his third this season, to make it 3-1.

Alec Bohm had an RBI triple and Nick Castellanos had an RBI single for the Phillies, who have won four of their last six games.

Cristopher Sánchez (7-2) allowed one run and five hits across seven innings while striking out five. It was his sixth consecutive start allowing two runs or fewer, and 10th time this season where he pitched at least six innings and allowed two or fewer earned runs.

The Padres won the opener 6-4, but by winning the nightcap, the Phillies won the series. The two NL playoff hopefuls will meet again in San Diego in the final series before the All-Star break next weekend.

San Diego scored on an RBI single by Jackson Merrill in the fourth inning. The Padres have dropped four of their last six.

Key moment

With two runners on and one out in the fifth inning, Sánchez struck out Jake Cronenworth and Martin Maldonado to preserve a one-run lead.

Key stat

Kepler's homer was his first extra-base hit since June 16, a span of 50 plate appearances.

Up next

San Diego RHP Randy Vasquez (3-4, 3.84 ERA) is scheduled to pitch for the Padres when they return home on Friday to host a three-game series against Texas. The Rangers have yet to announce a starter.

Phillies' LHP Jesús Luzardo (7-4, 4.06) will pitch Friday when the Phillies host Cincinnati. LHP Andrew Abbott (7-1, 1.79) is slated to start for the Reds.

In summary

The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the San Diego Padres 5-1 in the second game of a doubleheader on Wednesday night, securing a series win.

Key offensive contributions for the Phillies included home runs from Max Kepler and Brandon Marsh, an RBI triple from Alec Bohm, and an RBI single from Nick Castellanos.

Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sánchez had a strong outing, allowing just one run over seven innings to earn his seventh win.

Despite winning the first game, the Padres lost the series and have now lost four of their last six games.

Upcoming games include San Diego hosting Texas on Friday and Philadelphia hosting Cincinnati on Friday.

Related Links

• San Diego Padres News & Updates
• San Diego Padres Schedule & Scores
• Philadelphia Phillies News & Updates
• Philadelphia Phillies Schedule & Scores
• MLB News