The San Diego Padres dropped Game 1 to the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday in horrible fashion. In what has become all too common, the Friars failed to score a single run despite multiple pristine opportunities to do so.
The Padres loaded the bases with no outs in the first inning before striking out twice and grounding out to end the inning without a score.
Then again in the third, the first two runners reached base before a forceout put runners on the corners. Manny Machado promptly grounded into a double play to end the inning.
With runners at first and second and only one out in the fifth, Miguel Andujar popped out before Xander Bogaerts flew out to end the final scoring opportunity the Padres would have.
The San Diego offense has had a meager showing lately, going 2-for-29 in their last four games. It’s been an exclamation mark on the continual inconsistency of the Friars lineup. One thing’s for sure, they’ll need to take advantage of every opportunity they have if they hope to salvage the series against Philly.
Taking the mound
Aaron Nola (PHI) v. Randy Vásquez (SD)
Nola’s been an ace in the past for Philadelphia, but he’s struggled to perform in 2026 with a 6.04 ERA and 1.56 WHIP through 10 starts. It’s been a consistent downturn for Nola since 2024, posting ERAs above 6.00 in each of his last two seasons.
He’s only had one scoreless start so far this year and has surrendered 13 runs in his last three games (13.1 IP). The Padres will need to do what they couldn’t yesterday if they’re to force the rubber match: score runs.
(Apologies for the mistake on yesterday’s preview. I accidentally wrote that Vásquez was starting Monday and Canning on Tuesday. That is my fault and Vásquez will start today’s game.)
Vásquez has shared ace duties with King this year, authoring a career-best 2.96 ERA through 54 2/3 innings. He’s lost that a bit in his recent starts, posting a 3.89 ERA across his last 37 innings.
His last start against the Los Angeles Dodgers was uncharacteristic, pitching just 4 1/3 innings and allowing three runs. If he can limit the Phillies lineup, he’ll need to do much better at limiting contact from Philadelphia’s sluggers.
Batter up!
As previously stated, the San Diego offense needs to wake up. Their inability to score in prime opportunities continues to infuriate the Friar Faithful. Despite outhitting the Phillies, 5-3, in Monday’s game, the Friars couldn’t score a single run.
But the one pleasant surprise was Fernando Tatis Jr. He went 2-for-2 with two walks against Philly. Across his last seven games, Tatis is batting .417, going 10-for-24 at the plate with five walks.
After Rodolfo Durán caught two days in a row, Fermin will start today’s game against Philly. He’s been swinging an ice-cold bat and will look to turn things around against Nola.
Surprisingly, the Padres lineup doesn’t have an abundance of experience against the veteran starter. Outside of Bogaerts, Castellanos and Machado, the Friars have a combined 24 at-bats against the right-hander. They’ll need to figure him out quickly to win Game 2.
Relief corps
Starter Griffin Canning had his best outing of the season, pitching six-plus innings and allowing just three runs. Unfortunately, the Friars offense couldn’t back his effort, but the bullpen was saved for the remainder of the series.
Only Jeremiah Estrada and Yuki Matsui were used to finish the game, with Estrada recording the final out of the seventh inning before Matsui pitched a hitless eighth and ninth.
That allows the Padres to have depth for the final two games, with Jason Adam, Estrada, Ron Marinaccio, Mason Miller, Adrian Morejon, Wandy Peralta and Bradgley Rodriguez available to pitch in Game 2.
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