Petco Park- San Diego, California-

The San Diego Padres came into today’s game looking to start the third series of the homestand on a good note. They lost a set to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but won a weekend series against the Athletics.

Today, we honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. pic.twitter.com/5mjvrRUQ9D

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) May 25, 2026

Instead, in their first of three games against the Philadelphia Phillies, they wound up losing on a day where Griffin Canning pitched pretty well, and the offense failed to pick him up when opportunities presented themselves. 

The Padres have been an average team in terms of batting average with runners in scoring position so far this season. On Monday, they had multiple chances to score against Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo but failed to do so. They went 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position this afternoon, adding to the overall offensive struggles.

It’s not a great place to be when the offense is struggling, when the Phillies pitching staff is coming off a series where they only allowed four runs against the Cleveland Guardians in a three-game set. San Diego out-hit Philadelphia but still managed to take the loss, due to poor hitting with runners in scoring position.

The Phillies entered today with a record of 26-27, but have been hot with a 17-8 record since Don Mattingly replaced Rob Thomson as manager.

Canning, making his fifth start of the season, struck out the Phillies’ leadoff hitter, Trea Turner, to start the game, but followed by allowing a solo home run off the bat of Kyle Schwarber. The left-handed hitter has destroyed Padres pitching over the years, with Monday’s home run marking the 21st of his career against San Diego. 

Would you like to see a Schwarbomb? pic.twitter.com/LjueENOiJL

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) May 25, 2026

At the bottom of the frame, the Padres’ offense presented itself with a great opportunity to get some runs back, but failed to do so. The first three San Diego hitters reached base without an out. Manny Machado and Jackson Merrill struck out before Nick Castellanos grounded out to end the inning.

When the third inning came about, the Padres’ offense would find itself in a situation similar to the first. They were able to get runners into scoring position but failed to score again.

Tatis Jr. recorded his second hit of the day, fighting off a broken bat flare to center for a leadoff single. Andujar would reach the base as a result of a walk. This would set up Bogaerts with runners on first and second with no outs. He grounded into a force out at second, but still left runners at first and third. Machado had another opportunity with runners in scoring position but failed again when he grounded into an inning-ending double play.

Canning ran into some trouble in the seventh when Schwarber lined a leadoff single to right field. Bryce Harper reached base for the first time, drawing a walk. He would get Alec Bohm to ground into a double play, but Brandon Marsh would then smack a two-run home run, extending the Phillies’ lead over the Padres 3-0.

Craig Stammen let Canning face the next batter in Bryson Stott, but he allowed a walk, ending his night. Canning looked good on Monday before things got away in the seventh. He earned a quality start, tossing 6 2/3 innings while allowing only three earned runs. Canning fanned five batters while pitching pretty efficiently for most of his start.

On a positive note, Tatis Jr. reached base four times in the game, including two singles and two walks. He’s looked better at the plate recently, hitting .417 over his last seven games, pairing with a .975 OPS. Even though his hits today didn’t have very exciting exit velocities, a hit is a hit, and Tatis Jr. seems to be moving in a positive direction. He’s reached base at least three times in his last two games.

Cade Lalim

Hi, my name is Cade Lalim. I live in Southern California and I’m a huge baseball fan. I am a senior at Laguna Beach High School and will be attending Irvine Valley College starting in the fall of 2026. My goal is to work in the baseball industry whether that’ll be journalism or with a team. I’m super excited to contribute to San Diego Padres coverage here on East Village Times.