Wed Apr 02 03:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Padres Sweep Braves in Dominant Season Opener, Achieving Historic Start
**SAN DIEGO –** The San Diego Padres stormed to a 4-0 start for the first time since 1984, completing a four-game sweep of the Atlanta Braves with a resounding 5-0 victory Sunday night. The win marks the Braves’ worst start since 2021 and their first season-opening four-game sweep loss in San Diego since 1979.
Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta made a sensational debut, delivering seven innings of one-hit ball. He faced the minimum 21 batters, striking out four and walking none. The only baserunner he allowed was a leadoff single in the third inning, which was quickly erased on a double play. The bullpen was equally effective, with Jason Adam and Jeremiah Estrada combining for two scoreless, hitless innings.
Offensively, the Padres were led by Manny Machado, who returned from a calf cramp to double in a run. Fernando Tatis Jr. also contributed significantly, hitting a leadoff double and later scoring. Xander Bogaerts, Jackson Merrill, and Brandon Lockridge each added RBI doubles, showcasing the team’s potent batting lineup. While reigning NL batting champ Luis Arraez remains hitless (0-for-13), the rest of the lineup more than compensated.
The Braves, on the other hand, struggled at the plate, managing only one walk against the Padres’ dominant pitching. Starting pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver gave up two runs and six hits in four innings.
The Padres now look ahead to a Monday night matchup against the Cleveland Guardians, while the Braves head to Los Angeles to face the Dodgers.
First Piper 