Thu Aug 21 04:00:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Pivetta’s Gem Sparks Padres to Victory, O’Hearn Praises Teammate’s Competitive Spirit**

SAN DIEGO, CA – The San Diego Padres snapped their four-game losing streak Tuesday night with a 5-1 victory over the San Francisco Giants at Petco Park, thanks in large part to a stellar performance from pitcher Nick Pivetta. Pivetta dominated on the mound, going six innings and allowing only one run while striking out an impressive 10 batters.

“His stuff looked sharp and on point, keeping batters guessing,” Padres designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn said after the game. O’Hearn, who contributed offensively with a 2-for-4 performance and an RBI, had high praise for his teammate.

Interestingly, O’Hearn admitted his initial impression of Pivetta, from their days as rivals in the AL East (O’Hearn with the Baltimore Orioles and Pivetta with the Boston Red Sox), wasn’t as favorable. “Playing against Nick for years when he was in Boston, I was like, ‘Man, this guy’s — I don’t know about this guy,'” O’Hearn confessed, according to Jeff Sanders of the San Diego Union-Tribune. “But playing with him, I love him.”

O’Hearn continued, “He’s awesome. And just what a competitor he is when he takes the ball, you feel good about having a guy like that on your team.”

Pivetta’s performance has been a constant for the Padres this season. The veteran pitcher has logged 141.1 innings with a 2.87 ERA and 144 strikeouts. He has consistently provided quality starts, allowing the bullpen to secure wins and offering a dependable presence in a rotation that has seen its share of injuries and inconsistency.

Following his 10-strikeout performance, Pivetta expressed his enthusiasm for the game and his commitment to the team. “I really wanted that 10th punchy really bad, so I was pretty happy with that,” Pivetta said. “But I think it’s just overall, just the way I pitch. I’m an emotional person, but I care a lot about my teammates. Care a lot about this organization, and I want to win, so I’m gonna let emotion out.”

As the Padres look towards October, Pivetta’s consistency will be crucial. In other Padres news, Fernando Tatis Jr remains confident despite the team’s recent sweep by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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