Taylor Ward delivered a decisive two-run home run in the seventh inning, giving the Los Angeles Angels a 6-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday. This key hit came at a critical moment during the first game following the All-Star break for both teams, highlighting the impact of Ward’s 22nd homer of the season.
Strong Offensive Efforts Propel Angels
Alongside Ward’s game-winning blast, Jo Adell contributed two runs to the offense, including a crucial home run in the fourth inning that extended the Angels’ lead. Mike Trout and Logan O’Hoppe each added two hits, with Trout playing a pivotal role in the Angels’ rallies. The Angels’ offense demonstrated resilience, responding effectively to Philadelphia’s scoring threats throughout the contest.
Phillies Display Power but Fall Short
The host Phillies showcased their batting prowess with Bryce Harper hitting two home runs during a 3-for-4 performance. Kyle Schwarber, fresh from his memorable National League All-Star Game home run, also homered for Philadelphia. Despite these powerful hits and a three-run rally in the third inning, the Phillies were unable to overcome the Angels’ clutch hitters and pitching stability late in the game.
Key Moments and Pitching Performances
With the score tied at 4-4 in the seventh, Phillies pitcher Tanner Banks walked Nolan Schanuel but managed to strike out Trout before Ward launched his homer to left-center field, putting the Angels ahead. Reid Detmers kept the Phillies scoreless in the seventh, but Harper’s eighth-inning opposite-field home run narrowed the gap to one run. Nevertheless, Kenley Jansen secured his 17th save with a perfect ninth inning, while Sam Bachman earned the win by recording two outs in the sixth.
Back-and-Forth Scoring Highlights Early Innings
Philadelphia struck first with a Schwarber home run in the opening inning, but Los Angeles quickly answered in the second as Jorge Soler hit a two-out homer against Jesus Luzardo. The Phillies’ three-run third inning off Jake Eder featured three key hits, including Harper’s long blast, countered by the Angels’ response in the fourth and fifth innings powered by Adell and Trout.
Significance and Outlook
This win marks an important boost for the Angels, breaking post-All-Star pause with a hard-fought road victory against a strong Phillies lineup. Taylor Ward’s timely two-run homer underscored his growing role as a clutch contributor. With competitive pitching and balanced offense, Los Angeles looks poised to build momentum as the season progresses.