Ward’s Late Home Run Lifts Angels Over Phillies in 6-5 Victory

Taylor Ward delivered a go-ahead two-run home run in the seventh inning as the Los Angeles Angels overcame a three-run deficit to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-5 on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park. The victory marked a strong start to the series for the Angels, who relied on timely offense and a bullpen effort to secure the win.

Ward’s home run, his 22nd of the season, came off reliever Tanner Banks (2-2) and capped Los Angeles’s rally after trailing 4-1 earlier in the contest. The Angels’ offense was also powered by solo shots from Jorge Soler in the second inning and a two-run homer from Jo Adell in the fourth, both off Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo.

Luzardo lasted 4 2/3 innings, giving up four runs on seven hits while striking out seven. The Angels tied the game at 4 in the fourth inning when Mike Trout delivered an opposite-field RBI single with two outs. Trout, who continues to serve as the designated hitter while recovering from a knee injury, added a double in his sixth career game in his hometown of Philadelphia.

Bryce Harper provided much of the offense for the Phillies, hitting two home runs and driving in four runs. His first home run, a three-run shot in the first inning, gave Philadelphia an early lead. Harper’s second homer, a solo shot in the sixth, briefly restored a 5-4 lead for the Phillies.

The Angels employed a bullpen-by-committee strategy, using seven pitchers to navigate the game. Sam Bachman (2-2) earned the win by recording two outs in the sixth inning, and Kenley Jansen closed the door in the ninth for his 17th save of the season. Jansen retired the Phillies in order on 13 pitches.

The game featured six home runs, including Kyle Schwarber’s solo blast in the third inning for Philadelphia. Despite the power surge, the Phillies fell to 55-40 and have dropped five of their last seven games.

The Angels improved to 48-49 and continued their push toward .500 with a balanced offensive attack. Though limited to designated hitting, Trout’s contributions were key in the middle of the lineup as he inches closer to career milestones with 395 home runs and 994 RBIs.

Oddsmakers had listed the Phillies as slight -130 favorites entering the matchup, with the over/under set at 9.5 runs. The game comfortably cleared the total, aided by both sides’ early flurry of home runs.

Next, the Angels will send left-hander Yusei Kikuchi (4-6, 3.11 ERA) to the mound on Saturday as the series continues. The Phillies will counter with right-hander Taijuan Walker (3-5, 3.55 ERA) to even the series.