Angels Escape With 6-5 Win Over Phillies Despite Harper’s Home Run

By Oliver Wiener July 21, 2025 09:43

The Los Angeles Angels eked out a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday night at Angel Stadium, overcoming a powerful performance from Bryce Harper that included a towering two-run homer. The Angels’ resilience and timely hitting in the late innings proved decisive in a game that featured dramatic lead changes, strong pitching efforts, and clutch plays on both sides.

Bryce Harper, coming off a hot streak with seven home runs in the previous six games, continued to fire for the Phillies, going 2-for-4 with a two-run blast in the eighth inning that briefly put Philadelphia ahead 5-4. “Whenever you get a chance to help your team with the long ball, you try to make the most of it,” Harper said. His homer was a testament to his offensive dominance this season and electrified the Phillies’ crowd. Yet, despite Harper’s heroics, the Angels refused to fold.

Los Angeles got off to a strong start, capitalizing on back-to-back home runs from Taylor Ward and Jo Adell in the fourth inning to build a 3-1 lead. Ward knocked the first out, followed immediately by Adell, putting the Angels firmly in control midway through the game. “Those two shots gave us momentum,” Angels manager Mike Trout said. “Our guys stayed engaged and continued to battle.”

Starting pitcher Yusei Kikuchi delivered a solid outing for the Angels, going five innings while allowing two runs and striking out six, though he departed before the sixth inning after loading the bases. “Yusei kept everything in check early,” Trout added. “He set us up well to stay in the game.”

The Phillies mounted a comeback as Kyle Schwarber clubbed a grand slam in the sixth inning off reliever José Fermín, putting Philadelphia ahead 5-3 and shifting the momentum. Schwarber’s blast marked his 32nd homer of the season and his eighth career grand slam, a pivotal moment that showcased the Phillies’ offensive firepower.

However, the Angels’ offense rallied back in the late innings. Matt Strahm’s relief pitching helped hold the Phillies at bay, allowing the Angels offense to find cracks. The go-ahead run came in the bottom of the eighth when Jose Ramirez singled to bring home the tying run, followed by an RBI double from Mike Trout that put Los Angeles up 6-5. “It was a tough fight,” Trout explained. “We kept pushing and found ways to score when it mattered most.”

The Phillies threatened in the ninth but the Angels’ bullpen, led by closer Raisel Iglesias, quelled the rally, securing the save with a pair of strikeouts to end the game.

Statistically, the Angels outhit the Phillies 11 to 9 and drew five walks compared to Philadelphia’s three, illustrating their patient yet aggressive approach at the plate. Mike Trout’s two RBIs and sharp defense complemented Ward and Adell’s homers, as well as key contributions by Jo Adell and Jose Ramirez.

Despite Harper’s powerful night, the Angels’ resilience and timely hitting proved too much for Philadelphia. “You’ve got to tip your cap to these guys,” Phillies manager Dusty Baker said. “They found ways to come back and win it.”

Looking ahead, the Angels will aim to continue this newfound momentum as they prepare to face the Toronto Blue Jays, while the Phillies look to regroup before their next series against the Atlanta Braves.

In a game of swings and missed opportunities, the Angels narrowly escaped with a hard-fought 6-5 win over the Phillies, marking a memorable chapter in this summer’s competitive matchup and highlighting both teams’ impressive offensive talents.