The Los Angeles Angels overcame an early deficit to secure a 6-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night at Citizens Bank Park, powered by Taylor Ward’s go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning. Entering the matchup as slight underdogs at +105 on the moneyline, the Angels outpaced the favored Phillies, who were listed at -125. The over/under for total runs was set at 9.5, a mark exceeded in a game defined by home run power.
Ward’s home run, his 22nd of the season, came off reliever Tanner Banks and completed a rally that began after the Phillies took a 3-0 lead early in the game. Jo Adell and Jorge Soler also homered for Los Angeles, each contributing to the scoring with long balls off Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo.
Soler opened the scoring for the Angels with a solo homer in the second inning, and Adell followed with a two-run shot in the fourth. Luzardo, who entered the game with a 4.05 ERA, allowed four runs on seven hits across 4 2/3 innings, striking out seven before departing without a decision.
In just his sixth career game in Philadelphia, Mike Trout made an impact at the plate with a double and an RBI single. Still recovering from a bruised left knee, Trout remained in the designated hitter role and participated in outfield drills before the game. He has not appeared defensively since April 30, but continues to progress toward a return to full duty.
The Angels elected to use a bullpen game, deploying seven pitchers to manage the full nine innings. Sam Bachman earned the win after throwing two-thirds of an inning in relief. Closer Kenley Jansen sealed the victory with a clean ninth inning, notching his 17th save of the season.
Philadelphia’s offensive efforts were largely led by Bryce Harper, who recorded his first multi-home run game of the year and the 29th of his career. Harper’s four RBIs included a three-run homer in the first inning and a solo shot later in the game, helping the Phillies build a temporary advantage. Kyle Schwarber also homered for Philadelphia, which has dropped five of its last seven games.
The Phillies could not hold onto their lead after Banks surrendered the go-ahead home run to Ward in the seventh. Banks, who fell to 2-2 on the season, took the loss in relief.
The victory lifts the Angels closer to .500, while the Phillies continue to struggle with consistency during the current stretch of games.
Saturday’s pitching matchup features Yusei Kikuchi (4-6, 3.11 ERA) for the Angels, while the Phillies will counter with right-hander Taijuan Walker (3-5, 3.55 ERA) as both teams look to gain momentum heading into the second half of the season.