Phillies Overcome Angels with Schwarber's Grand Slam and Harper's Late Homer

Kyle Schwarber launched a grand slam in the sixth inning, propelling the Philadelphia Phillies to a 9-5 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night. Bryce Harper added a two-run homer in the eighth, sealing the win for Philadelphia.

Schwarber's powerful shot to right field off reliever José Fermin marked his eighth career grand slam and brought his season total to 32 home runs.

Earlier in the game, the Angels took a 3-1 lead in the fourth inning, thanks to back-to-back home runs from Taylor Ward and Jo Adell. However, that advantage evaporated after Los Angeles starter Yusei Kikuchi exited following five solid innings.

The Phillies faced an early setback in the first inning when both Schwarber and Trea Turner were caught in rundowns and tagged out on a grounder hit by Harper. Despite this, Nick Castellanos managed to drive in a run with a two-out single, giving Philadelphia a brief 1-0 lead.

Los Angeles responded in the fourth with Ward's and Adell's home runs, while Zach Neto contributed with an RBI single. However, the Angels left the bases loaded, missing an opportunity to extend their lead.

In the fifth inning, Turner brought one run back for the Phillies with an RBI single. The Angels regained a two-run lead when Yoan Moncada hit a home run in the sixth.

Seth Johnson (1-0) struck out two batters in his inning of relief, while Sam Bachman (2-3) was charged with the loss.

With his 32nd homer, Schwarber tied for second place in the National League alongside Shohei Ohtani of the Dodgers. Meanwhile, Eugenio Suárez of Arizona hit two home runs on Saturday, leading the league with 33.

Harper has been on fire lately, going 12 for 24 over his last six games, which includes seven doubles and four home runs.

The series finale will feature lefty Ranger Suárez (7-3, 2.15 ERA) for the Phillies against the Angels' José Soriano (6-7, 3.90).