Taylor Ward's Late Homer Secures Angels' Victory Over Phillies

Taylor Ward's two-run homer in the seventh inning propelled the Los Angeles Angels to a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night. This marked Ward's 22nd home run of the season, completing a comeback from a three-run deficit.

In a game filled with power, both teams combined for six home runs. Jorge Soler opened the scoring with a solo shot in the second inning, while Jo Adell followed suit with a two-run blast in the fourth, both off Phillies starter Jesús Luzardo. Luzardo's performance included four runs allowed on seven hits over 4 2/3 innings, complemented by seven strikeouts.

Mike Trout, in just his sixth game in his hometown during his 15-year career, contributed significantly with a double and an RBI single. Trout, who has been recovering from a bruised left knee, has not played in the field since April 30 and has been serving as a designated hitter since his return.

The Angels employed a bullpen strategy, utilizing seven pitchers throughout the game. Sam Bachman (2-2) secured the win after pitching two-thirds of an inning, while Kenley Jansen closed out the game with a perfect ninth for his 17th save.

On the other side, Bryce Harper shone for Philadelphia with two home runs and four RBIs, alongside Kyle Schwarber's contribution of another homer. Despite Harper's efforts, the Phillies have struggled recently, losing five of their last seven games.

Tanner Banks (2-2) was charged with the loss after allowing Ward's decisive homer. Harper's first multihomer game of the season marked the 29th of his career.

Looking ahead, Anaheim's left-handed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi (4-6, 3.11 ERA) is set to start against Philadelphia on Saturday, while the Phillies will counter with right-hander Taijuan Walker (3-5, 3.55).